Hebrews 5:12

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.

Context

Hebrews 5:12 is a sharp rebuke from the author of Hebrews to his readers. The recipients of this letter were likely Jewish Christians who had been believers for some time, possibly facing persecution or temptation to revert to their former traditions. The author expected them to have progressed in their understanding of Christian truth, particularly concerning the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical system. Instead, they were still stuck at an elementary level, struggling to grasp deeper theological concepts related to Christ's eternal priesthood and the new covenant. This verse highlights a frustration with their spiritual stagnation, contrasting their elapsed time as believers with their actual spiritual maturity.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Immaturity: The primary theme is the readers' lack of spiritual growth. They are described as those who 'ought to be teachers' but still need basic instruction. This implies a failure to move beyond initial conversion experiences and foundational Christian doctrines.
  • Need for Deeper Truths: The contrast between "milk" and "strong meat" vividly illustrates the difference between elementary doctrines and a more profound, mature understanding of God's Word. The author desires them to engage with the 'strong meat' of truth, which includes complex theological concepts like the nature of Christ's sacrifice and His role as High Priest.
  • Responsibility to Teach: The phrase 'ye ought to be teachers' points to the inherent expectation within the early Christian community that believers would mature to a point where they could instruct others. This underscores a call to discipleship and sharing faith, not just passively receiving it.

Linguistic Insights

The powerful imagery in this verse revolves around the metaphors of "milk" (gala in Greek) and "strong meat" (stereas trophēs).

  • Milk: Represents the elementary or foundational truths of the Christian faith, suitable for new converts or those who are spiritually young. These are the 'first principles of the oracles of God,' referring to the basic revelations from God, particularly concerning salvation and the person of Christ.
  • Strong Meat: Signifies deeper, more complex theological understanding and spiritual truths that require greater discernment and maturity. This includes concepts that might challenge preconceived notions or require a more robust faith, such as the full implications of Christ's completed work on the cross and the transition from the Old Covenant to the New.
  • Oracles of God: This phrase refers to the divine utterances or revelations from God, primarily encompassing the Old Testament Scriptures and the foundational truths revealed through them.

Practical Application

Hebrews 5:12 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today. It prompts self-examination regarding our own spiritual journey and commitment to Christian growth:

  • Assess Your Growth: Are we actively pursuing a deeper understanding of God's Word, or are we content with only the basics? Spiritual maturity involves moving beyond initial excitement to a robust and informed faith.
  • Embrace Deeper Study: The call to move from 'milk' to 'strong meat' encourages believers to engage in more rigorous Bible study, theological reflection, and prayer. This involves grappling with challenging passages and integrating truth into daily life.
  • Prepare to Teach: While not everyone is called to formal teaching roles, every mature Christian should be able to articulate their faith, explain foundational doctrines, and provide guidance to newer believers. This verse reminds us of the communal responsibility to nurture spiritual growth within the church, echoing the call to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.
  • Avoid Stagnation: Spiritual complacency can lead to a regression where one needs to be retaught basic truths. This verse urges continuous learning and application of God's revealed will in our lives.
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 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:

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