Hebrews 5:13

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Hebrews 5:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

For everyone who takes milk is without experience of the word of righteousness: he is a child.

Free Bible Version FBV

Those who drink baby milk don't have the experience of living the right way—they're just babies.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For euery one that vseth milke, is inexpert in the worde of righteousnes: for he is a babe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for every one who is partaking of milk [is] unskilled in the word of righteousness — for he is an infant,

World English Bible WEB

For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For every one that useth milk, is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For every one that is a partaker of milk, is unskillful in the word of justice: for he is a little child.

Translation for Translators T4T

Remember that those who are still learning these elementary truths [MET] have not become familiar with what God says concerning becoming/being righteous. They are just like [MET] babies who need milk!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Hebrews 5:13

BAB

Word Study

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Hebrews 5:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK πας γαρ ο μετεχων γαλακτος απειρος λογου δικαιοσυνης νηπιος γαρ εστιν

πας pas G3956 all Adj-NSM

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

μετεχων metechō G3348 to share Verb-PAP-NSM

γαλακτος gala G1051 milk Noun-GSN

απειρος apeiros G552 unacquainted Adj-NSM

λογου logos G3056 word Noun-GSM

δικαιοσυνης dikaiosunē G1343 righteousness Noun-GSF

νηπιος nēpios G3516 child Adj-NSM

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 5:13

πας pas G3956 "all" Adj-NSM

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

μετεχων metechō G3348 "to share" Verb-PAP-NSM

This word means to share or participate in something, like in 1 Corinthians 9:10 and 10:17. It can also mean to belong to or eat something, as seen in Hebrews 2:14 and 5:13.

Definition: μετ-έχω [in LXX: Pro.5:17 (עֵת), Pro.1:18, 1Es.5:40 Est.8:70, Sir.51:28, al. ;] to partake of, share in: ἐπ᾽ ἐλπίδι τοῦ μετέχειν, 1Co.9:10; with genitive of thing(s), 1Co.9:12 10:21 10:30, Heb.2:14; in sacramental sense, ἑκ τ. ἐνὸς ἄρτου μ., 1Co.10:17 (cf. MM, xvi); metaphorically, γάλακτος, Heb.5:13; of belonging to a tribe, Heb.7:13.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: be partaker, pertain, take part, use See also: 1 Corinthians 9:10; 1 Corinthians 10:30; Hebrews 2:14.

γαλακτος gala G1051 "milk" Noun-GSN

Milk is a nourishing drink, used figuratively in the Bible to describe elementary Christian teaching. It is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:2 and 1 Peter 2:2, symbolizing spiritual growth and development.

Definition: γάλα, -ακτος, τό [in LXX for חלב ;] milk: 1Co.9:7. Metaphorical, of elementary Christian teaching: 1Co.3:2, Heb.5:12, 13; τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γ., the rational (spiritual) genuine milk (see Hort, in l.), 1Pe.2:2 (in support of AV, milk of the word, see ICC, in l.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: milk See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12.

απειρος apeiros G552 "unacquainted" Adj-NSM

To be unacquainted or inexperienced means lacking knowledge or skill, as described in Hebrews 5:13.

Definition: ἄπειρος, -ον (ἀ- neg., πεῖρα, trial), [in LXX: Num.14:23, Zec.11:15 (אֱוִלִי) Jer.2:6 (עֲרָבָה) * ;] without experience of: with genitive of thing(s), Heb.5:13 (MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: unskilful See also: Hebrews 5:13.

λογου logos G3056 "word" Noun-GSM

In the Bible, this word refers to a message or idea expressed through words, like in Matthew 8:8 and Luke 7:7. It's not just a single word, but a whole thought or concept. Jesus used this word to teach about God's kingdom.

