Hebrews 5:12
What does Hebrews 5:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Hebrews 5:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Hebrews 5:12 means
By now, given the time they have been in the faith, the readers should be able to teach others. Instead, they again need instruction in the basic elements of God’s message. They have regressed to the alphabet of doctrine and require “milk,” not the “solid food” suited for maturity. The rebuke is measured but clear: spiritual life is meant to progress, and extended exposure to truth should produce competence to pass it on. Their dependence on basics reveals underdeveloped understanding and practice. The writer’s goal is not to shame but to urge them forward, from infancy to responsible service and insight.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And though by this time it would be right for you to be teachers, you still have need of someone to give you teaching about the first simple rules of God's revelation; you have become like babies who have need of milk, and not of solid food.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for even owing to be teachers, because of the time, again ye have need that one teach you what <FI>are<Fi> the elements of the beginning of the oracles of God, and ye have become having need of milk, and not of strong food,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have again need that [one] should teach you what [are] the elements of the beginning of the oracles ofGod, and are become such as have need of milk, [and] not of solid food.
Context
Continuing the admonition begun in verse 11, this verse specifies the evidence of dullness: a persistent need for elementary teaching. Verses 13–14 will contrast infants, unskilled in the word of righteousness, with mature believers trained to discern. The imagery of milk versus solid food sets up the next chapter’s call to press on to maturity. The flow moves from diagnosis (dull hearing) to symptoms (need for basics) to remedy (practice leading to discernment).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe.
- 1 Corinthians 14:19
howbeit in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
- Hebrews 6:1
Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
- 1 Corinthians 3:1
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ.
- Titus 2:3
that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
- 1 Peter 4:11
if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
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