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<!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 5:12 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!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/5-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/58_Heb_05_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 5:12 - Warning against Drifting Away" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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!" /><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/5-12.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/5-12.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 12</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="/ad12.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/5-11.htm" title="Hebrews 5:11">◄</a> Hebrews 5:12 <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm" title="Hebrews 5:13">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/hebrews/5.htm">New International Version</a> In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God&#8217s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! <a href="/nlt/hebrews/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. <a href="/esv/hebrews/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, <a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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! <a href="/blb/hebrews/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For even by the time you ought to be teachers, you have need of one to teach you again what is the beginning of the principles of the oracles of God; and you have become those having need of milk, and not of solid food. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/5.htm">King James Bible</a> For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/5.htm">New King James Version</a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. <a href="/amp/hebrews/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers [because of the time you have had to learn these truths], you actually need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God’s word [from the beginning], and you have come to be continually in need of milk, not solid food. <a href="/csb/hebrews/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God&#8217s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food. <a href="/asv/hebrews/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. <a href="/cev/hebrews/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> By now you should have been teachers, but once again you need to be taught the simplest things about what God has said. You need milk instead of solid food. <a href="/erv/hebrews/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> By now you should be teachers. Instead, you still need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word. You need milk, not solid food. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> There has been enough time for you to be teachers--yet you still need someone to teach you the first lessons of God's message. Instead of eating solid food, you still have to drink milk. <a href="/isv/hebrews/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> In fact, though by now you should be teachers, you still need someone to teach you the basic truths of God's word. You have become people who need milk instead of solid food. <a href="/msb/hebrews/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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! <a href="/net/hebrews/5.htm">NET Bible</a> For though you should in fact be teachers by this time, you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of God's utterances. You have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For when by reason of the time you ought to be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, not solid food. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need of one to teach you again which are the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong food. <a href="/wey/hebrews/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For although, considering the long time you have been believers, you ought now to be teachers of others, you really need some one to teach you over again the very rudiments of the truths of God, and you have come to require milk instead of solid food. <a href="/web/hebrews/5.htm">World English Bible</a> For although by this time you should be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the revelations of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for even owing to be teachers, because of the time, again you have need that one teach you what [are] the elements of the beginning of the oracles of God, and you have become having need of milk, and not of strong food, <a href="/blb/hebrews/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For even by the time you ought to be teachers, you have need of one to teach you again what is the beginning of the principles of the oracles of God; and you have become those having need of milk, and not of solid food. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for even owing to be teachers, because of the time, again ye have need that one teach you what are the elements of the beginning of the oracles of God, and ye have become having need of milk, and not of strong food, <a href="/slt/hebrews/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For also ye ought to be teachers for the time, again ye have need for some one to teach you the elements of the beginning of the sayings of God; and have become those having need of milk, and not of firm food.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For whereas for the time you ought to be masters, you have need to be taught again what are the first elements of the words of God: and you are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For even though it is the time when you ought to be teachers, you are still lacking, so that you must be taught the things that are the basic elements of the Word of God, and so you have been made like those who are in need of milk, and not of solid food. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Although you should be teachers by this time, you need to have someone teach you again the basic elements of the utterances of God. You need milk, [and] not solid food. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic elements of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> By now you should be teachers because you have been a long time in training: But even now you need to be taught the primary writings of the word of God; but you are still in need of milk, and not strong meat. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For you ought to be teachers, because of the time you have had in the doctrine, but now, again, you need to learn those things which are the primer letters of the first words of God, and you have need of milk and not of solid food.