King James Version

What Does Hebrews 5:12 Mean?

Hebrews 5:12 in the King James Version says “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of th... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 5:12 · KJV


Context

10

Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

11

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

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.

13

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. is unskillful: Gr. hath no experience

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. of full age: or, perfect use: or, an habit, or, perfection


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
By now they should be teachers, yet they need someone to teach them 'basic principles' (Greek 'stoicheia' - elementary truths). The milk/solid food metaphor indicates spiritual immaturity. Reformed theology emphasizes progressive sanctification - believers should grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18). Stagnation indicates spiritual illness, as saving faith produces growth. The 'oracles of God' likely refers to OT Scriptures pointing to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The extended time since conversion ('for the time') suggests these were not new believers but those who should have matured. Their failure to grow was culpable negligence, not innocent ignorance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What evidence of spiritual growth or stagnation do you see in your life?
  2. How can the church better equip believers to move from milk to solid food?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γὰρ2 of 32

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὀφείλοντες3 of 32

ye ought

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

εἶναι4 of 32

to be

G1511

to exist

διδάσκαλοι5 of 32

teachers

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

διὰ6 of 32

when for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν7 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χρόνον8 of 32

the time

G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

πάλιν9 of 32

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

χρείαν10 of 32

need

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχοντες11 of 32

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τοῦ12 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

διδάσκειν13 of 32

that one teach

G1321

to teach (in the same broad application)

ὑμᾶς14 of 32

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

τινὰ15 of 32

which

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὰ16 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στοιχεῖα17 of 32

principles

G4747

something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)

τῆς18 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχῆς19 of 32

be the first

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

τῶν20 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λογίων21 of 32

of the oracles

G3051

an utterance (of god)

τοῦ22 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ23 of 32

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ24 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γεγόνατε25 of 32

are become such as

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

χρείαν26 of 32

need

G5532

employment, i.e., an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or destitution

ἔχοντες27 of 32

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

γάλακτος28 of 32

of milk

G1051

milk (figuratively)

καὶ29 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ30 of 32

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

στερεᾶς31 of 32

of strong

G4731

stiff, i.e., solid, stable (literally or figuratively)

τροφῆς32 of 32

meat

G5160

nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 5:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 5:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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