Definition: λόγος, -ου, ὁ (λέγω) [in LXX chiefly for דָּבָר, also for מִלָּה ,אֵמֶר, etc. ;] __I. Of that by which the inward thought is expressed, Lat. oratio, sermo, vox, verbum. __1. a word, not in the grammatical sense of a mere name (ἔπος, ὄνομα, ῥῆμα), but a word as embodying a conception or idea: Mat.8:8, Luk.7:7, 1Co.14:9, 19 Heb.12:19, al. __2. a saying, statement, declaration: Mat.19:22 (T om.), Mrk.5:36 7:29, Luk.1:29, Jhn.2:22 6:60, Act.7:29, al.; with genitive attrib., Act.13:15, Rom.9:9, Heb.7:28, al.; of the sayings, commands, promises, etc., of teachers, Mat.7:24 10:14, Mrk.8:38, Luk.9:4, Jhn.14:24, al.; λ. κενοί, Eph.5:6; ἀληθινοί, Rev.19:9; πιστοί, Rev.22:6; esp. of the precepts, decrees and promises of God, ὁ λ. τ. θεοῦ, the word of God: Mrk.7:13, Jhn.10:35, Rom.13:9, 1Co.14:36, Php.1:14, al.; absol., ὁ λ., Mat.13:21, 22 Mrk.16:[20], Luk.1:2, Act.6:4, Heb.4:12, al. __3. speech, discourse: Act.14:12, 2Co.10:10, Jas.3:2; opposite to ἐπιστολή, 2Th.2:15; disting, from σοφία, 1Co.2:1; ἀναστροφή, 1Ti.4:12; δύναμις, 1Co.4:19, 1Th.1:5; ἔργον, Rom.15:18; οὐδενὸς λ. τίμιον (not worthy of mention), Act.20:24; of the faculty of speech, Luk.24:19, 2Co.11:6; of the style of speech, Mat.5:37, 1Co.1:5; of instruction, Col.4:3, 1Pe.3:1; with genitive of person(s), Jhn.5:24 8:52, Act.2:41, al.; ὁ λ. ὁ ἐμός, Jhn.8:31; with genitive obj. (τ.) ἀληθείας, 2Co.6:7, Col.1:5, Jas.1:18; τ. καταλλαγῆς, 2Co.5:19; τ. σταυροῦ, 1Co.1:18; of mere talk, 1Co.4:19, 2o, Col.2:23, 1Jn.3:18; of the talk which one occasions, hence, repute: Col.2:23. __4. subject-matter, hence, teaching, doctrine: Act.18:15, 2Ti.2:17, al.; esp. of Christian doctrine: Mat.13:20-23, Mrk.4:14-20 8:32, Luk.1:2, Act.8:4, Gal.6:6, 1Th.1:6, al.; with genitive of person(s), τ. θεοῦ, Luk.5:1, Jhn.17:6, Act.4:29, 1Co.14:36, I Jhn.1:10, Rev.6:9, al.; τ. Κυρίου, Act.8:25, 1Th.1:8, al.; τ. Χριστοῦ, Col.3:16, Rev.3:8; with genitive appos., Act.15:7; with genitive attrib., Heb.5:13. __5. a story, tale, narrative: Mat.28:15, Jhn.21:23, Act.1:1 11:22; before περί, Luk.5:15. __6. That which is spoken of (Plat., al.; V. Kennedy, Sources, 124), matter, affair, thing: Mat.21:24, Mrk.1:45 11:29, Luk.20:3, Act.8:21; of a matter in dispute, as a case or suit at law, Act.19:38; pl. (1Ma.7:33, al.), Luk.1:4. __II. Of the inward thought itself, Lat. ratio. __1. reason, __(a) of the mental faculty (Hdt., Plat., al.): κατὰ λόγον, Act.18:14; __(b) a reason, cause: τίνι λόγῳ, Act.10:29; παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας, Mat.5:32 19:9, WH, mg., R, mg. __2. account, __(a) regard: Act.20:24, Rec.; __(b) reckoning: Php.4:15, 17; συναίρειν (which see) λ., Mat.18:23 25:19; in forensic sense, Rom.14:12, Heb.13:17, 1Pe.4:5; with genitive of thing(s), Luk.16:2; before περί, Mat.12:36, Act.19:40, 1Pe.3:15. __3. proportion, analogy: Php.2:16 (Field, Notes, 193 f.). __III. ὁ λ., the Divine Word or Logos: Jhn.1:1, 14; τ. ζωῆς, 1Jn.1:1; τ. θεοῦ, Rev.19:13 (see Westc, Swete, CGT, in ll.; reff. in Artt., Logos, DB, DCG). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; Acts 13:49; 1 Peter 1:23.