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For though you ought to be teachers, considering the time, yet you have need that some one teach you again what are the first elements of the oracles of God; and you have be come such as have need of milk, and not of strong food. <a href="/godbey/hebrews/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For indeed you, who ought to be teachers so far as time is concerned, have need that some one again teach you what are the rudiments of the beginning of the oracles of God; and you have need of milk, not solid food. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For though ye ought for the time to be teachers of others, ye have again need that some one teach you the leading principles of the oracles of God; and are become as those who need milk, and not solid food. <a href="/mace/hebrews/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for though by this time you ought to be capable of teaching others, you want to be instructed anew in the first principles of the divine oracles; and are in such a state as to stand in need of milk, rather than of solid nourishment. <a href="/wey/hebrews/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For although, considering the long time you have been believers, you ought now to be teachers of others, you really need some one to teach you over again the very rudiments of the truths of God, and you have come to require milk instead of solid food. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For even when, on account of the time, ye ought to be teachers, ye again have need that some one teach you the first elements of the oracles of God, and have become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food; <a href="/worsley/hebrews/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For whereas ye ought for the time to be teachers of others, ye have need again of some one to teach you the first rudiments of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk and not of solid food. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/5-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=758" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/5.htm">Warning against Drifting Away</a> 11We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. 12<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Although</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">this</a> <a href="/greek/5550.htm" title="5550: chronon (N-AMS) -- A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.">time</a> <a href="/greek/3784.htm" title="3784: opheilontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.">you ought</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/1320.htm" title="1320: didaskaloi (N-NMP) -- A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.">teachers,</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you</a> <a href="/greek/5532.htm" title="5532: chreian (N-AFS) -- From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.">need</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">someone</a> <a href="/greek/1321.htm" title="1321: didaskein (V-PNA) -- To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach.">to reteach</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tina (IPro-AMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/746.htm" title="746: archēs (N-GFS) -- From archomai; a commencement, or chief.">basic</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4747.htm" title="4747: stoicheia (N-ANP) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of stoicheo; something orderly in arrangement, i.e. a serial constituent, proposition.">principles</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God’s</a> <a href="/greek/3051.htm" title="3051: logiōn (N-GNP) -- Plur: oracles, divine responses or utterances (it can include the entire Old Testament). Neuter of logios; an utterance.">word.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></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."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold."></a> <a href="/greek/5532.htm" title="5532: chreian (N-AFS) -- From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution.">You need</a> <a href="/greek/1051.htm" title="1051: galaktos (N-GNS) -- Milk. Of uncertain affinity; milk.">milk,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/4731.htm" title="4731: stereas (Adj-GFS) -- Solid, firm, steadfast. From histemi; stiff, i.e. Solid, stable.">solid</a> <a href="/greek/5160.htm" title="5160: trophēs (N-GFS) -- Food, nourishment, maintenance. From trepho; nourishment; by implication, rations.">food!</a> 13For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-2</a> 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, <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm">1 Peter 2:2</a> Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, <a href="/isaiah/28-9.htm">Isaiah 28:9-10</a> Whom is He trying to teach? To whom is He explaining His message? To infants just weaned from milk? To babies removed from the breast? / For they hear: “Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line; a little here, a little there.” <a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a> who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a> Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a> 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. <a href="/2_peter/3-18.htm">2 Peter 3:18</a> But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. <a href="/jeremiah/6-10.htm">Jeremiah 6:10</a> 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. <a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15</a> 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.’ <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3</a> 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. <a href="/proverbs/9-9.htm">Proverbs 9:9</a> Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning. <a href="/john/16-12.htm">John 16:12</a> I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it. <a href="/colossians/1-28.htm">Colossians 1:28</a> We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a> My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. <a href="/philippians/1-9.htm">Philippians 1:9-10</a> And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, / so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For when for the time you ought to be teachers, you have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.for the.<a href="/matthew/17-17.htm">Matthew 17:17</a> Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.<a href="/mark/9-19.htm">Mark 9:19</a> He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.teachers.<a href="/ezra/7-10.htm">Ezra 7:10</a> For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.<a href="/psalms/34-11.htm">Psalm 34:11</a> Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.<a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">1 Corinthians 14:19</a> Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.teach.<a href="/isaiah/28-9.htm">Isaiah 28:9,10,13</a> Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts… <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Philippians 3:1</a> Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.the first.<a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Hebrews 6:1</a> Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,the oracles.<a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.