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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
βρῶμα
with meat
G1033
βρῶμα
with meat
Strong's:
G1033
Word #:
6 of 14
food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀλλ'
to bear it neither
G235
ἀλλ'
to bear it neither
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οὖτε
G3777
Historical Context
Paul had spent 18 months in Corinth founding the church (Acts 18:11), followed by years of absence during which Apollos ministered there (Acts 18:27-19:1). Despite extensive teaching from two gifted leaders, the congregation remained spiritually infantile, unable to digest theological meat. Their cultural environment—Greek intellectualism combined with moral libertinism—made sanctification particularly challenging.
Questions for Reflection
- Does your spiritual diet consist primarily of 'milk' (basic, comfortable truths) or 'meat' (challenging doctrines that require maturity)?
- What character deficiencies might prevent you from handling deeper biblical truth—pride, impatience, lack of love?
- How does the Corinthian example warn against pursuing knowledge without pursuing holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat (γάλα... οὐ βρῶμα, gala... ou brōma)—Paul employs a nursing metaphor common in ancient pedagogy. Gala represents elementary gospel truths (repentance, faith, baptism), while brōma (solid food) denotes deeper doctrinal instruction about Christ's supremacy, church order, and eschatology. For hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able—their ongoing inability reveals arrested development.
This incapacity wasn't intellectual but moral and spiritual. The Corinthians prided themselves on wisdom and eloquence (1:5, 8:1) yet lacked the character to handle weightier truth. Knowledge without love produces arrogance (8:1); doctrine divorced from holiness breeds heresy. The author of Hebrews similarly rebuked believers who should have been teachers but still needed elementary instruction (Hebrews 5:12). Spiritual maturity requires both time and sanctification—doctrinal understanding wedded to Christlike character.