What does "oracles of God" mean in this context?

The phrase "oracles of God" (Greek: logia tou Theou) refers to the divine utterances or revelations from God. In the context of the first-century Jewish-Christian audience of Hebrews, this primarily encompassed the Old Testament Scriptures, which were considered the foundational revelations of God's will and character. It includes the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms—all the inspired words God had spoken to His people. The author is lamenting that his readers, despite having access to these profound revelations, still need to be taught the very "first principles" or basic tenets derived from them, rather than progressing to a deeper understanding of how these oracles are fulfilled and perfected in Christ.

What is the difference between "milk" and "strong meat" in spiritual terms?

In Hebrews 5:12 and Hebrews 6:1-2, "milk" represents the elementary or foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. These are the basic truths necessary for initial conversion and spiritual infancy, such as repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. "Strong meat" (or solid food), on the other hand, symbolizes deeper, more complex theological truths that require greater spiritual maturity and discernment to grasp. This includes advanced concepts like the intricacies of Christ's high priesthood, the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old, and the full implications of Christ's finished work, which are crucial for spiritual growth and perseverance.

5:11 5:11

Hebrews 5:12

5:13 5:13

Bible Versions

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.

For {G2532}{G1063} when for {G1223} the time {G5550} ye ought {G3784} to be {G1511} teachers {G1320}, ye have {G2192} need {G5532} that one teach {G1321} you {G5209} again {G3825} which {G5101} be the first {G746} principles {G4747} of the oracles {G3051} of God {G2316}; and {G2532} are become such as {G1096} have {G2192} need {G5532} of milk {G1051}, and {G2532} not {G3756} of strong {G4731} meat {G5160}.

For although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the very first principles of God’s Word all over again! You need milk, not solid food!

Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!

For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Hebrews 6:1

¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
1 Corinthians 3:1

¶ And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, [even] as unto babes in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Hebrews 5:13

For every one that useth milk [is] unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Isaiah 28:9

¶ Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts.
Isaiah 28:10

For precept [must be] upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little:

Bible Versions

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