<a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Acts 7:38</a> This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:<a href="/romans/3-2.htm">Romans 3:2</a> Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.as have.<a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Hebrews 5:13</a> For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.<a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1</a> Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-3</a> And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/5-8.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-7.htm">Considering</a> <a href="/philemon/1-19.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-6.htm">First</a> <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Food</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-8.htm">God's</a> <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Need</a> <a href="/romans/3-2.htm">Oracles</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-1.htm">Others</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-3.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Principles</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-14.htm">Really</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-3.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/colossians/2-20.htm">Rudiments</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">Solid</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-4.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-7.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/titus/2-15.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Time</a> <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Although</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Considering</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">First</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Food</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-7.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Meat</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Milk</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-11.htm">Need</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Oracles</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-20.htm">Others</a> <a href="/james/1-7.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm">Principles</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Really</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/galatians/4-3.htm">Rudiments</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Solid</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-14.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-11.htm">Teach</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Time</a> <a href="/john/17-8.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 5</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">The honor of our Savior's priesthood.</a> 11. <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Negligence in the knowledge thereof is reproved.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Although by this time you ought to be teachers The author of Hebrews addresses the recipients with an expectation of spiritual maturity. This implies that they have been believers for a significant period, long enough to have developed a deeper understanding of their faith. The early church placed a strong emphasis on discipleship and teaching, as seen in the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>), where Jesus commands His followers to teach others. The expectation here is that believers should progress from learners to teachers, reflecting the growth seen in the early Christian communities.you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word The "basic principles" refer to foundational teachings of the Christian faith, possibly including doctrines such as repentance, faith, baptism, and resurrection, as outlined in <a href="/hebrews/6.htm">Hebrews 6:1-2</a>. The need for reteaching suggests a regression or stagnation in spiritual growth, which was a concern in the early church. This mirrors the situation in <a href="/1_corinthians/3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-2</a>, where Paul addresses the Corinthians' spiritual immaturity. The call to return to foundational teachings highlights the importance of a solid grounding in Scripture for spiritual maturity.You need milk, not solid food! The metaphor of milk versus solid food illustrates the difference between elementary teachings and deeper, more complex doctrines. Milk represents the basic teachings suitable for new believers, while solid food symbolizes advanced instruction for mature Christians. This imagery is also used by Paul in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-2.htm">1 Corinthians 3:2</a>, emphasizing the need for believers to grow beyond the basics. The call to move from milk to solid food reflects the natural progression expected in a believer's spiritual journey, akin to a child's growth from infancy to adulthood. This growth is essential for understanding the deeper mysteries of faith and for fulfilling the role of a teacher within the Christian community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_author_of_hebrews.htm">The Author of Hebrews</a> Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author is addressing Jewish Christians. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a> The primary audience of the letter, who were familiar with Jewish traditions and the Old Testament but were struggling with spiritual maturity. 3. <a href="/topical/b/basic_principles_of_god's_word.htm">Basic Principles of God’s Word</a> Refers to the foundational teachings of Christianity, akin to the "milk" mentioned in the verse. 4. <a href="/topical/t/teachers.htm">Teachers</a> Those who are expected to have matured in their faith to the point of instructing others. 5. <a href="/topical/m/milk_and_solid_food.htm">Milk and Solid Food</a> Metaphors for the elementary teachings (milk) and deeper, more complex doctrines (solid food) of the Christian faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity_is_expected.htm">Spiritual Maturity is Expected</a> As believers, we are called to grow in our faith and understanding, moving beyond the basics to deeper truths. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_teaching.htm">The Role of Teaching</a> Mature Christians should be equipped to teach others, sharing the knowledge and wisdom they have gained. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Regularly assess your spiritual growth. Are you still on milk, or have you moved to solid food? <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_foundations.htm">The Importance of Foundations</a> While growth is essential, never neglect the foundational truths of the faith, as they are the basis for deeper understanding. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> Engage with a community of believers who can challenge and support your spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 5</a> <a href="/q/what_is_shepherd's_chapel.htm">What is Shepherd's Chapel?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'god_resists_the_proud'_mean.htm">What is Spiritual Milk?