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1 Corinthians 3:2

1 Corinthians 3:2 in Multiple Translations

I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able to bear it: nay, not even now are ye able;

I gave you milk and not meat, because you were, then, unable to take it, and even now you are not able;

I gave you milk—I couldn't give you solid food to eat, because you weren't ready for it.

I gaue you milke to drinke, and not meat: for yee were not yet able to beare it, neither yet nowe are yee able.

with milk I fed you, and not with meat, for ye were not yet able, but not even yet are ye now able,

I fed you with milk, not with solid food, for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, you aren’t ready even now,

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it , neither yet now are ye able.

I gave you milk to drink, not meat; for you were not able as yet. But neither indeed are you now able; for you are yet carnal.

I did not teach you things that were difficult for you to understand, just like a woman does not give her baby solid food that the baby cannot chew and digest. And just like a woman ◄gives her baby milk/breast-feeds her baby►, I taught you simple spiritual concepts, because at that time you were not able to understand difficult things. And you are still not able to understand difficult concepts,

You know, babies can’t eat hard food. They can only drink milk. Well, that is a picture of you mob. I couldn’t teach you hard things. You couldn’t understand them. And even now you are not ready to listen to me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 3:2

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1 Corinthians 3:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK γαλα υμας εποτισα και ου βρωμα ουπω γαρ εδυνασθε αλλ ουτε ετι νυν δυνασθε
γαλα gala G1051 milk Noun-ASN
υμας su G4771 you Pron-2AP
εποτισα potizō G4222 to water Verb-AAI-1S
και kai G2532 and Conj
ου ou G3756 no Particle-N
βρωμα brōma G1033 food Noun-ASN
ουπω oupō G3768 not yet Adv-N
γαρ gar G1063 for Conj
εδυνασθε dunamai G1410 be able Verb-INI-2P
αλλ alla G235 but Conj
ουτε oute G3777 neither Conj-N
ετι eti G2089 still Adv
νυν nun G3568 now Adv
δυνασθε dunamai G1410 be able Verb-PNI-2P
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 3:2

