Hebrews 5:13

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Hebrews 5:13 serves as a poignant critique and urgent call to spiritual growth within the early Christian community. The author, writing to Jewish believers who were struggling with faith and potentially regressing, highlights the problem of spiritual immaturity, likening it to a perpetual diet of "milk" rather than "solid food." This verse underscores the necessity for believers to move beyond foundational teachings to a deeper, more discerning understanding of God's truth.

Context

This verse is part of a broader admonition found in Hebrews 5:11-14, where the author expresses frustration with his audience's lack of spiritual progress. He has just begun to discuss the profound and complex topic of Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10), a doctrine requiring spiritual discernment. However, he perceives them as "dull of hearing" and still needing to be taught the very first principles of God's Word, rather than being able to teach others. Hebrews 5:13 specifically defines this spiritual infancy, setting the stage for the call to "go on unto perfection" in Hebrews 6:1.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Immaturity: The primary theme is the contrast between "milk" (basic, elementary doctrines) and "solid food" (deeper, more complex truths). Those who only use "milk" are depicted as "babes" (infants) who lack the spiritual discernment necessary for mature faith.
  • The "Word of Righteousness": This phrase refers to the full scope of God's truth, encompassing both sound doctrine and its practical application in living a righteous life. It's not merely theoretical knowledge but the comprehensive understanding and active obedience to God's will. The inability to fully grasp and apply this "word" indicates immaturity.
  • The Necessity of Growth: The verse implicitly stresses that remaining in spiritual infancy is detrimental. It hinders a believer's ability to discern between good and evil, to understand complex theological truths, and to withstand spiritual challenges. Just as physical babies cannot handle solid food, spiritual babes cannot handle profound spiritual truths.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "unskilful" is apeiros (ἄπειρος), meaning "inexperienced," "unacquainted with," or "ignorant of." It suggests a lack of practical experience and discernment rather than a complete absence of knowledge. It implies that while they might know basic truths, they haven't learned to apply or discern them effectively. The term "babe" is from the Greek nēpios (νήπιος), literally "an infant," but frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe someone immature, unlearned, or lacking in spiritual understanding, as seen in 1 Corinthians 3:1 where Paul also refers to believers as "babes in Christ."

Related Scriptures

This concept of spiritual "milk" versus "solid food" is echoed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:2, where he states he fed the Corinthian believers with milk because they were not yet able to handle solid food. The call to move beyond spiritual infancy is also a theme in Ephesians 4:14, where Paul urges believers not to be "no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." The "word of righteousness" finds its foundation in all scripture, which is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16.

Practical Application

Hebrews 5:13 serves as a timeless challenge for believers today. It calls us to honestly assess our spiritual diet and growth. Are we content with only the basics of faith, or are we actively pursuing a deeper understanding of God's Word and its implications for our lives? Spiritual maturity involves diligent study of scripture, prayer, and the practical application of truth, enabling us to discern God's will, navigate complex ethical dilemmas, and stand firm against false teachings. It is a lifelong process of growth, moving from simply knowing about God to truly knowing God and living righteously by His power.

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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

  • 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.