CINXE.COM
Hebrews 5:11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 5:11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/5-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/58_Heb_05_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 5:11 - Warning against Drifting Away" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/hebrews/5-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/hebrews/5-11.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/hebrews/">Hebrews</a> > <a href="/hebrews/5.htm">Chapter 5</a> > Verse 11</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/hebrews/5-10.htm" title="Hebrews 5:10">◄</a> Hebrews 5:11 <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm" title="Hebrews 5:12">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/hebrews/5.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/hebrews/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/hebrews/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Concerning this <i>there is</i> much speech from us, and difficult in interpretation to speak, since you have become sluggish in the hearings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/hebrews/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/hebrews/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/hebrews/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Concerning him we have much to say, and <i>it is</i> difficult to explain, since you have become poor listeners.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/hebrews/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/hebrews/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Concerning him we have much to say, and <i>it is</i> hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/hebrews/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Concerning him we have much to say, and <i>it is</i> hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/hebrews/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull <i>and</i> sluggish in [your spiritual] hearing <i>and</i> disinclined to listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/hebrews/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We have a great deal to say about this, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/hebrews/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We have a great deal to say about this, and it’s difficult to explain, since you have become too lazy to understand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/hebrews/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/hebrews/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Much more could be said about this subject. But it is hard to explain, and all of you are slow to understand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/hebrews/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/hebrews/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We have a lot to explain about this. But since you have become too lazy to pay attention, explaining it to you is hard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/hebrews/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There is much we have to say about this matter, but it is hard to explain to you, because you are so slow to understand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/hebrews/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is difficult to explain because you have become too lazy to understand. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/hebrews/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/hebrews/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />On this topic we have much to say and it is difficult to explain, since you have become sluggish in hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/hebrews/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />About him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/hebrews/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Concerning Him we have much to say, and much that it would be difficult to make clear to you, since you have become so dull of apprehension.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/hebrews/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />About him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/hebrews/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />concerning the Word, of whom we have much [to speak], and of hard explanation to say, since you have become dull of hearing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/hebrews/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Concerning this <i>there is</i> much speech from us, and difficult in interpretation to speak, since you have become sluggish in the hearings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/hebrews/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> concerning whom we have much discourse and of hard explanation to say, since ye have become dull of hearing,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/hebrews/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Of whom great is the word to us, and difficult of interpretation to speak, since ye have been sluggish in the hearing.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/hebrews/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Of whom we have much to say, and hard to be intelligibly uttered: because you are become weak to hear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/hebrews/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Our message about him is great, and difficult to explain when speaking, because you have been made feeble when listening.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/hebrews/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />About this we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, for you have become sluggish in hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />About this we have much to say that is hard to explain, since you have become dull in understanding.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now concerning this very Mel-chis'edec, we have much to say, but it is difficult to explain because you are dull of comprehension.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But about this Melchizedek we have much to say, but it is hard to explain it because you have bad hearing.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/hebrews/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Of him we have many things to say, and difficult to be explained, if we do say them, since you are slow in understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/hebrews/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Concerning whom there is much word to us, and difficult to speak, since you are dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/hebrews/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Concerning whom we have much to discourse, and of difficult interpretation to explain, seeing ye are dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/hebrews/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />On this head we have many things to say, not easily to be comprehended, because of your prejudices.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/hebrews/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Concerning Him we have much to say, and much that it would be difficult to make clear to you, since you have become so dull of apprehension.