1 Peter 2:2

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

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}:

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

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

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

Commentary

In 1 Peter 2:2, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to cultivate a passionate desire for God's Word, likening them to hungry infants craving milk. This verse emphasizes the essential nature of spiritual nourishment for genuine Christian growth and development.

Context

This verse follows Peter's exhortation in 1 Peter 2:1 to "lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings." Having cleansed themselves of these spiritual impurities, believers are then called to actively seek the pure and unadulterated truth of God's revelation. This sets the stage for a life of spiritual vitality and progress, contrasting the destructive nature of sin with the life-giving power of the Word.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Infancy and New Birth: Believers are described as "newborn babes," highlighting their spiritual beginning through faith in Christ. Just as physical infants are utterly dependent on milk for survival and growth, new believers require foundational spiritual sustenance. This imagery connects to the concept of being born again, which Peter also mentions in 1 Peter 1:23.
  • The "Sincere Milk of the Word": This refers to the pure, uncorrupted truths of God's revelation. It's the basic, essential doctrine necessary for spiritual life. The word "sincere" implies that it is free from deceit, adulteration, or human philosophy, offering pure nourishment.
  • Innate Desire and Appetite: The command to "desire" (ἐπιποθήσατε - *epipothēsate*) suggests a strong, instinctive longing, much like a baby instinctively cries for milk. This is not a burdensome duty but a natural, healthy spiritual appetite that believers should cultivate for God's truth.
  • Spiritual Growth: The ultimate purpose of desiring and consuming the "milk of the word" is "that ye may grow thereby." Spiritual growth is a continuous process, requiring consistent engagement with Scripture to move from basic understanding to deeper maturity in faith, as also seen in 2 Peter 3:18.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "sincere" comes from the Greek word adolos (ἀδόλος), meaning "without guile," "unadulterated," or "pure." This emphasizes the integrity and trustworthiness of God's Word, contrasting it with deceptive human teachings or philosophies.
  • "Milk" (gala - γάλα) is used here as a metaphor for the foundational or elementary truths of Christianity, which are easy to digest and essential for early development. This contrasts with "strong meat" (βρῶμα στερεά - *brōma sterea*), which represents deeper doctrines for mature believers, as discussed in Hebrews 5:12-14.
  • "Word" is from logos (λόγος), referring to the divine message, the revealed truth of God found in the Scriptures.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Peter 2:2 serves as a vital reminder:

  • Prioritize Scripture: Just as physical food is essential for bodily health, the Bible is indispensable for spiritual well-being. Make consistent reading, study, and meditation on God's Word a priority.
  • Seek Purity: Be discerning about the teachings you consume. Ensure they are faithful to the "sincere milk of the word," unmixed with human traditions or error.
  • Cultivate Desire: Rather than seeing Bible study as a chore, pray for and cultivate a genuine hunger for God's truth. The Word is sweet to those who desire it, as Psalm 119:103 affirms.
  • Expect Growth: Engage with the Word with the expectation of spiritual growth. It is through this nourishment that believers mature in their faith, knowledge, and likeness to Christ. The Word is indeed a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 5:12 (36 votes)

    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.

  • Hebrews 5:13 (36 votes)

    For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

  • Ephesians 4:15 (33 votes)

    But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:

  • 2 Peter 3:18 (26 votes)

    But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1 (23 votes)

    ¶ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:2 (23 votes)

    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.

  • Mark 10:15 (21 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.