Hebrews 5:12 – “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse is a clear and firm wake-up call. The writer is telling the believers that, by now, they should be spiritually mature enough to teach others. But instead, they still need to be taught the basics all over again. The phrase “elementary truths” refers to the foundational teachings of the Christian faith-things like repentance, faith, forgiveness, and salvation.
The comparison between “milk” and “solid food” paints a vivid picture. Milk is for babies. It’s simple, easy to digest, and basic. Solid food is for the mature-those who are ready for deeper understanding and more responsibility. The writer is saying, “You should be grown by now, but you’re still acting like infants in the faith.”
This isn’t said to shame them, but to urge them forward. God doesn’t want His people to stay in spiritual infancy. He wants them to grow in their knowledge, obedience, and ability to help others.
Historical Context
The audience of Hebrews was made up of Jewish believers who were going through hard times. Many were tempted to fall back into old religious routines instead of pressing forward in their faith in Christ. Some had become sluggish in their spiritual growth. They had heard the gospel, accepted it, but had not matured.
In the early church, it was expected that over time, Christians would grow and begin to teach and serve others. That doesn’t mean everyone would stand behind a pulpit, but every believer should be able to explain their faith, encourage others, and share biblical truth.
The writer of Hebrews is saying that too many of them had become spiritually passive-still needing to be fed when they should be feeding others.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that spiritual growth is not optional-it’s expected. God saves us by grace, but He also calls us to grow in understanding, character, and usefulness. The Christian life is not just about staying saved-it’s about becoming mature in Christ.
It also shows that there’s a danger in staying spiritually immature. If we don’t grow, we become vulnerable to confusion, discouragement, and even falling away. The goal is not just to receive truth but to be able to pass it on to others.
Literary Analysis
This verse is direct and convicting. It contrasts what “ought to be” with what actually is. The phrase “by this time” suggests that enough time has passed for growth to have taken place-but it hasn’t. The use of “milk” and “solid food” is a classic image used throughout Scripture to show the difference between the basics and the deeper teachings of God’s Word.
The tone is firm but caring. The writer is not giving up on the readers; he’s pushing them to move forward, like a coach urging someone off the sidelines and into the game.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 3:1–2 – Paul says he gave the Corinthians milk, not solid food, because they were still worldly and not ready.
- 1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
- Colossians 1:28 – Paul says he teaches so that every believer may be presented mature in Christ.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 – Timothy is instructed to teach others who will also be able to teach others.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse challenges modern believers not to stay stuck in the basics. It’s a call to grow-to know the Word of God deeply, to live it out, and to be able to help others understand it too. Spiritual maturity isn’t just for pastors or scholars. It’s for every follower of Jesus.
If you’ve been a believer for a while, this verse asks you: Are you growing? Are you moving toward maturity? Are you helping others grow, or are you still needing the same lessons over and over again?
It also reminds us to be patient with new believers-everyone starts with milk-but we shouldn’t stay there forever. God calls us to grow.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love doesn’t stop at saving us. He wants us to grow, to be strong, and to be useful in His kingdom. Just like a loving parent wants their child to grow up healthy and mature, God wants us to grow spiritually. He’s not satisfied with us just knowing a few verses or basic ideas-He wants us to know Him deeply and be equipped for every good work.
This verse is a sign of that love. God doesn’t leave us in immaturity. He calls us to more because He knows what’s best for us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is not only our Savior; He is also our Teacher and example. He didn’t just call people to follow Him-He trained them, corrected them, and helped them grow. His followers didn’t stay the same. Over time, He taught them deeper truths and prepared them to teach others.
This verse points us back to Jesus as the one we’re growing to be like. Spiritual maturity means becoming more like Him-thinking, loving, and living the way He did.
- Ephesians 4:13 – We are to grow “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature.”
- Luke 6:40 – “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some signs that someone is growing in spiritual maturity?
- Why do you think the writer of Hebrews was frustrated with the believers’ lack of growth?
- How do you respond when God calls you to go deeper in your faith?
- Are there any areas in your life where you’re still relying on “milk” when you could be growing in “solid food”?
- How can you take steps to grow and help others grow in their faith?