Hebrews 5:11 – “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks a shift in the tone of the letter to the Hebrews. After speaking about the deep truths of Jesus being our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, the writer pauses. He says, in effect, “There’s so much more I want to explain, but you’re not ready to hear it.” Why? Because the people had stopped trying to understand. Their minds and hearts had grown dull or sluggish.
This isn’t a lack of intelligence-it’s a lack of effort. The issue isn’t that the teaching is too complicated; it’s that the people have become spiritually lazy. The writer is urging them to wake up and grow in their understanding of God’s Word and His ways. They were spiritually stuck, and the writer is lovingly calling them to press forward.
Historical Context
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were struggling in their faith. Some were tempted to turn back to old religious practices. Others were worn down by persecution. Their passion and hunger for spiritual truth had started to fade. Instead of growing deeper in their understanding of Jesus, they were drifting backward.
This verse likely reflects the writer’s concern that the people weren’t maturing in their faith. At a time when they should have been digging deeper, they were content with shallow understanding. The teachings about Melchizedek, Jesus‘ priesthood, and eternal salvation were rich and meaningful-but the people weren’t pressing in to grasp them.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that spiritual growth isn’t automatic. It requires effort, desire, and a heart that seeks God. It’s possible for people to hear the truth over and over and still not grow if they’re not truly listening.
It also reminds us that God has deeper things He wants to reveal to us, but we need to be willing learners. If our hearts grow dull or if we stop trying to understand, we can miss out on what God wants to teach us.
Literary Analysis
The sentence is straightforward but pointed. The phrase “much to say about this” shows the writer’s eagerness to go deeper into spiritual truths. “But it is hard to make it clear” suggests that the difficulty lies not in the content itself, but in the audience’s ability or willingness to receive it.
The most important phrase here is “you no longer try to understand.” It shows that the problem isn’t intellectual-it’s spiritual. The original Greek suggests that they had become “dull of hearing,” meaning sluggish, slow, or lazy in their listening. This is a gentle rebuke, meant to shake them out of complacency.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Hebrews 2:1 – “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
- Matthew 13:15 – “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears…”
- Proverbs 4:7 – “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
- 2 Timothy 4:3–4 – A time will come when people won’t put up with sound teaching, but will turn away from the truth.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a loving warning to believers today. It challenges us to keep growing in our faith and not settle for surface-level knowledge. It’s easy to become passive-going to church, hearing sermons, reading the Bible-but never really digging in.
God wants us to hunger for truth and keep pressing forward in spiritual understanding. If we stop trying to grow, we don’t stay the same-we actually begin to drift. This verse reminds us to stay spiritually awake and eager to learn more about who God is and what He’s done through Jesus.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the way He speaks honestly with His people. He doesn’t flatter us or leave us in our spiritual laziness. He corrects and warns us because He wants us to grow. Just like a loving parent doesn’t let a child remain immature forever, God pushes us toward maturity.
This verse shows that God has much to say to us-He wants to reveal deeper things. But He waits for us to be ready. That’s a patient and loving Father.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The “much to say” in this verse refers to the deeper teaching about Jesus-especially His role as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. The writer wants to explain more about who Jesus is, what He’s done, and how He continues to serve on our behalf. But the listeners aren’t ready, because they’ve stopped seeking understanding.
Jesus is always worth knowing more deeply. He is not only our Savior but also our Priest, our Advocate, our King. If we stop trying to grow in our understanding of Him, we miss the fullness of what God has given us in Christ.
- Colossians 2:2–3 – “Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
- John 16:12–13 – Jesus told His disciples there was more He wanted to say, but they weren’t ready yet.
- Hebrews 6:1 – “Let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt like your spiritual growth has slowed down or stalled?
- What does it mean to “try to understand” the things of God? How do we do that?
- Why do you think the writer was eager to teach more about Melchizedek and Jesus’ priesthood?
- How can you keep your heart soft and your mind hungry for God’s truth?
- Is there anything in your life that’s making it hard to hear or understand God’s Word right now?