Hebrews 5:11

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

Of {G4012} whom {G3739} we {G2254} have {G3056} many things {G4183} to say {G3056}, and {G2532} hard {G1421} to be uttered {G3004}, seeing {G1893} ye are {G1096} dull {G3576} of hearing {G189}.

We have much to say about this subject, but it is hard to explain, because you have become sluggish in understanding.

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.

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

Commentary on Hebrews 5:11 (KJV)

Hebrews 5:11 serves as a pivotal point in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where the author expresses frustration with the spiritual immaturity of his audience. This verse introduces a critical pause in the theological exposition, highlighting a challenge in teaching deeper truths due to the hearers' lack of readiness.

Context

This verse immediately follows a profound discussion about the high priesthood of Jesus Christ, particularly His appointment as a high priest "after the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:6-10). The author is about to elaborate further on this complex and significant theological concept, which is central to understanding Christ's unique role as both King and Priest. However, he anticipates difficulty, suggesting that his audience is not spiritually prepared to grasp such advanced teaching.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Immaturity: The primary theme is the audience's undeveloped spiritual state, preventing them from moving beyond foundational doctrines to more complex theological truths.
  • Difficulty in Teaching: The author finds it challenging to convey profound insights because his listeners are not receptive or diligent enough to understand.
  • Need for Growth: Implicit in the author's lament is an urgent call for his audience to mature in their faith and understanding.
  • The Melchizedekian Priesthood: Though paused, the discussion of Christ's unique priesthood forms the backdrop against which this frustration is expressed, underscoring the importance of the subject matter that is "hard to be uttered" to those who are "dull of hearing."

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "dull of hearing" translates the Greek word nōthroi (νωθροί), which means sluggish, slow, lazy, or apathetic. It suggests a spiritual dullness or apathy rather than a physical hearing impairment. This isn't just about intellectual capacity but about a lack of diligence, attentiveness, and spiritual responsiveness. They were slow to understand not because the message was inherently impossible, but because they were spiritually lethargic and perhaps unwilling to make the effort to grasp deeper truths. This contrasts with the diligence encouraged later in Hebrews.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

Hebrews 5:11 serves as a timeless challenge to believers today. It prompts self-reflection on our own spiritual growth and receptivity:

  • Self-Assessment: Are we truly eager to learn and grow in our understanding of God's Word, or are we content with superficial knowledge? Do we exhibit spiritual diligence?
  • Commitment to Growth: Spiritual maturity doesn't happen passively. It requires active engagement with scripture, prayer, and a willingness to apply deeper truths to our lives.
  • Overcoming Apathy: This verse calls us to examine any spiritual sluggishness or apathy that might hinder our ability to grasp and live out the profound truths of the Christian faith.
  • Discipleship: It highlights the challenge for teachers and leaders in guiding believers toward deeper understanding, emphasizing the need for both clear teaching and receptive hearts.
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.

  • Matthew 13:15

    For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

  • 2 Peter 3:16

    As also in all [his] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

  • Acts 28:27

    For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

  • John 16:12

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

  • Luke 24:25

    Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

  • Mark 8:21

    And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

  • Isaiah 6:10

    Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.
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