Hebrews 5:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} every one {G3956} that useth {G3348} milk {G1051} is unskilful {G552} in the word {G3056} of righteousness {G1343}: for {G1063} he is {G2076} a babe {G3516}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Anyone who has to drink milk is still a baby, without experience in applying the Word about righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible

For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.

American Standard Version

For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 5:13 delivers a sharp rebuke to believers who, despite having ample time to mature in their faith, remain stuck in spiritual infancy. The author likens their state to being perpetually on a diet of "milk," rendering them "unskilful" in discerning and applying the profound truths of God's "word of righteousness." This verse underscores the critical necessity for believers to progress beyond elementary doctrines to a robust, discerning understanding of divine truth, enabling them to navigate complex spiritual realities and live righteously.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader, impassioned admonition from the author of Hebrews to his audience, spanning from [Hebrews 5:11-14](/hebrews/5-11-14 "Hebrews 5:11-14 - A Call to Spiritual Maturity"). He has just introduced the complex and profound doctrine of Christ's high priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek in [Hebrews 5:10](/hebrews/5-10 "Hebrews 5:10 - Christ, a High Priest Forever"), a truth he deems "hard to explain" due to their spiritual dullness. The author expresses frustration that, rather than being teachers themselves, they still require instruction in the elementary principles of God's word. [Hebrews 5:13](/hebrews/5-13 "Hebrews 5:13 - The Unskilful Babe") specifically defines this immaturity, contrasting those who consume only "milk" with those ready for "solid food" (Hebrews 5:14). This passage serves as a direct prelude to the urgent call in [Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Pressing On to Maturity") to "go on unto perfection" and leave behind foundational teachings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing significant persecution and internal struggles, potentially leading some to consider reverting to Judaism. This context illuminates the author's concern for their spiritual stagnation. In ancient Jewish culture, the study of Torah was paramount, and progression in understanding was highly valued. The author's critique of "babes" who are "unskilful in the word of righteousness" would have resonated deeply, highlighting a failure to live up to the expected standard of spiritual growth and discernment within a community that prided itself on its knowledge of God's law. The analogy of "milk" and "solid food" was a common pedagogical metaphor in the Greco-Roman world, easily understood by the audience as representing elementary versus advanced instruction.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme here is **Spiritual Immaturity versus Maturity**. The author employs the vivid metaphor of "milk" for basic, foundational doctrines and "solid food" for deeper, more complex truths. Those who remain on "milk" are labeled "babes" (nēpios), indicating a lack of spiritual discernment and an inability to process advanced theological concepts or apply them practically. This ties into the theme of **The "Word of Righteousness,"** which refers to the comprehensive body of God's truth, encompassing both sound doctrine and its practical outworking in a righteous life. The inability to fully grasp and apply this "word" signifies spiritual infancy. Implicitly, the passage stresses the **Necessity of Growth and Discernment**. Remaining spiritually immature hinders a believer's ability to discern between good and evil, to understand complex theological truths like Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood (as introduced in [Hebrews 5:10](/hebrews/5-10 "Hebrews 5:10 - Christ, a High Priest Forever")), and to withstand spiritual challenges or false teachings, as warned against in [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **milk (Greek, _gála'_):** (G1051) This term, of uncertain affinity, refers to literal milk but is used figuratively here to denote elementary, foundational teachings or principles of the Christian faith. It represents the basic truths suitable for new converts or those who have not progressed beyond initial understanding.
* **unskilful (Greek, _ápeiros'_):** (G552) Derived from a negative particle and a word meaning "experience," this term signifies being "inexperienced," "unacquainted with," or "ignorant." It implies a lack of practical skill or discernment in applying the "word of righteousness," rather than a complete absence of intellectual knowledge. It suggests an inability to put truth into practice or to distinguish between good and evil.
* **babe (Greek, _nḗpios'_):** (G3516) Literally meaning "not speaking" or "an infant," this word is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe someone who is immature, unlearned, or lacking in spiritual understanding. It conveys a state of dependency and inability to handle complex matters independently, highlighting a profound lack of spiritual development.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every one that useth milk":** This clause identifies the subject of the critique: believers who consistently rely on and consume only the most basic, foundational teachings of the Christian faith. The phrase "useth milk" implies a habitual diet, suggesting a prolonged state of spiritual infancy rather than a temporary phase of new conversion.
* **"[is] unskilful in the word of righteousness":** This part explains the consequence of remaining on a "milk" diet. "Unskilful" (ápeiros) denotes a lack of practical experience, discernment, or proficiency. The "word of righteousness" refers to the full, mature body of God's truth, which not only defines what is right but also empowers believers to live righteously. The unskilful person cannot properly understand, apply, or discern the deeper implications of this comprehensive truth.
* **"for he is a babe":** This final clause provides the reason or explanation for the preceding statement. The individual is "unskilful" precisely because they are a "babe" (nēpios). This reinforces the metaphor of spiritual infancy, emphasizing that such a person lacks the developed spiritual faculties necessary for processing and benefiting from "solid food"—the deeper, more challenging aspects of God's revelation.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs **Analogy** and **Metaphor** throughout this verse and the surrounding passage. The central metaphor is the contrast between "milk" and "solid food" as representations of elementary and advanced spiritual teaching, respectively. This analogy effectively communicates the concept of spiritual growth and the detrimental effects of stagnation, drawing a clear parallel between physical development and spiritual maturity. The term "babe" (nēpios) functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual immaturity, vividly portraying the helplessness and limited capacity of those who fail to progress. There is also a subtle **Repetition** of the causal conjunction "for" (G1063, _gár_), which serves to emphatically link the condition of using milk to being unskilful, and then to being a babe, reinforcing the logical progression of the author's argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 5:13 profoundly highlights the biblical imperative for progressive spiritual growth and the development of discernment. It underscores that Christianity is not merely about initial conversion, but a lifelong journey of deepening understanding and application of God's truth. The "word of righteousness" is not a static concept but a dynamic revelation that demands increasing engagement and practical obedience. This verse challenges believers to move beyond superficial knowledge to a mature faith that can rightly divide truth from error, apply biblical principles to complex life situations, and contribute to the spiritual well-being of others. It implies that spiritual stagnation is not a neutral state but a hindrance to the believer's full participation in God's purposes and a potential vulnerability to spiritual deception.

