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 5:12KJV
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Hebrews 5:12 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 5:12 mean?

Hebrews 5:12 says that by this point, the readers should have matured enough in their faith to teach others, but instead they still need someone to teach them the basic truths of God all over again. The verse compares their spiritual state to needing milk instead of solid food, showing they are still at a beginner’s level.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing Jewish Christians who have been believers long enough that they should be able to instruct others. Instead, they have not progressed beyond the “first principles” or basic teachings about God. This verse highlights the concern that they are spiritually immature and not growing as expected.

The Greek behind Hebrews 5:12

  • "first" (ἀρχή, archē): This word means "beginning" or "origin." Here, it refers to the foundational teachings, emphasizing that the readers are stuck at the very basics rather than moving forward.
  • "principles" (στοιχεῖον, stoicheion): This word often means "elementary things" or "basic components." In this context, it points to the simplest, most fundamental truths about God.
  • "oracles" (λόγιον, logion): This refers to divine sayings or messages from God. The verse is talking about the basic messages or teachings that come from God’s word.
  • "milk" (γάλα, gala) and "meat" (τροφὴ στερεά, trophē stereá): "Milk" stands for simple, easy-to-understand teaching, while "meat" means deeper, more advanced instruction. The contrast shows the difference between spiritual infancy and maturity.

Why Hebrews 5:12 matters

  • Hebrews 5:12 clears up the idea that simply spending time as a believer automatically leads to maturity; growth requires effort and learning, not just time.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of moving beyond basic teachings and encourages believers to seek deeper understanding rather than staying at an elementary level.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by setting up the need for spiritual growth, which the writer will address further in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“oracles” Greek G3051 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 7:38 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:
  • Romans 3:2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
  • 1 Peter 4:11 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 giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

“strong” Greek G4731 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
  • Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
  • 1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

“milk” Greek G1051 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 3:2 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 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 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

“principles” Greek G4747 · used in 7 verses

  • Galatians 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
  • Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
  • 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.