Hebrews 5:11
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
Of
G4012
Περὶ
Of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
οὗ
whom
G3739
οὗ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
πολὺς
many things
G4183
πολὺς
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
3 of 14
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
have
G3056
λόγος
have
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
6 of 14
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγειν
to be uttered
G3004
λέγειν
to be uttered
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
νωθροὶ
dull
G3576
νωθροὶ
dull
Strong's:
G3576
Word #:
11 of 14
sluggish, i.e., (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid
γεγόνατε
ye are
G1096
γεγόνατε
ye are
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
Matthew 13:15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.2 Peter 3:16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.Acts 28:27For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.Isaiah 6:10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.Mark 8:21And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?John 6:6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.John 16:12I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.Luke 24:25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Historical Context
The readers' spiritual regression is concerning - they should be advancing but have regressed. This suggests persecution or cultural pressure had weakened their commitment, making them unprepared for deeper teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- What causes spiritual dullness, and how can you guard against it?
- How does your responsiveness to God's word affect your ability to understand it?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The author transitions with a rebuke: 'much to say and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.' The Greek 'nōthroi' (dull/sluggish) indicates spiritual lethargy. This isn't about intellectual capacity but moral responsiveness. Reformed theology recognizes that spiritual truth requires spiritual receptivity wrought by the Spirit. Without diligent hearing, even clear truth becomes obscure.