γαλα gala G1051 "milk" Noun-ASN
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.
υμας su G4771 "you" Pron-2AP
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
εποτισα potizō G4222 "to water" Verb-AAI-1S
To water means to give someone or something drink, like in Matthew 25:35 where Jesus says giving a cup of water is a kind act. It can also mean to nurture or care for something, as in 1 Corinthians 3:6-8.
Definition: ποτίζω (πότος), [in LXX chiefly for שָׁקָה hi. ;] to give to drink: with accusative of person(s), Mat.25:35, 37 25:42 27:48, Mrk.15:36, Luk.13:15, Rom.12:20; with dupl. accusative, Mat.10:42, Mrk.9:41; fig., γάλα, 1Co.3:2; ἐκ τ. οἴνου Rev.14:8; of plants, to water (Xen., Strab., al.; Gen.13:10), figuratively, 1Co.3:6-8 Metaphorical (cf. Isa.29:10 Sir.15:3), of the Spirit, 1Co.12:13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: give (make) to drink, feed, water See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Mark 15:36; Revelation 14:8.
και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
ου ou G3756 "no" Particle-N
This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.
Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.
βρωμα brōma G1033 "food" Noun-ASN
This word refers to food, either physical or spiritual, as seen in Matthew 14:15 and John 4:34. It can describe everyday meals or special foods allowed or forbidden by Jewish law. This concept is also used to describe spiritual nourishment and growth.
Definition: βρῶμα, -τος, τό (cf. βιβρώσκω), [in LXX chiefly for אֹכֶל ;] food: Rom.14:15, 20 1Co.8:8, 13 10:3; pl., Mat.14:15, Mrk.7:19, Luk.3:11 9:13, 1Co.6:13, 1Ti.4:3, Heb.9:10 13:9; trop., of spiritual food, Jhn.4:34, 1Co.3:2 (cf. βρῶσις).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: meat, victuals See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 13:9; Hebrews 9:10.
ουπω oupō G3768 "not yet" Adv-N
Not yet means something has not happened, as in Matthew 24:6 and Mark 13:7. It can also be used with a negative, like in Mark 11:2. Jesus used it in John 2:4 and 3:24.
Definition: οὔπω neg. adv. of time, not yet: Mat.24:6, Mrk.13:7, Jhn.2:4 3:24 6:17, al.; with neg., Mrk.11:2, Luk.23:53; interrog., Mat.16:9, Mrk.4:40 8:17, 21 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 22 NT verses. KJV: hitherto not, (no…) as yet, not yet See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; John 8:20; Hebrews 2:8.
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.
εδυνασθε dunamai G1410 "be able" Verb-INI-2P
To be able or have power, as in Matthew 6:24 and Mark 2:7, meaning to have the capability or strength to do something.
Definition: δύναμαι, depon., [in LXX chiefly for יָכֹל ;] to be able, have power, whether by personal ability, permission, or opportunity: with inf. (M, Pr., 205; WM, §44, 3) pres., Mat.6:24, Mrk.2:7, Jhn.3:2, 1Co.10:21, al.; with inf. aor., Mat.3:9, Mrk.1:45, Jhn.3:3, 4 Rom.8:39, al.; with accusative, to be able to do something: Mrk.9:22, Luk.12:26; 2Co.13:8; absol., to be able, capable, powerful: 1Co.3:2 10:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 199 NT verses. KJV: be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power See also: 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 15:4; Hebrews 2:18.
αλλ alla G235 "but" Conj
But is a strong opposing word, used in Matthew 5:15 and John 7:16. It shows contrast or surprise, like in the phrase 'but God' in Romans 3:31.
Definition: ἀλλά (ἀλλ᾽ usually bef. α and υ, often bef. ε and η, rarely bef. ο and ω, never bef. ι; Tdf., Pr., 93 f.; WH, App., 146), adversative particle, stronger than δέ; prop. neuter pl. of ἄλλος, used adverbially, with changed accent; hence prop. otherwise, on the other hand (cf. Rom.3:31); __1. opposing a previous negation, but: οὐ (μὴ) . . . ἀ., Mat.5:15, 17 Mrk.5:39, Jhn.7:16, al.; rhetorically subordinating but not entirely negativing what precedes, οὐ . . . ἀ., not so much . . . as, Mrk.9:37, Mat.10:20, Jhn.12:44, al.; with ellipse of the negation, Mat.11:7-9, Act.19:2, 1Co.3:6 6:11 7:7, 2Co.7:1, Gal.2:3, al.; in opposition to a foregoing pos. sentence, ἀ. οὐ, Mat.24:6, 1Co.10:23; οὐ μόνον . . . ἀ. καί, Jhn.5:18, Rom.1:32, al.; elliptically, after a negation, ἀ. ἵνα, Mrk.14:49, Jhn.1:8 9:3, al.; = εἰ μή (Bl., §77, 13; M, Pr., 241; but cf. WM, §iii, 10), Mat.20:23, Mrk.4:22. __2. Without previous negation, to express opposition, interruption, transition, etc., but: Jhn.16:20 12:27, Gal.2:14; before commands or requests, Act.10:20 26:16, Mat.9:18, Mrk.9:22, al.; to introduce an accessory idea, 2Co.7:11; in the apodosis after a condition or concession with εἰ, ἐάν, εἴπερ, yet, still, at least, Mrk.14:29, 1Co.9:2, 2Co.4:16, Col.2:5, al.; after μέν, Act.4:17, Rom.14:20, 1Co.14:17; giving emphasis to the following clause, ἀλλ᾽ ἔρχεται ὥρα, yea, etc., Jhn.16:2; so with neg., ἀλλ᾽ οὐδέ, nay, nor yet, Luk.23:15. __3. Joined with other particles (a practice which increases in late writers; Simcox, LNT, 166), ἀ. γε, yet at least, Luk.24:21, 1Co.9:2; ἄ ἤ., save only, except, Luk.12:51, 2Co.1:13; ἀ. μὲν οὖν, Php.3:8 (on this usage, see MM, VGT, see word). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 1 Peter 1:15.