δικαιοσυνης dikaiosunē G1343 "righteousness" Noun-GSF

Righteousness is about living according to God's will, as seen in Matthew 5:6 and Romans 4:3, where it's about being in right relationship with God.

Definition: δικαιοσύνη, -ης, ἡ (δίκαιος), [in LXX chiefly for צֶדֶק, and cognates, Gen.15:6, al., rarely for חֶסֶד, Gen.19:19 ;] the character of ὁ δίκαιος (which see) __1. in broad sense, righteousness, conformity to the Divine will in purpose, thought and action: Mat.5:6, Jhn.16:8, Act.13:10, Rom.4:3; λόγος δικαιοσύνης, teaching of r., Heb.5:13; βασιλεὺς δ. (cf. FlJ, BJ, vi, 10, β. δίκαιος), Heb.7:2; ὅπλα δ., Rom.6:13; ὁδὸς δ., Mat.21:32; θώραξ τῆς δ., Eph.6:14; διὰκονοι δ., 2Co.11:15; ὁσιότης καὶ δ., Luk.1:75, cf. Eph.4:24; ἀγαθωσύνῃ καὶ δ., Eph.5:9; δ. κ. εἰρήνη κ. χαρά, Rom.14:17; δ. κ. ἁγιασμός, 1Co.1:30; opposite to ἁμαρτία, Rom.8:10; ἀνομία, 2Co.6:14; άδικία, Rom.3:5; ποιεῖν τὴν δ., 1Jn.2:29 Jn 3:7; id. as an inclusive term for the active duties of the religious life (ICC, in l; Abbott, Essays, 73 ff), Mat.6:1; ἐργάζεσθαι δ., Act.10:35; διώκειν δ., 1Ti.6:11; πληροῦν πᾶσαν δ., Mat.3:15; ζῆν τῇ δ., 1Pe.2:24; δ. θεοῦ, a righteousness divine in its character and origin, Mat.6:33, Jas.1:20, (where it also includes the idea of God's personal r.; see ICC, on Rom.1:17) Rom.1:17 3:5, 21-26 10:3, 2Co.5:21, Php.3:9; ἡ δ. τ. πίσιεως, Rom.4:11; ἡ ἐκ π. δ., Rom.9:30; ἡ κατὰ π. δ., Heb.11:7; opposite to this is ἡ ἐκ νόμου δ., Rom.10:5; ἡ δ. ἐν ν., Php.3:6; ἡ ἰδία δ., Rom.10:3, cf. Php.3:9 __2. In narrower sense (cf. δίκαιος), justice: Act.17:31, 2Pe.1:1, Rev.19:11 (DCG, ii, 529 ff.; Cremer, 190, 690). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 86 NT verses. KJV: righteousness See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; Luke 1:75; 1 Peter 2:24.

νηπιος nēpios G3516 "child" Adj-NSM

A child, or infant, is someone who is young and immature, as mentioned in Matthew 21:16 and 1 Corinthians 13:11. Figuratively, it can also mean being simple-minded or an immature Christian.

Definition: νήπιος, -α, -ον [in LXX chiefly for עוֹלֵל, also for פְּתִי, etc. ;] infant; of children and minors: Mat.21:16 (LXX), 1Co.13:11, Gal.4:1 (see Lft., in l). Metaphorical, childish, unskilled, simple (Psa.19:8, Pro.1:32 al.): Mat.11:25, Luk.10:21, Rom.2:20, Gal.4:3, Eph.4:14, 1Th.2:7 (WH, fox ἤπιοι); opposite to τέλειος, Heb.5:13; ν. ἐν Χριστῷ, 1Co.3:1.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: babe, child (+ -ish) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; Hebrews 5:13; Romans 2:20.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

Study Notes — Hebrews 5:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Hebrews 5:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 5:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 5:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 5:13
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 5:13
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13
Sermons on Hebrews 5:13

Context — Milk and Solid Food

11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. 12Although 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!

