1 Corinthians 3:2

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context

In 1 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul continues to address the significant issue of divisions and strife within the Corinthian church. He begins this chapter by calling them "carnal" and "babes in Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:1), indicating their spiritual immaturity. This verse, 1 Corinthians 3:2, serves as an explanation for why Paul had to limit his teaching to basic Christian principles when he was first with them, and sadly, why they still hadn't progressed to deeper truths.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Immaturity: The central theme is the Corinthians' lack of spiritual growth. Paul uses the metaphor of "milk" versus "meat" to highlight their inability to digest more complex doctrines.
  • Progressive Revelation: God's truth is often revealed and taught progressively, suitable for the listener's spiritual capacity. Paul, as a wise builder, tailored his instruction to their readiness.
  • The Need for Growth: The verse implicitly calls believers to move beyond elementary teachings and strive for a deeper understanding of God's Word, signifying a healthy Christian life.

Linguistic Insights

The distinction between "milk" (Greek: gala, γάλα) and "meat" (Greek: broma, βρῶμα, referring to solid food) is a powerful metaphor for elementary versus advanced spiritual truths. This imagery is also famously used in Hebrews 5:12-14, where the author likewise rebukes believers for needing milk when they should be ready for solid food, which is for those "of full age" who have their senses "exercised to discern both good and evil." Paul's repeated phrase, "neither yet now are ye able," emphasizes that the Corinthians' spiritual infancy was not just a past state but a persistent problem.

Related Scriptures

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1: Directly precedes and sets the stage for this verse, labeling the Corinthians as "carnal" and "babes."
  • Hebrews 5:12-14: Provides a parallel and detailed explanation of the "milk" vs. "solid food" metaphor in the context of spiritual maturity.
  • 1 Peter 2:2: Encourages believers to "desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby," emphasizing growth from basic nourishment.
  • Ephesians 4:13-14: Speaks of believers growing "unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," no longer being "children, tossed to and fro."

Practical Application

This verse challenges every believer to assess their own spiritual maturity. Are we still content with the "milk" of basic salvation doctrines, or do we hunger for the "meat" of deeper theological understanding, spiritual discernment, and practical application of Christ's teachings? It reminds us that Christian growth is not automatic but requires intentional effort to study God's Word, pray, and apply truth to our lives. For those in leadership, it underscores the importance of discerning the spiritual readiness of their audience and nurturing believers towards maturity, while also gently rebuking stagnation.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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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