Devine Scripture

Hebrews 5:14

What does Hebrews 5:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 5:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 5:14 means

Solid food belongs to the mature—those who, through steady practice, have trained their spiritual senses to discern good and evil. Growth comes by use: repeatedly applying God’s word in real choices sharpens judgment. Such people can handle deeper teaching because their lives are aligned with truth. Discernment is not merely intellectual; it is moral and habitual. The verse invites readers to pursue this kind of maturity, moving beyond elementary lessons to a tested, wise responsiveness to God. With trained faculties, they can receive and live out the rich doctrine the writer longs to unfold about Christ’s priesthood.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But solid food is for men of full growth, even for those whose senses are trained by use to see what is good and what is evil.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and of perfect men is the strong food, who because of the use are having the senses exercised, unto the discernment both of good and of evil.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But strong meat is for the perfect: for them who by custom have their senses exercised to the discerning of good and evil.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but solid food belongs to full-grown men, who, on account of habit, have their senses exercised for distinguishing both good and evil.

Context

This concluding verse answers the immaturity of verses 11–13 with a portrait of maturity. It closes the chapter’s exhortation, urging readers toward practiced discernment so they can handle the deeper instruction awaiting them. The warning paves the way for chapter 6’s call to press on and, later, the extended exposition of Melchizedek. The flow thus moves from Christ’s appointment and qualification (vv. 5–10) to the readers’ need to grow, ensuring they will be ready to appreciate the greatness of His priestly work.

v.13For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe.

v.14This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Song of Solomon 1:3

    Thine oils have a goodly fragrance; Thy name is as oil poured forth; Therefore do the virgins love thee.

  • Philippians 3:15

    Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you:

  • 1 Kings 3:11

    And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice;

  • 2 Samuel 14:17

    Then thy handmaid said, Let, I pray thee, the word of my lord the king be comfortable; for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: and Jehovah thy God be with thee.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6

    We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought:

  • Job 34:3

    For the ear trieth words, As the palate tasteth food.

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