Hebrews 5:13
Verse
Context
Milk and Solid Food
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.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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 - Αογος δικαιοσυνης· 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
useth--Greek, "partaketh," that is, taketh as his portion. Even strong men partake of milk, but do not make milk their chief, much less their sole, diet. the word of righteousness--the Gospel wherein "the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith" (Rom 1:17), and which is called "the ministration of righteousness" (Co2 3:9). This includes the doctrine of justification and sanctification: the first principles, as well as the perfection, of the doctrine of Christ: the nature of the offices and person of Christ as the true Melchisedec, that is, "King of righteousness" (compare Mat 3:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,.... Or perfect; see Co1 2:6. This does not intend a perfection of justification; for though some have a greater degree of faith than others, and a clearer discovery of their justification, yet babes in Christ are as perfectly justified as more grown and experienced believers; nor a perfection of sanctification, for there is no perfection of holiness but in Christ; and though the work of sanctification may be in greater perfection in one saint than in another, yet all are imperfect in this life; and as to a perfection of parts, babes have this as well as adult persons: but it designs a perfection of knowledge; for though none are entirely perfect, yet some have arrived to a greater degree of the knowledge of Gospel mysteries than others, and to these the strong meat of the Gospel belongs; they are capable of understanding the more mysterious parts of the Gospel; of searching into the deep things of God; and of receiving and digesting the more sublime truths of the Christian religion: even those who by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil; that is, their spiritual senses, the internal senses of the understanding and judgment, signified by external ones; as by seeing the Son; hearing the voice of Christ; savouring or smelling a sweet odour in the things of God, and Christ; tasting that the Lord is gracious; feeling and handling the word of life, as these are held forth in the everlasting Gospel: and these being exercised on their proper object, by use, an habit is contracted; and such are qualified for discerning, as between moral good and evil, and the worse and better state of the church, and between law and Gospel, so between the doctrines of Christ, and the doctrines of men; who find they differ: the doctrines of Christ such experienced persons find to be good, wholesome, nourishing, and salutary; and the doctrines of men to be evil, to eat, as does a canker, and to be pernicious, poisonous, and damnable; and the discernment they make, and the judgment they form, are not according to the dictates of carnal reason, but according to the Scriptures of truth, and their own experience. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6
Hebrews 5:13
Milk and Solid Food
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Who Is Able to Stand?
By Vernon Higham39956:00Christian LifeMAT 6:33HEB 5:13REV 6:12REV 6:14In 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 a scroll, and land masses move, illustrating the terrifying events that will occur in the end times. The preacher compares the fleeting nature of our lives to the ebb and flow of the tide, highlighting the brevity of our existence. He urges the congregation, especially the young people, to consider their spiritual standing before God and not be deceived by worldly things. The sermon concludes with a reference to Revelation 6:17, emphasizing the need for individuals to examine their relationship with God.
God's Vengeance on Evil Spirits
By Robert B. Thompson0PSA 107:1ISA 61:2LUK 4:18HEB 5:13HEB 6:1REV 21:8Robert B. Thompson preaches about the importance of moving from elementary teachings to maturity in Christ, focusing on repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. He emphasizes the spiritual fulfillment of the last three feasts of the Lord, symbolizing the coming of Jesus, removal of enemies, and God dwelling in believers. Thompson discusses redemption as being rescued from Satan's possession and preserved in God's Presence for fellowship and service in His Kingdom. He delves into the concept of Divine vengeance on wicked spirits, the distinction between judgment and vengeance, and the necessity of being redeemed from Satan to serve God.
What Are You Doing Out There?
By Eli Brayley0MAT 7:24ROM 13:11HEB 5:13HEB 12:4Eli Brayley challenges believers to consider their readiness to stand up for Jesus in the face of increasing pressure against God and His Word, urging them to be prepared to identify with Christ even in the darkest hours. Drawing from the example of Stephen, the first Church martyr, he emphasizes the importance of dying to self now to be prepared for any future sacrifice, highlighting that true strength comes from surrendering to God's will. By encouraging believers to build their foundation on the rock of Christ's teachings, he stresses the importance of obedience and action in the midst of trials and tribulations.
Not for Babies
By David Wilkerson0Righteousness in ChristSpiritual MaturityHEB 5:13David Wilkerson emphasizes that understanding God's justification is essential for mature believers, as many Christians remain spiritually immature, only grasping the basics of forgiveness. He compares spiritual immaturity to infants who rely on milk, highlighting that such believers live in fear of their salvation and lack peace with God. Wilkerson urges believers to move beyond the basics and embrace the deeper truths of Christ's righteousness, which provides security and victory over fear. He warns that without this understanding, believers are vulnerable to the devil's lies and cannot fully obey God. Ultimately, he asserts that true righteousness comes solely from Jesus Christ, not from our own efforts.
