Hebrews 5:14

KJV

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} strong {G4731} meat {G5160} belongeth to them that are {G2076} of full age {G5046}, even those who by reason {G1223} of use {G1838} have {G2192} their senses {G145} exercised {G1128} to {G4314} discern {G1253} both {G5037} good {G2570} and {G2532} evil {G2556}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties have been trained by continuous exercise to distinguish good from evil.

Berean Standard Bible

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

American Standard Version

But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 5:14 serves as a pivotal call to spiritual maturity, distinguishing between those who remain spiritually infantile, subsisting on elementary doctrines, and those who, through consistent practice and application of God's truth, have developed the spiritual faculties necessary to grasp deeper theological concepts and accurately discern between good and evil. It underscores that spiritual growth is not automatic but requires diligent engagement with God's Word and the practical exercise of faith, leading to robust discernment in all areas of life and doctrine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 5:14 concludes a significant section (Hebrews 5:11-14) where the author expresses profound disappointment with his audience's spiritual stagnation. Having just introduced the profound concept of Jesus as a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (a complex theological point), the author abruptly pauses to lament that his readers are "dull of hearing" and still require instruction in the elementary principles of Christ, rather than being able to teach others. This verse, therefore, acts as the culmination of this gentle but firm rebuke, setting up the subsequent exhortation to "go on to perfection" or maturity in [Hebrews 6:1](/hebrews/6-1 "Hebrews 6:1 - Moving Towards Maturity"). The metaphor of "milk" for foundational teachings and "strong meat" for advanced truths is central to this argument, highlighting the readers' inability to process deeper spiritual realities due to their lack of development.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was likely addressed to Jewish Christians facing pressure, possibly persecution or social ostracism, to revert to aspects of Judaism or to abandon their faith altogether. This pressure may have contributed to their spiritual lethargy. The author's use of the "milk" and "meat" metaphor would have resonated with a culture familiar with dietary distinctions and stages of physical development. Furthermore, the concept of "exercised senses" (G1128, _gymnázō_) draws from the Greco-Roman world of athletic training in a _gymnasium_, where rigorous discipline was required to develop physical prowess. This imagery would have powerfully conveyed the necessity of disciplined spiritual training to cultivate discernment, a quality highly valued in both Jewish wisdom traditions and Greek philosophical thought. The need for discernment was particularly acute for a community navigating complex theological questions and external pressures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Hebrews and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Spiritual Maturity**, contrasting the "babes" who need milk with the "full age" who can handle "strong meat." This maturity is not merely intellectual but involves a profound transformation that enables deeper engagement with God's truths and a more robust faith. Closely related is the theme of **Discerning Good and Evil**, which is presented as the hallmark of this maturity. It implies the ability to distinguish not only between moral good and evil but also between sound doctrine and theological error, a critical skill for believers in any age. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Necessity of Practice and Use** in developing spiritual faculties. It teaches that discernment is not an innate gift but a cultivated skill, honed through the consistent application of biblical principles in daily life, echoing similar calls to spiritual discipline found in passages like [1 Timothy 4:7-8](/1_timothy/4-7-8 "1 Timothy 4:7-8 - The Value of Godliness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strong (Greek, _stereós'_):** (G4731) This adjective literally means "stiff, solid, stable." When applied to "meat" (food), it denotes substantial, solid nourishment, as opposed to liquid or easily digestible food. Metaphorically, in this context, it refers to advanced, profound, or more challenging spiritual truths and doctrines that require a developed spiritual palate to assimilate and benefit from. It implies a depth of understanding and theological complexity beyond foundational principles.
* **Full age (Greek, _téleios'_):** (G5046) Derived from _télos_ (an end, goal, completion), _téleios_ signifies "complete, perfect, mature." In a spiritual sense, it does not imply sinless perfection but rather a state of completeness or proficiency in spiritual development. It describes believers who have progressed beyond elementary teachings, demonstrating a readiness and capacity for deeper theological insights and a more profound engagement with God's will. This maturity is a goal toward which all believers should strive, as it enables a richer experience of faith and a more effective walk with Christ.
* **Exercised (Greek, _gymnázō'_):** (G1128) This verb, from which we get "gymnasium," literally means "to practice naked (in the games), i.e., to train." It conveys the idea of rigorous, disciplined training, much like an athlete prepares for competition. Applied to the "senses," it emphasizes that spiritual discernment is not a passive acquisition but an active, disciplined process. It requires consistent effort, repetition, and intentional application of God's Word and principles in real-life situations to sharpen one's spiritual judgment and perceptive abilities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,"**: This clause introduces a contrast ("But") with the "milk" suitable for spiritual infants mentioned previously. "Strong meat" (solid food) is reserved for those who are "of full age," meaning spiritually mature or complete. It establishes that deeper theological truths and spiritual insights are only accessible and beneficial to those who have grown beyond foundational doctrines, indicating a capacity for robust spiritual digestion.
* **"[even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised"**: This part clarifies *how* one reaches "full age." It is "by reason of use" (consistent practice or habit) that their "senses" (faculties of perception or judgment) are "exercised" (rigorously trained or disciplined). This highlights the active, experiential nature of spiritual growth, emphasizing that maturity is not inherent but developed through diligent application of faith and truth in daily life.
* **"to discern both good and evil."**: This final clause states the ultimate outcome and purpose of having exercised spiritual senses. The ability "to discern" (to make a judicial estimation or distinction) between "good and evil" is the hallmark of spiritual maturity. This discernment extends beyond simple moral choices to include distinguishing between truth and error, sound doctrine and false teaching, and God's will from human wisdom, enabling believers to navigate complex spiritual and ethical landscapes with clarity.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. The primary device is **Metaphor**, specifically the extended metaphor of "milk" versus "strong meat" (or solid food). This vivid imagery effectively illustrates the contrast between elementary Christian doctrines, easily digestible for new believers, and deeper, more complex theological truths that require spiritual maturity to process. Complementing this, an **Analogy** is drawn from the world of athletic training, as seen in the phrase "senses exercised." This analogy highlights that just as athletes rigorously train their bodies to achieve peak performance, believers must diligently train their spiritual faculties through consistent "use" or practice to develop keen discernment. Furthermore, the verse implicitly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the immature, who cannot handle "strong meat," with the mature, who possess exercised senses capable of discerning good and evil. This stark contrast serves to motivate the readers to move beyond their current state of spiritual infancy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 5:14 is profoundly theological, asserting that spiritual maturity is both a divine expectation and a cultivated human responsibility. It underscores that true faith is not static but dynamic, requiring continuous growth beyond initial conversion. The ability to discern "good and evil" is presented as a critical spiritual faculty, essential for navigating a complex world filled with competing ideologies and moral ambiguities. This discernment is not merely intellectual but involves a Spirit-empowered capacity to perceive and apply God's truth in practical living, safeguarding believers from deception and enabling them to make choices that honor Christ. It implies a deep engagement with the character of God and His revealed will, moving beyond a superficial understanding to a profound, lived theology.

* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - Spiritual Discernment")
* [Ephesians 4:13-15](/ephesians/4-13-15 "Ephesians 4:13-15 - Growing into Christ's Fullness")
* [Philippians 1:9-10](/philippians/1-9-10 "Philippians 1:9-10 - Abounding in Knowledge and Discernment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 5:14 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting every believer to honestly assess their spiritual diet and discipline. Are we content with the "milk" of elementary truths, or do we hunger for the "strong meat" of deeper theological understanding and practical wisdom? This verse challenges us to move beyond passive consumption of spiritual information to active, intentional engagement with God's Word. It reminds us that spiritual discernment, the ability to distinguish truth from error and good from evil, is not an automatic byproduct of conversion but a skill honed through consistent "use" – through prayerful study, diligent application of biblical principles in daily life, and courageous obedience even when it's difficult. Just as an athlete trains their body, we must discipline our spiritual senses, allowing the Holy Spirit to sharpen our judgment so that our lives increasingly reflect the wisdom and righteousness of God. This ongoing process of spiritual exercise is vital for navigating the complexities of life, resisting deception, and living a life that truly honors Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your faith journey are you still consuming "milk," and what "strong meat" might God be inviting you to explore?**
* **How consistently are you "exercising" your spiritual senses through the study of Scripture, prayer, and obedience?**
* **What specific areas of your life require greater discernment between "good and evil," and how can you intentionally cultivate that discernment?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to move from spiritual infancy towards greater maturity as described in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What is the "strong meat" mentioned in Hebrews 5:14?**

Answer: The "strong meat" (Greek: _stereás trophḗs_) metaphorically refers to deeper, more complex, and substantial theological truths and doctrines. It stands in contrast to "milk," which represents the elementary principles of Christian faith, such as repentance from dead works or faith toward God, as referenced in [Hebrews 6:1-2](/hebrews/6-1-2 "Hebrews 6:1-2 - Elementary Doctrines"). "Strong meat" requires a more developed spiritual capacity to understand, process, and apply, leading to greater spiritual maturity and discernment.

**How do believers "exercise their senses to discern both good and evil"?**

Answer: Believers "exercise their senses" (Greek: _aisthētḗria gegymnasména_) through consistent and disciplined engagement with God's Word and practical obedience. This involves more than just intellectual assent; it means actively applying biblical principles to real-life situations, making moral and theological judgments based on God's truth, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide one's perceptions. Just as a physical athlete trains rigorously, a spiritual athlete sharpens their discernment through repeated practice in choosing righteousness, resisting temptation, and evaluating teachings against the standard of Scripture, as encouraged in [1 Thessalonians 5:21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Testing Everything").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 5:14, while a call to human maturity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and enablement in Christ. He is the very "strong meat" of God's revelation, the profound truth that nourishes the mature believer. While the "milk" of the gospel introduces us to salvation, it is in Christ that we encounter the fullness of God's wisdom and the depths of His character. Our ability to discern good and evil is not merely a cognitive skill but a spiritual capacity empowered by our union with Christ, who is the [Light of the world](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World") and the embodiment of all truth. As believers, we are called to grow up "into him who is the head, even Christ" ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Growing Up into Christ")), allowing His mind to be formed in us ([Philippians 2:5](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5 - The Mind of Christ")). Furthermore, Christ, as our great High Priest, perfectly exercised His senses to discern God's will and execute it flawlessly, even under immense pressure ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Through His sacrifice and ongoing intercession, He grants us access to the very throne of grace, empowering us to receive the wisdom and strength necessary to develop the discernment described in this verse, enabling us to live lives that reflect His perfect standard.

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 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1 Corinthians 2:6

¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Isaiah 7:15

Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

Philippians 1:9

¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;