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/hebrews/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Concerning Whom we have much to say and difficult to explain, since ye have become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/hebrews/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Concerning whom we have much to say and difficult to be explained, since ye are become dull of hearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/hebrews/5-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=751" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm">Warning against Drifting Away</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10</span>and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek. <span class="reftext">11</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">We have</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: polys (Adj-NMS) -- Much, many; often. ">much</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logos (N-NMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">to say</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: Peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hou (RelPro-GMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">this,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but it is</a> <a href="/greek/1421.htm" title="1421: dysermēneutos (Adj-NMS) -- Difficult to interpret, hard to be understood. From dus- and a presumed derivative of hermeneuo; difficult of explanation.">hard to explain,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legein (V-PNA) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. "></a> <a href="/greek/1893.htm" title="1893: epei (Conj) -- Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.">because</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegonate (V-RIA-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">you are</a> <a href="/greek/3576.htm" title="3576: nōthroi (Adj-NMP) -- Blunt, dull, hence spiritually; sluggish, remiss, slack. From a derivative of nothos; sluggish, i.e. lazy, or stupid.">dull</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/189.htm" title="189: akoais (N-DFP) -- Hearing, faculty of hearing, ear; report, rumor. From akouo; hearing.">hearing.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">12</span>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!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-2</a></span><br />Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. / I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">2 Peter 3:16</a></span><br />He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-15</a></span><br />This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/8-17.htm">Mark 8:17-18</a></span><br />Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts? / ‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-12.htm">John 16:12</a></span><br />I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6</a></span><br />Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a></span><br />Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a></span><br />Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a></span><br />For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-10.htm">Jeremiah 6:10</a></span><br />To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a></span><br />“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-26.htm">Acts 28:26-27</a></span><br />‘Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” / For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-5.htm">Romans 2:5</a></span><br />But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a></span><br />as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing.</p><p class="hdg">we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/10-1.htm">1 Kings 10:1</a></b></br> And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to prove him with hard questions.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-6.htm">John 6:6</a></b></br> And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-12.htm">John 16:12</a></b></br> I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.</p><p class="hdg">dull.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Isaiah 6:10</a></b></br> Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15</a></b></br> For this people's heart is waxed gross, and <i>their</i> ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with <i>their</i> eyes, and hear with <i>their</i> ears, and should understand with <i>their</i> heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/8-17.htm">Mark 8:17,18,21</a></b></br> And when Jesus knew <i>it</i>, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet hardened? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Apprehension</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">Dull</a> <a href="/acts/11-4.htm">Explain</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Explanation</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-7.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-2.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-28.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Interpreted</a> <a href="/titus/3-14.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-8.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-9.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-7.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/10-27.htm">Apprehension</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-17.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-18.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/numbers/23-7.htm">Discourse</a> <a href="/genesis/49-12.htm">Dull</a> <a href="/revelation/17-7.htm">Explain</a> <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">Explanation</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/james/1-19.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/genesis/40-8.htm">Interpret</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-2.htm">Interpretation</a> <a href="/genesis/40-16.htm">Interpreted</a> <a href="/revelation/14-3.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">Slow</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-9.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Uttered</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-17.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">The honor of our Savior's priesthood.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Negligence in the knowledge thereof is reproved.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/5.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>We have much to say about this</b><br>The author of Hebrews indicates a wealth of information and teaching that could be shared. This suggests a deep and complex understanding of the subject at hand, likely referring to the priesthood of Christ in the order of Melchizedek, as discussed in the surrounding passages. This priesthood is a significant theme in Hebrews, connecting Jesus to Old Testament figures and prophecies, such as <a href="/psalms/110-4.htm">Psalm 110:4</a>, which speaks of a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.<p><b>but it is hard to explain</b><br>The difficulty in explanation is not due to the complexity of the subject alone but also the spiritual maturity of the audience. The author is addressing believers who should be advancing in their understanding of spiritual truths. This reflects a common theme in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to grow in knowledge and maturity, as seen in passages like <a href="/1_corinthians/3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-2</a> and <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14-15</a>.<p><b>because you are dull of hearing</b><br>"Dull of hearing" implies a spiritual sluggishness or lack of receptivity to deeper truths. This condition is not due to a physical inability but a spiritual one, where the audience has become complacent or resistant to further teaching. This echoes the warnings found in other parts of Hebrews, such as <a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm">Hebrews 3:7-8</a>, which cautions against hardening one's heart. The cultural context of the time, with pressures from both Jewish and pagan influences, may have contributed to this spiritual dullness, as believers struggled to maintain their faith amidst external challenges.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author is addressing Jewish Christians.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a></b><br>The primary audience of the letter, who were familiar with Jewish traditions and the Old Testament.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/melchizedek.htm">Melchizedek</a></b><br>Mentioned earlier in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm">Hebrews 5</a>, a priestly figure from the Old Testament, symbolizing a type of Christ.