1 Corinthians 3:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able [to bear it], neither yet now are ye able.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I gave you milk, not solid food, because you were not yet ready for it. But you aren’t ready for it now either!

Berean Standard Bible:

I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,

American Standard Version:

I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I have fed^{G4222} you^{G5209} with milk^{G1051}, and^{G2532} not^{G3756} with meat^{G1033}: for^{G1063} hitherto^{G3768} ye were^{G1410} not^{G3768} able^{G1410} to bear it, neither^{G235}^{G3777} yet^{G2089} now^{G3568} are ye able^{G1410}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Hebrews 5:11

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

Hebrews 5:14

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.

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

John 16:12

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

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Commentary for 1 Corinthians 3:2

1 Corinthians 3:2 is a verse from the First Epistle to the Corinthians, traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul, who founded the church in Corinth. In this letter, Paul addresses various issues and conflicts within the Corinthian church. The verse reflects Paul's pastoral concern and his assessment of the spiritual maturity of the Corinthian believers.

In the historical context, the Corinthian church was dealing with divisions and immaturity among its members. Paul uses the metaphor of milk and meat to describe different levels of spiritual sustenance and maturity. "Milk" represents basic, foundational teachings suitable for new converts who are not yet ready for more complex doctrines, symbolized by "meat." Paul is expressing his frustration that, despite his initial teaching, the Corinthians have not progressed to the point where they can handle deeper spiritual truths. They remain divided, worldly, and immature in their faith.

The themes of this verse include spiritual growth, maturity, and the necessity of moving beyond elementary teachings to grasp more profound truths. Paul's admonition underscores the importance of discipleship and the need for believers to develop their understanding and application of Christian doctrine. It also highlights the role of church leaders, like Paul, in nurturing the spiritual development of their congregations. The verse serves as a reminder that spiritual growth is a process that requires patience, teaching, and the capacity to receive and apply more advanced teachings as one matures in faith.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

Strong's Number: G4222
There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ποτίζω
Transliteration: potízō
Pronunciation: pot-id'-zo
Description: from a derivative of the alternate of πίνω; to furnish drink, irrigate:--give (make) to drink, feed, water.
Strong's Number: G5209
There are 388 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ὑμᾶς
Transliteration: hymâs
Pronunciation: hoo-mas'
Description: accusative case of ὑμεῖς; you (as the objective of a verb or preposition):--ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).
Strong's Number: G1051
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γάλα
Transliteration: gála
Pronunciation: gal'-ah
Description: of uncertain affinity; milk (figuratively):--milk.
Strong's Number: G2532
There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: καί
Transliteration: kaí
Pronunciation: kahee
Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G3756
There are 1328 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὐ
Transliteration: ou
Pronunciation: ookh
Description: a primary word; the absolute negative (compare μή) adverb; no or not:--+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also οὐ μή, μῆκος.
Strong's Number: G1033
There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: βρῶμα
Transliteration: brōma
Pronunciation: bro'-mah
Description: from the base of βιβρώσκω; food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law:--meat, victuals.
Strong's Number: G1063
There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: γάρ
Transliteration: gár
Pronunciation: gar
Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
Strong's Number: G3768
There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὔπω
Transliteration: oúpō
Pronunciation: oo'-po
Description: from οὐ and -πω; not yet:--hitherto not, (no…) as yet, not yet.
Strong's Number: G1410
There are 201 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: δύναμαι
Transliteration: dýnamai
Pronunciation: doo'-nam-ahee
Description: of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible:--be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.
Strong's Number: G235
There are 635 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἀλλά
Transliteration: allá
Pronunciation: al-lah'
Description: neuter plural of ἄλλος; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.
Strong's Number: G3777
There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: οὔτε
Transliteration: oúte
Pronunciation: oo'-teh
Description: from οὐ and τέ; not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even:--neither, none, nor (yet), (no, yet) not, nothing.
Strong's Number: G2089
There are 86 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: ἔτι
Transliteration: éti
Pronunciation: et'-ee
Description: perhaps akin to ἔτος; "yet," still (of time or degree):--after that, also, ever, (any) further, (t-)henceforth (more), hereafter, (any) longer, (any) more(-one), now, still, yet.
Strong's Number: G3568
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: νῦν
Transliteration: nŷn
Pronunciation: noon
Description: a primary particle of present time; "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate:--henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time). See also τανῦν, νυνί.

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