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_spiritual_milk.htm">What is Spiritual Milk?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_carnal_christian.htm">What defines a carnal Christian?</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>(12) For the time.--Taking into account the time that had elapsed since they became Christians.Ye have need.--Literally, ye have need that some one teach you again the rudiments of the beginning of the oracles of God (<a href="/acts/7-38.htm" title="This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spoke to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give to us:">Acts 7:38</a>; <a href="/romans/3-2.htm" title="Much every way: chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God.">Romans 3:2</a>; <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm" title="If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.">1Peter 4:11</a>). These first rudiments, which they need to learn again (but which he himself is not about to teach), it may seem natural to identify with what the writer in <a href="/hebrews/6-1.htm" title="Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,">Hebrews 6:1</a> calls "the doctrine of the first principles of Christ." If, however, we examine the usage of the New Testament, of Philo, and of other writers, we shall find good reason for regarding "the oracles of God" as synonymous with the Scriptures of the Old Testament. (See <a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm" title="For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.">Hebrews 5:13</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - For when, by reason of the time (i.e. the time that has elapsed since your conversion), ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that some one teach you (or, that one teach you which be) the first principles (literally, the elements of the beginning) of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. Τῆς ἀρχῆς in this verse seems best taken in union with τὰ στοιχεῖα, rather than with τῶν λογίων; the phrase, τὰ στοιχεῖα τῆς ἀρχῆς, meaning "the initiatory elements" - the A, B, C of Christian teaching. The word λογία ("oracles"), is used elsewhere for the revelations of the Old Testament, as <a href="/acts/7-38.htm">Acts 7:38</a>; <a href="/romans/3-2.htm">Romans 3:2</a>. Here its meaning can hardly be taken as confined to them, since the first principles of the gospel are being spoken cf. Still, a word that includes them in its meaning may be purposely used by way of intimating that the elements intended are those of Judaism as well as Christianity, or of the latter only in its first emergence out of Judaism. And accordingly, vers. 1, 2 of <a href="/hebrews/6.htm">Hebrews 6</a>, where they are enumerated, are (as will be seen) so worded as to imply no more than this; nor are the first principles there mentioned beyond what an enlightened Jew might be expected to understand readily. Be it observed that the Hebrew Church need not be supposed to have actually lost sight of these first principles, so as to require a new indoctrination into them. There may be a vein of delicate irony in what is said, after the manner of St. Paul. All that is of necessity implied is that there had been such a failure in seeing what these principles led to as to suggest the necessity of their being learnt anew. The writer does not, in fact, as he goes on, require them to be learnt anew; for he bids his readers leave them behind, as though already known, and proceed from them to perfection, though still with some misgiving as to their capability for doing so. The figure of milk for babes and solid food for full-grown men, to illustrate the teaching suitable for neophytes and for advanced Christians, is found also in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1, 2</a>; and that of νήπιος in <a href="/1_corinthians/14-20.htm">1 Corinthians 14:20</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a>; <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a>. This correspondence, though no proof of the Pauline authorship, is among the evidences of the Pauline character of the Epistle. <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/5-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Although καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. by διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [this] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. time χρόνον (chronon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5550.htm">Strong's 5550: </a> A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay. you ought ὀφείλοντες (opheilontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3784.htm">Strong's 3784: </a> Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty. to be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. teachers, διδάσκαλοι (didaskaloi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor. you ἔχετε (echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. need χρείαν (chreian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution. [someone] τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. to reteach διδάσκειν (didaskein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1321.htm">Strong's 1321: </a> To teach, direct, admonish. A prolonged form of a primary verb dao; to teach. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. basic ἀρχῆς (archēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_746.htm">Strong's 746: </a> From archomai; a commencement, or chief. principles στοιχεῖα (stoicheia) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4747.htm">Strong's 4747: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of stoicheo; something orderly in arrangement, i.e. a serial constituent, proposition. of God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. word. λογίων (logiōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3051.htm">Strong's 3051: </a> Plur: oracles, divine responses or utterances (it can include the entire Old Testament). Neuter of logios; an utterance. You need χρείαν (chreian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5532.htm">Strong's 5532: </a> From the base of chraomai or chre; employment, i.e. An affair; also occasion, demand, requirement or destitution. milk, γάλακτος (galaktos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1051.htm">Strong's 1051: </a> Milk. Of uncertain affinity; milk. not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. solid στερεᾶς (stereas) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4731.htm">Strong's 4731: </a> Solid, firm, steadfast. From histemi; stiff, i.e. Solid, stable. food! τροφῆς (trophēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5160.htm">Strong's 5160: </a> Food, nourishment, maintenance. From trepho; nourishment; by implication, rations. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 5:12 For when by reason of the time (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 5:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 5:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/5-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 5:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 5:13" /></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>