ουτε oute G3777 "neither" Conj-N
Neither means not one or the other, like when Jesus says we cannot serve two masters in Matthew 6:20 and Mark 12:25.
Definition: οὔτε negative particle, related to μήτε as οὐ to μή, and not, neither, nor: οὐδεὶς . . . οὔτε, Rev.5:4; οὐδὲ . . . οὔτε, Gal.1:12; οὔτε . . . καί, Jhn.4:11; after a question with μή interrog., Jas.3:12; οὔτε . . . οὔτε, neither . . . nor, Mat.6:20, Mrk.12:25, Jhn.4:21, Act.15:10, Rom.8:38-39, Gal.5:6, al (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 45 NT verses. KJV: neither, none, nor (yet), (no, yet) not, nothing See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; John 4:21; Revelation 3:15.
ετι eti G2089 "still" Adv
Still means something is ongoing or continues to happen, as seen in Mark 5:35 and 1 Corinthians 3:3. It can also mean yet or even, showing something is happening at the present time or will happen in the future.
Definition: ἔτι adv., yet, as yet, still; __1. of time; __(a) of the present (adhuc): Mrk.5:35, 1Co.3:3 15:17, Gal.1:10, al.; __(b) of the past, mostly with impf.: Mat.12:46, Luk.8:49 15:20, Jhn.20:1, Act.9:1, Rom.5:6, 8, 2Th.2:5, Heb.7:10 9:8, al.; __(with) of the future: Luk.1:15, 2Co.1:10; __(d) with a neg.: Mat.5:13, Luk.16:2 20:36, Heb.10:2, Rev.3:12 20:3, al. __2. Of degree, even, yet, still, further: with compar., Php.1:9, Heb.7:15; of what remains, Mrk.12:6, Jhn.4:35 7:33, al.; of what is added, Mat.18:16 26:65, Heb.11:32 12:26-27; of con­tinuance apart from the idea of time, Rom.3:7 6:2 9:19, Gal.5:11; ἔτι δἐ, Act.2:26 (LXX), Heb.11:36; ἔτι τε καί, Luk.14:26, Act.21:28 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 82 NT verses. KJV: after that, also, ever, (any) further, (t-)henceforth (more), hereafter, (any) longer, (any) more(-one), now, still, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Luke 18:22; Hebrews 7:10.
νυν nun G3568 "now" Adv
Now refers to the present time, as in John 4:18 and Romans 13:11. It's used to emphasize a current situation or action.
Definition: νῦν, adv., [in LXX chiefly for עַתָּה ;] __1. prop., of time, now, i.e. at the present time: as opposite to past, Jhn.4:18, Act.7:52, Rom.13:11, 2Co.7:9, Col.1:24, al.; opposite to fut., Jhn.12:27, Rom.11:31, al.; with art., ὁ (ἡ, τὸ) and subst., the present: Rom.3:26, Gal.4:25, 1Ti.6:17, Tit.2:12, al.; απὸ τοῦ ν. (LXX for מֵעַתָּה), Luk.1:48, Act.18:6, al.; ἄχρι τοῦ ν., Rom.8:22, Php.1:5; ἕως τοῦ ν. (LXX for עַד עַתָּה), Mat.24:21, Mrk.13:19; τὰ ν., as regards the present, Act.5:38; with pret., just now, but now, Mat.26:65, Jhn.11:8 21:10; with fut., now, presently, Jhn.12:31, Act.20:22; so with praes., presently, forthwith, Jhn.12:31 17:13; καὶ ν., Jhn.11:22 17:5, al.; ἀλλὰ ν., Luk.22:36; ἔτι ν., 1Co.3:2; τότε (πότε) . . . ν. (δέ), Rom.6:21 11:30; ν. ἤδη, 1Jn.4:3; ν. οὖν, Act.10:33, al. __2. Of logical sequence (often difficult to disting. from the temporal sense; cf. Lft., Notes, 113f.), now, therefore, now, however, as it is: Luk.11:39; καὶ ν., Act.3:17, 2Th.2:6, 1Jn.2:28; id. before δεῦρο, Act.7:34; ν. δέ, Jhn.8:40 9:41 15:22, 24, 18:36, 1Co.5:11 7:14 12:20, al. (cf. WM, 579.11). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 139 NT verses. KJV: henceforth, + hereafter, of late, soon, present, this (time) See also: 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 12:26; 1 Peter 1:12.
δυνασθε dunamai G1410 "be able" Verb-PNI-2P
To be able or have power, as in Matthew 6:24 and Mark 2:7, meaning to have the capability or strength to do something.
Definition: δύναμαι, depon., [in LXX chiefly for יָכֹל ;] to be able, have power, whether by personal ability, permission, or opportunity: with inf. (M, Pr., 205; WM, §44, 3) pres., Mat.6:24, Mrk.2:7, Jhn.3:2, 1Co.10:21, al.; with inf. aor., Mat.3:9, Mrk.1:45, Jhn.3:3, 4 Rom.8:39, al.; with accusative, to be able to do something: Mrk.9:22, Luk.12:26; 2Co.13:8; absol., to be able, capable, powerful: 1Co.3:2 10:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 199 NT verses. KJV: be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power See also: 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 15:4; Hebrews 2:18.

Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 3:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Hebrews 5:11–14 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. Although 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! For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
2 John 16:12 I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.
3 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

1 Corinthians 3:2 Summary

[The Apostle Paul is saying that he had to teach the Corinthian believers basic, simple truths about God because they were not yet ready for more complex and deeper teachings. This is like a baby who can only drink milk at first, but as they grow, they can start eating solid food. As believers, we need to grow in our understanding of God's Word, just like a child grows and develops physically, as seen in 1 Peter 2:2. We should strive to move from 'milk' to 'solid food' in our spiritual journey, just as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:6.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Apostle Paul mean by 'milk' and 'solid food' in this verse?

The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of 'milk' and 'solid food' to describe the spiritual nourishment he provided to the Corinthian believers, with 'milk' representing basic, foundational teachings and 'solid food' representing more mature, deeper truths, as seen in Hebrews 5:12-14.

Why did Paul say the Corinthian believers were 'not yet ready' for solid food?

Paul stated that the Corinthian believers were 'not yet ready' for solid food because they were still worldly and immature in their faith, as evidenced by the presence of jealousy and dissension among them, which is also warned against in James 3:14-16.

Is Paul implying that some believers will never be ready for 'solid food'?

No, Paul is not suggesting that some believers will never be ready for 'solid food', but rather that spiritual growth and maturity are necessary for believers to progress from 'milk' to 'solid food', as encouraged in 2 Peter 3:18.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives as believers?

We can apply this verse by recognizing our own spiritual maturity level and seeking to grow in our understanding of God's Word, as well as being patient with others who may not be at the same level of maturity, as seen in Romans 14:1-4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am still drinking 'milk' instead of eating 'solid food', and how can I pursue deeper spiritual growth?
  2. In what ways can I demonstrate patience and understanding towards fellow believers who may not be at the same level of spiritual maturity as myself?
  3. How can I discern whether I am ready for 'solid food' or if I still need 'milk' in my spiritual journey, and what role does prayer and self-reflection play in this process?
  4. What are some 'solid food' teachings that I have been neglecting or avoiding, and how can I make a conscious effort to pursue a deeper understanding of God's Word?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 3:2

I have fed you with milk,.... It is usual with the Jews to compare the law to milk, and they say (c), that "as milk strengthens and nourishes an infant, so the law strengthens and nourishes the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 3:2

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. Milk - the elementary "principles of the doctrine of Christ" (Hebrews 6:1).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:2

Milk signifies what the apostle to the Hebrews calls the first principles of the oracles of God, and so is opposed to sublime spiritual doctrines, here set out under the notion of meat; called strong meat, , fit for those of full age: as young children’ s stomachs will not endure strong meat, so neither are sublime spiritual mysteries fit for new converts, until they have senses exercised to discern good and evil; and therefore the apostle gives this as a reason, why he had not communicated the deep things of God to them, because as yet they had not been able to bear the notion of them, nor indeed were they yet able: it should seem that there were many in the church of Corinth, who though they were true Christians, yet were not grown and judicious Christians, but had great imperfections, as indeed it will further appear in this Epistle.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:2

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. Ver. 2. I have fed you with milk] Ministers must condescend to their hearers’ capacities, though they be slighted for so doing, as Paul was; or jeered, as Isaiah, Isaiah 28:9-10, for his "line upon line, precept upon precept," Kau lekau, and Zau lezau; the sound of the words carries a taunt, as scornful people by the tone of their voice and rhyming words, scorn at such as they despise.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:2

(2, 3) Neither yet now are ye able, for ye are yet carnal.—Better, but not even now are ye able, for ye are still carnal. It is for this absence of growth—for their continuing up to this time in the same condition—that the Apostle reproaches them; and he shows that the fault which they find with him for not having given them more advanced teaching really lies at their own door.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:2

Verse 2. I have fed you with milk.] I have instructed you in the elements of Christianity-in its simplest and easiest truths; because from the low state of your minds in religious knowledge, you were incapable of comprehending the higher truths of the Gospel: and in this state you will still continue. The apostle thus exposes to them the absurdity of their conduct in pretending to judge between preacher and preacher, while they had but a very partial acquaintance even with the first principles of Christianity.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 3:2

I have fed you with milk - Paul here continues the metaphor, which is derived from the custom of feeding infants with the lightest food.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 3:2

2. With milk… meat—By these terms is not meant the easier and the harder doctrines of theology, as foreknowledge and predestination, resurrection, etc.

Sermons on 1 Corinthians 3:2

SermonDescription
Jeff Noblit Preaching a Watered Down Gospel - Part 1 by Jeff Noblit This sermon delves into the concept of the 'Milky Way' as an idol of shallow principles in Christianity, emphasizing the danger of glorifying shallowness doctrinally and condemning
Brian Brodersen (1 Corinthians) Overview to Chapter 4 by Brian Brodersen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the larger argument and thought patterns in the Bible, rather than getting caught up in individual verses. He
William MacDonald Cmml Missionary Conference 1995-09 Marks of Spirituality by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a spiritual person who looks at life through the eyes of faith. The spiritual man or woman has a passion for souls an
F.B. Meyer Four Characteristics of the Carnal Life. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer discusses the four characteristics of the carnal life, emphasizing that a carnal Christian remains in a state of spiritual infancy, relying on others for spiritual nouri
G.D. Watson Liquid and Solid Food by G.D. Watson G.D. Watson preaches on the concept of spiritual perfection as described in Hebrews 5, emphasizing the difference between feeding on liquid (milk) and solid (meat) food, symbolizin
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 131 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches on the importance of humility and faithfulness in the Body of Christ, emphasizing the need to pray in the peace of the Church and unity of Christ's Body to b
Norman Grubb Maturity by Norman Grubb Norman Grubb emphasizes the importance of moving from mere mental understanding to experiential knowledge in our spiritual journey. He highlights the challenge of transitioning fro

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