13For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.

14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Corinthians 14:20	Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
2	1 Peter 2:2	Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
3	2 Timothy 3:16	All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
4	Isaiah 28:9	Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast?
5	1 Corinthians 3:1	Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ.
6	Ephesians 4:14	Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
7	1 Corinthians 13:11	When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways.
8	2 Corinthians 3:9	For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness!
9	Psalms 119:123	My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise.
10	Matthew 11:25	At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.

Hebrews 5:13 Summary

[This verse is saying that if we are only learning the basic teachings of the Bible and not growing deeper in our understanding, we are like infants and are not mature in our faith. This is similar to what is said in 1 Peter 2:2, where it talks about desiring the pure milk of the word, so that we may grow up into salvation. We need to desire more than just the basics, and seek to grow in our understanding of God's Word, as encouraged in Psalm 119:97-100 where it talks about meditating on God's statutes and having more understanding than all his teachers.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'live on milk' in this verse?

To 'live on milk' means to be content with only the basic teachings of the Bible, not desiring to grow deeper in understanding and maturity, as seen in Hebrews 5:12 where it says they need milk, not solid food. This is similar to what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3:2, where he said he had to feed the Corinthians with milk, not solid food, because they were not yet ready for it.

What is the 'message of righteousness' referred to in this verse?

The 'message of righteousness' refers to the teachings of the Bible that help us understand how to live a righteous life, pleasing to God, as seen in Romans 1:17 where it talks about the righteousness of God being revealed from faith to faith. This message is what helps believers grow in maturity and distinguish good from evil, as mentioned in Hebrews 5:14.

Why is it important to move beyond 'milk' in our spiritual growth?

Moving beyond 'milk' is important because it allows us to grow in maturity and understanding, enabling us to discern good from evil, as stated in Hebrews 5:14. This growth is essential for effective service and teaching, as seen in Hebrews 5:12 where it says they ought to be teachers by this time.

How can I apply this verse to my own life?

You can apply this verse by recognizing your current level of spiritual maturity and seeking to grow deeper in your understanding of God's Word, as encouraged in 2 Timothy 2:15 to be a worker who correctly handles the word of truth. This involves reading and studying the Bible regularly, and seeking guidance from more mature believers, as seen in Hebrews 13:7 and 17 where it talks about obeying and submitting to your leaders.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be 'living on milk', and how can I start to move towards more solid food?
How can I balance the need for spiritual milk with the desire to grow in maturity and understanding?
What are some practical steps I can take to 'train my senses to distinguish good from evil', as mentioned in Hebrews 5:14?
How can I ensure that I am not becoming complacent in my spiritual growth, but instead continually seeking to deepen my understanding of God's Word?

Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 5:13

For everyone that useth milk,.... And sits down contented with the first principles of the Gospel, such as are easily taken in and digested; or makes use of the ceremonial law, as a schoolmaster to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 5:13

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13

The Spirit proves these Hebrews such infants by describing the state of them, and of their contrary, and tacitly applying it to them under a metaphor or allegory started by him before. For every one that useth milk; for, saith he, every one of you who take in nothing but the elements and weakest kind of doctrines, and can bear no other, have not digested the first principles of the oracles of God. Is unskilful in the word of righteousness; are apeirov, not truly knowing, not proving nor experiencing, never exercised or practised in, the word of righteousness, the gospel doctrine, which is in itself an eternal certain truth, the revelation of the righteousness of God to faith, ,17, and the instrumental conveyer of it to faith; a perfect rule of righteousness, making Christians conform exactly to the mind and will of God, and so reaching the state of strong and perfect ones, . For he is a babe; he is but a new-born Christian, a child in Christ’ s school, one that cannot be experienced in the perfections of God’ s word, because he is weak in knowledge, ignorant and unconstant like an infant, ; compare .

Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Ver. 13. In the word of righteousness] That is, in the more solid doctrine of the gospel concerning Christ, who is our righteousness.

Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13

(13) The change of expression from having need of milk to partaking of milk (that is, making it the solo food) is significant. Those who are addressed had lost interest in the deeper truths of Christianity, those truths which alone expressed and explained its proper nature. Their temptation apparently was towards mingling a rudimentary Christian doctrine with the teaching of the synagogue. Yielding to this they would lose all real Knowledge of the very elements of Christian truth, and with this all true knowledge of the Old Testament itself. The connection between this verse and the last may probably be, Ye have come to need milk, for—making it by choice your sole food—ye stand self-confessed as babes.Unskilful.—Rather, without experience. The “word of righteousness” evidently must signify complete, properly-developed Christian teaching. The only question is, Why is this particular designation chosen? In the Epistle to the Romans such a description would be natural (see especially Romans 1:17; Romans 9:31); but “righteousness” is not the direct and manifest subject of this Epistle. Still, the expressions of which the writer makes use in Hebrews 10:38; Hebrews 11:7, together with the general similarity between his teaching and St. Paul’s, go very far towards explaining his choice of this special expression as descriptive of the religion of Christ. In like manner another phrase, “law of liberty,” is characteristic of St. James.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13

Verse 13. For every one that useth milk] It is very likely that the apostle, by using this term, refers to the doctrines of the law, which were only the rudiments of religion, and were intended to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. The word of righteousness] αογοςδικαιοσυνης. The doctrine of justification. I believe this to be the apostle's meaning. He that uses milk-rests in the ceremonies and observances of the law, is unskilful in the doctrine of justification; for this requires faith in the sacrificial death of the promised Messiah.

Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 5:13

13. that useth milk] The meaning is “who feeds on milk.”unskilful] “Inexperienced.”for he is a babe] This is a frequent metaphor in St Paul, who also contrasts “babes” (nçpioi) with the mature (teleioi), Galatians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Ephesians 4:13-14. We are only to be “babes” in wickedness (1 Corinthians 14:20).the word of righteousness] i.e. the Scriptures, and especially the Gospel (see 2 Timothy 3:16; Romans 1:17, “therein is the righteousness of God revealed”).

Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 5:13

For every one that useth milk - Referring to the food of children.

Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 5:13

13. Every one that useth milk—The milk, or first principles, are indicated by specimens, in Hebrews 6:1-2. Is a babe—Spiritually ignorant and weak.

Sermons on Hebrews 5:13

	Sermon	Description
	Christian Maturity by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of applying the Word of God in our lives. He encourages Christians to mature in their faith by allowing the Word of God to sha
	Who Is Able to Stand? by Vernon Higham	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as God. He describes a vision from the book of Revelation where stars fall, the sky rolls up like
	Recalcitrant Reformation by Miles J. Stanford	Miles J. Stanford delves into the limitations of the Reformation, pointing out how theological development halted at Romans Five, emphasizing the need to move beyond legalistic doc
	(The Full Gospel) 1. the Full Gospel by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of not just preaching 'faith' but the full gospel, which includes repentance, faith, and the grace of God. He emphasizes the need for believer
	God's Vengeance on Evil Spirits by Robert B. Thompson	Robert B. Thompson preaches about the importance of moving from elementary teachings to maturity in Christ, focusing on repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrectio
	Reception Unsectarian by J.B. Stoney	The preacher delves into the concept of 'nepios' in the Bible, which refers to both physical and spiritual immaturity. This term is used to describe those lacking experience, untri
	St. Paul's Classification of the Corinthian Church in Two Classes. by Daniel Steele	Daniel Steele preaches on the distinction between the natural man, devoid of spiritual perception, and the spiritual man who has a clear understanding of divine realities. In 1 Cor