11Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become sluggish in hearing. [5:12] For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you again have need for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and have come to need milk and not solid food. [5:13] For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, being an infant. [5:14] But solid food belongs to the mature, who through constant use have their senses trained to distinguish both good and evil.
HEB 5:11-14
Milk and Solid Food
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, education and moral formation were deeply tied to the progression from basic principles to advanced understanding. Teachers in philosophical schools and rhetorical training emphasized the necessity of moving from elementary teachings to mature wisdom. The metaphor of milk versus solid food was common in philosophical discourse, symbolizing the difference between foundational knowledge and deeper, ethical discernment. For Jewish listeners, the 'oracles of God' would evoke the Torah and prophetic teachings, which were also understood as requiring progressive comprehension. The accusation of being 'sluggish' would carry a strong moral critique, implying a failure to engage actively in the intellectual and spiritual discipline expected of mature learners. The term 'infant' underscored immaturity, not just in age but in moral and intellectual capacity. The call to develop 'habit' through practice reflects the Stoic emphasis on training the senses and character to distinguish good from evil, a skill essential for ethical living.
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How other translations render this
HEB 5:11
- KJV
- Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
- BSB
- We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.
- Koinōnos
- Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become sluggish in hearing.
HEB 5:12
- KJV
- For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
- BSB
- Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of Godʼs word. You need milk, not solid food!
- Koinōnos
- For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you again have need for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and have come to need milk and not solid food.
HEB 5:13
- KJV
- For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
- BSB
- For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.
- Koinōnos
- For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, being an infant.
HEB 5:14
- KJV
- But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
- BSB
- But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
- Koinōnos
- But solid food belongs to the mature, who through constant use have their senses trained to distinguish both good and evil.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
HEB 5:11
- sluggish:The word translated 'sluggish' here implies a dullness or slowness, often associated with mental or spiritual lethargy, like someone who is slow to understand or respond.
HEB 5:12
- principles:The term used here for 'principles' refers to the basic, foundational elements or ABCs of a subject, much like the letters of an alphabet or the fundamental components of something.
HEB 5:13
- an infant:The word translated 'an infant' describes someone who is literally 'not speaking' or unable to articulate, emphasizing their immaturity and inability to grasp complex ideas.
HEB 5:14
- constant use:The word translated 'constant use' refers to a settled state or a deeply ingrained habit developed through continuous practice, leading to a fixed disposition or skill.