Newborn (738) (artigennetos from arti, an adverb of time = now, newly, recently + gennetos = begotten, born) is literally one just born, lately born and so newborn. It refers to a child at birth or of tender years and in context could refer to new converts or it could simply refer to how any convert should approach the "pure milk" of God's Word. Peter uses this figurative language to give the readers the mental picture of infants craving nourishment, for anyone who has been a parent or had a baby sibling knows how newborn babies vocally and ardently express their desire to be fed regularly. In fact, newborn babies act as if their life depends on the next feeding, an attitude that should be true of believers, for Jesus Himself clearly stated that... Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4) (Amplified Version) Comment: Jesus is quoting (Dt 8:3, context Dt 8:1, 2, 3, 4, 5) to emphasize that it is not food that is the most necessary part of life, but instead it is the creative, energizing, and sustaining power of God's Word that is the only real source of man’s existence. In Moses' last words to the children of Israel just before they crossed the Jordan River to possess their possessions (what God had already declared was their inheritance), he made this profound statement ... "Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today, which you shall command your sons to observe carefully, even all the words of this law. For it (the Word) is not an idle (empty, vain) Word for you; indeed it (the Word) is your life. And by this Word you shall prolong your days in the land, which you are about to cross the Jordan to possess." (Deuteronomy 32:46, 47) The NLT paraphrases Deuteronomy 32:47 as... These instructions are not mere words--they are your life! (Comment: How important in the success of Israel was the pure milk of the Word and obedience to that Word?) Job had come to the understanding of the importance of God's Word for his sustenance (which I believe was one reason he was able to endure such profound losses and afflictions) declaring... I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." (Job 23:12-note) (Bolding added) Comment: Read over Job's affirmation slowly and ask yourself What is more important to me? God's Word or _______! Take a moment before God and "fill in the blank" -- my job, my exercise, my hobby, my favorite television show, time with my family, etc "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/1peter_verse_by_verse_21-12.htm#newborn