1 Peter 2:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

and be like newborn babies, thirsty for the pure milk of the Word; so that by it, you may grow up into deliverance.

Berean Standard Bible:

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

American Standard Version:

as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

As^{G5613} newborn^{G738} babes^{G1025}, desire^{G1971} the sincere^{G97} milk^{G1051} of the word^{G3050}, that^{G2443} ye may grow^{G837} thereby^{{G1722}{G846}}:

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Commentary for 1 Peter 2:2

1 Peter 2:2 is a verse that encapsulates the theme of spiritual growth and nourishment through engagement with the Word of God. The Apostle Peter, traditionally considered the author, is writing to early Christian communities facing various trials and persecutions. These believers were largely converts from paganism, newly born into the Christian faith, and Peter is instructing them on how to live out their newfound beliefs in a hostile environment.

In this verse, Peter uses the metaphor of newborn babies craving milk to illustrate the Christians' need for the "sincere milk of the word." This "milk" represents the foundational teachings of Christianity, which are pure, unadulterated, and essential for the spiritual development of these new believers. Just as physical milk is necessary for the growth and health of an infant, so too is the spiritual milk—the Gospel message and apostolic teachings—necessary for the spiritual growth and vitality of the Christians to whom Peter writes.

The historical context of this verse reflects the early church's efforts to establish and maintain a distinct identity amidst a diversity of religious and philosophical beliefs in the Roman Empire. Peter's emphasis on the Word suggests that the early Christians were to find their nourishment and guidance primarily in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, rather than in the prevailing cultural norms and practices. By consuming this "sincere milk," the believers would be equipped to withstand trials, grow in their faith, and ultimately mature into spiritually discerning individuals capable of digesting "solid food," which is a metaphor for deeper theological truths (as referenced in Hebrews 5:12-14 and 1 Corinthians 3:2).

In summary, 1 Peter 2:2 is a call to the early Christians to eagerly seek out and embrace the core teachings of Christianity with the same urgency and necessity as a newborn seeks milk. This spiritual sustenance is presented as the means by which believers will grow in faith, resist the corrupting influences of the world, and develop a mature understanding of their commitment to Christ.

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

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

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

1. Strong's Number: G5613
   There are 433 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὡς
   Transliteration: hōs
   Pronunciation: hoce
   Description: probably adverb of comparative from ὅς; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):--about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed.
   
2. Strong's Number: G738
   There are 1 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀρτιγέννητος
   Transliteration: artigénnētos
   Pronunciation: ar-teeg-en'-nay-tos
   Description: from ἄρτι and γεννητός; just born, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert:--new born.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1025
   There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: βρέφος
   Transliteration: bréphos
   Pronunciation: bref'-os
   Description: of uncertain affinity; an infant (properly, unborn) literally or figuratively:--babe, (young) child, infant.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1971
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπιποθέω
   Transliteration: epipothéō
   Pronunciation: ep-ee-poth-eh'-o
   Description: from ἐπί and potheo (to yearn); to dote upon, i.e. intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully):--(earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust.
   
5. Strong's Number: G97
   There are 65 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄδολος
   Transliteration: ádolos
   Pronunciation: ad'-ol-os
   Description: from Α (as a negative particle); and δόλος; undeceitful, i.e. (figuratively) unadulterated:--sincere.
   
6. 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.
   
7. Strong's Number: G3050
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: λογικός
   Transliteration: logikós
   Pronunciation: log-ik-os'
   Description: from λόγος; rational ("logical"):--reasonable, of the word.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2443
   There are 535 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἵνα
   Transliteration: hína
   Pronunciation: hin'-ah
   Description: probably from the same as the former part of ἑαυτοῦ (through the demonstrative idea; compare ὁ); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):--albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to. Compare ἵνα μή.
   
9. Strong's Number: G837
   There are 22 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐξάνω
   Transliteration: auxánō
   Pronunciation: owx-an'-o
   Description: a prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow ("wax"), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive):--grow (up), (give the) increase.
   
10. Strong's Number: G1722
    There are 2129 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἐν
    Transliteration: en
    Pronunciation: en
    Description: a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between εἰς and ἐκ); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
    
11. Strong's Number: G846
    There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: αὐτός
    Transliteration: autós
    Pronunciation: ow-tos'
    Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.