* [1 Corinthians 3:2](/1_corinthians/3-2 "1 Corinthians 3:2 - Paul's Analogy of Milk and Solid Food")
* [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - Growing Beyond Spiritual Infancy")
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is Profitable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 5:13 serves as a potent mirror for self-assessment, urging every believer to honestly evaluate their spiritual diet and growth trajectory. Are we content to remain perpetually on "milk," or are we actively pursuing the "solid food" of deeper theological understanding and practical righteousness? Spiritual maturity is not automatic; it requires intentional effort, diligent study of Scripture, consistent prayer, and the courageous application of God's truth to every facet of life. This verse challenges us to move beyond merely accumulating head knowledge to developing spiritual discernment that can distinguish between good and evil, navigate the complexities of modern life with biblical wisdom, and stand firm against the "winds of doctrine" that can easily sway the immature. It is a call to embrace the ongoing process of transformation, allowing the "word of righteousness" to shape our character, inform our decisions, and empower us to live lives that genuinely reflect Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does my current "spiritual diet" consist of? Am I actively seeking "solid food" or am I content with "milk"?**
* **In what areas of my life do I feel "unskilful in the word of righteousness," indicating a need for deeper understanding or practical application?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to move from spiritual infancy towards greater maturity and discernment?**
* **How does my personal growth (or lack thereof) impact my ability to serve others or contribute to the body of Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the "milk" and "solid food" analogy referring to in the context of Christian faith?**

Answer: In the context of Hebrews 5:13-14, "milk" refers to the elementary or foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, such as repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment (as listed in [Hebrews 6:1-2](/hebrews/6-1-2 "Hebrews 6:1-2 - Elementary Principles")). These are essential truths for new believers. "Solid food," on the other hand, represents deeper, more complex theological truths and the practical application of discernment that requires spiritual maturity. It encompasses a more profound understanding of Christ's person and work, the intricacies of God's plan, and the ability to apply biblical wisdom to discern between good and evil in various life situations. The Apostle Paul uses a similar analogy in [1 Corinthians 3:2](/1_corinthians/3-2 "1 Corinthians 3:2 - Paul's Analogy of Milk and Solid Food"), indicating that some believers were not yet ready for deeper teachings.

**What does it mean to be "unskilful in the word of righteousness"?**

Answer: To be "unskilful" (Greek: _ápeiros_) in the "word of righteousness" means to lack practical experience, discernment, or proficiency in understanding and applying the full scope of God's truth. It's not merely about intellectual ignorance, but an inability to properly discern, interpret, and live out the righteous principles and commands found in God's Word. This "word of righteousness" encompasses both sound doctrine and its practical implications for living a life that aligns with God's holy character. An "unskilful" person might know basic truths but struggles to apply them to complex ethical dilemmas, to discern false teaching, or to make wise decisions that reflect a mature understanding of God's will. This lack of skill is directly attributed to remaining a "babe" in faith, unable to process or digest "solid food."

**Can a believer regress in their spiritual growth?**

Answer: Yes, the warning in Hebrews 5:13 strongly implies that believers can indeed regress or stagnate in their spiritual growth. The author is not addressing new converts but those who "by this time ought to be teachers" ([Hebrews 5:12](/hebrews/5-12 "Hebrews 5:12 - Ought to be Teachers")). Their continued reliance on "milk" indicates a failure to progress, and the broader context of Hebrews suggests a danger of falling away from faith due to spiritual dullness or apostasy ([Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Danger of Falling Away")). This regression often manifests as a loss of spiritual discernment, a weakening of faith, or a return to former ways of life, underscoring the vital importance of continuous spiritual nourishment and active pursuit of maturity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 5:13, in its critique of spiritual immaturity, implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate "solid food" and the very embodiment of the "word of righteousness." While the "milk" represents foundational truths, Christ is the full revelation of God, the one through whom all things were created and sustained ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). Our growth into spiritual maturity is fundamentally a growth in our knowledge of and conformity to Him. He is the one who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Fulfilling All Righteousness")), and it is through His atoning sacrifice that we are made righteous before God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Therefore, to be "skilful in the word of righteousness" is to deeply understand and live out the implications of Christ's person and work, allowing His life, death, and resurrection to transform us. He is the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), the source of all wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures")), and the one who enables us, through His Spirit, to move beyond infancy to the full stature of Christ ([Ephesians 4:13](/ephesians/4-13 "Ephesians 4:13 - Attaining the Whole Measure of the Fullness of Christ")).

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.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

1 Peter 2:2

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

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

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.

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.

Ephesians 4:14

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

2 Corinthians 3:9

For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.