King James Version

What Does Hebrews 5:14 Mean?

Hebrews 5:14 in the King James Version says “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to d...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Hebrews 5:14 · KJV

Context

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Solid food is for the 'mature' (Greek 'teleiōn' - complete/mature) who through practice have trained their 'senses' (Greek 'aisthētēria' - faculties) to discern good and evil. This emphasizes experiential learning - doctrine must be practiced to be truly learned. Reformed theology values both orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice). The ability to discern requires exercising judgment repeatedly until it becomes habitual.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition emphasized training in discernment, especially regarding clean/unclean. The author applies this training principle to spiritual/moral discernment in the Christian life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you 'trained' your spiritual senses to discern good and evil?
  2. What role does practice play in moving from knowing truth intellectually to applying it wisely?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
τελείων1 of 20

“of full age”

G5046

complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness

δέ2 of 20

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐστιν3 of 20

“belongeth to them that are”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἡ4 of 20
G3588

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

στερεὰ5 of 20

“strong”

G4731

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

τροφή6 of 20

“meat”

G5160

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

τῶν7 of 20
G3588

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

διὰ8 of 20

“even those who by reason”

G1223

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

τὴν9 of 20
G3588

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

ἕξιν10 of 20

“of use”

G1838

habit, i.e., (by implication) practice

τὰ11 of 20
G3588

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

αἰσθητήρια12 of 20

“their senses”

G145

properly, an organ of perception, i.e., (figuratively) judgment

γεγυμνασμένα13 of 20

“exercised”

G1128

to practise naked (in the games), i.e., train (figuratively)

ἐχόντων14 of 20

“have”

G2192

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

πρὸς15 of 20

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

διάκρισιν16 of 20

“discern”

G1253

judicial estimation

καλοῦ17 of 20

“good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

τε18 of 20

“both”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

καὶ19 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

κακοῦ20 of 20

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

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 5:14 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 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 2:14-151 Thessalonians 5:21Philippians 1:9-10Ephesians 1:18Isaiah 7:151 Corinthians 2:6

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