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure of the New Testament, whose priesthood is being compared to that of Melchizedek.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The broader context in which the letter was circulated, dealing with issues of faith and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a></b><br>Believers are called to grow in their understanding of God's word, moving beyond elementary teachings to deeper truths.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_listening.htm">Active Listening</a></b><br>Spiritual growth requires active engagement with Scripture, not just passive hearing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Evaluate your spiritual condition to ensure you are not becoming "dull of hearing."<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_wisdom.htm">Pursuit of Wisdom</a></b><br>Seek wisdom and understanding through prayer, study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_teach.htm">Encouragement to Teach</a></b><br>Mature believers should be able to teach others, sharing the deeper truths of the faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_spiritual_covering.htm">What does the Bible say about spiritual covering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_spiritual_apathy.htm">What defines spiritual apathy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_heb._6_1_contradict_jesus's_focus.htm">Hebrews 6:1: Does the call to move beyond “elementary doctrines” contradict Jesus’s repeated focus on foundational teachings like repentance and faith? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_heb._6_4-6_align_with_grace.htm">Hebrews 6:4–6: If repentance becomes “impossible” for those who fall away, how does that align with the Bible’s broader message of limitless grace and forgiveness? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) <span class= "bld">Of whom.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">of which</span> (subject), "Christ made High Priest after the order of Melchizedek."<p><span class= "bld">Hard to be uttered.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">hard of interpretation, seeing ye have become sluggish in hearing.</span> Their faculty of "hearing" had once been acute, and then few words and little explanation, even on such a subject as this, would have sufficed; now there has come upon them a lack of interest, and with this a want of power.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11</span> - <a href="/hebrews/7-1.htm">Hebrews 7:1</a>. - This is the long admonitory digression (see under ver. 1) felt by the writer to be necessary before his exposition of <span class="greek">κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχιζεδέκ</span>. He is entering on a new theme, higher and less level to the comprehension of his readers than any that has gone before. Even so far, we have seen how their Jewish prejudices had evoked admonitions, frequently interposed in the course of the argument. Much more so now, when it is to be shown how the priesthood of Christ not only fulfils the idea of, but also supersedes, that of the sons of Aaron, being of a different order from theirs. The region of thought to be entered now, being that of "<span class="accented">the</span> mystery of Christ," transcends more than any that has been so far entered the ordinary conceptions of traditional Judaism. Hence the writer's shrinking from entering all at once on the subject for fear of not being even understood; hence his earnest warnings to his readers as to the necessity of advancing to the state of full-grown Christians who can discern spiritual things. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11</span> - <a href="/hebrews/6-20.htm">Hebrews 6:20</a>. - INTERPOSED EXHORTATION. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Of whom</span> (the most obvious antecedent being Melchizedek, but with regard to his typical significance, as referred to in <a href="/psalms/110.htm">Psalm 110</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">we have many things to say</span> (the subject itself admits a lengthy exposition) and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become (not, as in A.V., "ye are") dull of hearing, Their dullness is the reason of the <span class="greek">λόγος</span> being <span class="greek">δυσερμήνευτος</span>. It was not that the subject was in itself inexplicable, or that the writer was incompetent to explain it; his difficulty was in adapting the interpretation to the capacity of his readers: "Non scribentis, sed vestro vitio" (Bengel). It seems from <span class="greek">γεγόνατε</span> ("ye are become"), in this and the following verse, that the Hebrew Christians had even retrograded in spiritual perception. This is easily conceivable. As, through the teaching of St. Paul especially, the tie between Christianity and Judaism became more and more broken, there was likely to be a certain reaction among the Hebrew Christians, who, having gone to a certain extent with the tide of thought, became conscious how far it was carrying them. They would be inclined to cling the more fondly to their old associations from the fear of losing them altogether. Such retrogressions have been observable in other times of upheaval of old ideas. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/hebrews/5-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">We [have]</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">much</span><br /><span class="grk">πολὺς</span> <span class="translit">(polys)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many; often. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to say</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγος</span> <span class="translit">(logos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about</span><br /><span class="grk">Περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(Peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[this],</span><br /><span class="grk">οὗ</span> <span class="translit">(hou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but it is]</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">hard to explain,</span><br /><span class="grk">δυσερμήνευτος</span> <span class="translit">(dysermēneutos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1421.htm">Strong's 1421: </a> </span><span class="str2">Difficult to interpret, hard to be understood. From dus- and a presumed derivative of hermeneuo; difficult of explanation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπεὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of time: when, after; of cause: since, because; otherwise: else. From epi and ei; thereupon, i.e. Since.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you are</span><br /><span class="grk">γεγόνατε</span> <span class="translit">(gegonate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dull</span><br /><span class="grk">νωθροὶ</span> <span class="translit">(nōthroi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3576.htm">Strong's 3576: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blunt, dull, hence spiritually; sluggish, remiss, slack. From a derivative of nothos; sluggish, i.e. lazy, or stupid.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hearing.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκοαῖς</span> <span class="translit">(akoais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_189.htm">Strong's 189: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hearing, faculty of hearing, ear; report, rumor. From akouo; hearing.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 5:11 About him we have many words (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/5-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 5:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 5:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 5:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 5:12" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>