Take Heed What You Read
By A.W. Pink0Spiritual NourishmentDiscernmentJOB 34:3PSA 42:1PSA 119:35JER 2:13MRK 4:24ROM 8:5EPH 1:19COL 4:61TH 1:5HEB 5:13A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of discerning what we read and hear, urging believers to be vigilant about the spiritual nourishment they consume. He draws parallels between physical food and spiritual food, warning that just as unhealthy food can harm the body, unspiritual messages can damage the soul. Pink encourages Christians to develop their spiritual senses to distinguish between messages that are filled with the Holy Spirit and those that are lifeless and unctionless. He stresses that true religion is the life of God in the soul, and only messages that carry divine power can truly benefit the believer. Ultimately, he calls for a rejection of empty teachings and a pursuit of the life-giving Word of God.
St. Paul's Classification of the Corinthian Church in Two Classes.
By Daniel Steele01CO 2:131CO 3:3PHP 2:20HEB 5:13Daniel 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 Corinthians, St. Paul encounters a challenge in classifying the Corinthian church, as they are described as babes in Christ with a low level of spiritual life yet sanctified in Jesus Christ. While the Corinthians show signs of transformation and enrichment in spiritual gifts, their spirituality is tainted with carnality, leading St. Paul to address them as 'carnal' due to lingering perversity and uncrucified works of the flesh.
Reception Unsectarian
By J.B. Stoney0MAT 11:251CO 3:1GAL 4:1EPH 4:14HEB 5:13The 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, untried, ignorant, or simple-minded, particularly in the context of Gentiles. The Apostle Paul and other biblical writers use 'nepios' to highlight the need for believers to grow in spiritual maturity, moving from being infants in Christ to spiritually mature individuals who can handle solid spiritual food.
(The Full Gospel) 1. the Full Gospel
By Zac Poonen0ACT 20:21ROM 8:31CO 2:2EPH 5:31HEB 5:13HEB 6:11JN 4:16Zac 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 believers to progress beyond the basics of salvation and baptism to experience the baptism in the Holy Spirit and to enter into the Most Holy Place, symbolizing dwelling in God's presence and partaking of His nature of love. Poonen highlights the journey from the outer court (salvation) to the holy place (baptism in the Holy Spirit) and finally to the most holy place (divine nature), urging believers to crucify their self-will daily and walk in obedience like Jesus did.
Christian Fellowship
By Thomas Reade0JHN 13:35ROM 12:91CO 13:4EPH 4:15COL 3:141TH 4:9HEB 5:131PE 3:82PE 1:7REV 3:10Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of Christian fellowship, emphasizing the unity, love, and harmony that should exist among believers. He highlights the beauty and blessedness of Christian love as a reflection of discipleship to Jesus. Despite the challenges and imperfections within the church, Reade encourages believers to strive for maturity in Christian experience and ripeness in Christian graces, aiming for consistency and sincerity in their walk with God. He concludes with a call to embrace the communion of saints, finding joy in the everlasting bond of Christian friendship and the promise of perfect unity in the presence of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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 - Αογος δικαιοσυνης· 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
useth--Greek, "partaketh," that is, taketh as his portion. Even strong men partake of milk, but do not make milk their chief, much less their sole, diet. the word of righteousness--the Gospel wherein "the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith" (Rom 1:17), and which is called "the ministration of righteousness" (Co2 3:9). This includes the doctrine of justification and sanctification: the first principles, as well as the perfection, of the doctrine of Christ: the nature of the offices and person of Christ as the true Melchisedec, that is, "King of righteousness" (compare Mat 3:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age,.... Or perfect; see Co1 2:6. This does not intend a perfection of justification; for though some have a greater degree of faith than others, and a clearer discovery of their justification, yet babes in Christ are as perfectly justified as more grown and experienced believers; nor a perfection of sanctification, for there is no perfection of holiness but in Christ; and though the work of sanctification may be in greater perfection in one saint than in another, yet all are imperfect in this life; and as to a perfection of parts, babes have this as well as adult persons: but it designs a perfection of knowledge; for though none are entirely perfect, yet some have arrived to a greater degree of the knowledge of Gospel mysteries than others, and to these the strong meat of the Gospel belongs; they are capable of understanding the more mysterious parts of the Gospel; of searching into the deep things of God; and of receiving and digesting the more sublime truths of the Christian religion: even those who by reason of use, have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil; that is, their spiritual senses, the internal senses of the understanding and judgment, signified by external ones; as by seeing the Son; hearing the voice of Christ; savouring or smelling a sweet odour in the things of God, and Christ; tasting that the Lord is gracious; feeling and handling the word of life, as these are held forth in the everlasting Gospel: and these being exercised on their proper object, by use, an habit is contracted; and such are qualified for discerning, as between moral good and evil, and the worse and better state of the church, and between law and Gospel, so between the doctrines of Christ, and the doctrines of men; who find they differ: the doctrines of Christ such experienced persons find to be good, wholesome, nourishing, and salutary; and the doctrines of men to be evil, to eat, as does a canker, and to be pernicious, poisonous, and damnable; and the discernment they make, and the judgment they form, are not according to the dictates of carnal reason, but according to the Scriptures of truth, and their own experience. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6