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

1 CORINTHIANS 3:2KJV
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1 Corinthians 3:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 3:2 mean?

1 Corinthians 3:2 means that Paul gave the Corinthians basic, easy-to-understand teaching about the Christian faith (“milk”) instead of deeper, more challenging truths (“meat”), because they were not ready to handle more advanced instruction. Even now, Paul says, they still are not able to take in the deeper teachings.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing believers who are struggling with divisions and immaturity. Paul uses the picture of feeding infants milk rather than solid food to show that the Corinthians are still spiritually immature. He is gently rebuking them for not growing as they should, explaining why he has not given them more advanced teaching.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 3:2

  • “milk” (γάλα, gala, G1051): This word refers to the nourishment given to infants, used here as a metaphor for basic Christian teaching. Paul’s choice of this word highlights the Corinthians’ spiritual infancy.
  • “meat” (βρῶμα, brōma, G1033): This word means solid food, pointing to deeper, more substantial teaching. Paul contrasts this with “milk” to emphasize the difference between simple and advanced instruction.
  • “not able” (οὐκ ἐδύνασθε, ouk edynasthe, G1410): The Greek phrase here stresses the Corinthians’ lack of capacity or readiness, not just a lack of opportunity. Paul is saying the problem is with their spiritual condition, not his willingness to teach.

Why 1 Corinthians 3:2 matters

  • This verse clears up that spiritual growth is a process, and not everyone is ready for the same level of teaching at the same time.
  • Paul’s words reveal his pastoral care and patience, but also his expectation that believers should mature over time.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul addresses jealousy and division, showing that these attitudes are signs of spiritual immaturity.

Where else these words appear

“milk” Greek G1051 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
  • Hebrews 5:12 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.
  • Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

“fed” Greek G4222 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Matthew 27:48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

“meat” Greek G1033 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
  • John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.

“hitherto” Greek G3768 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
  • John 7:6 Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.
  • John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.