Hebrews 5:12

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

and

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

γὰρ

G1063

For

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

ὀφείλοντες

G3784

ye ought

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

εἶναι

G1511

to be

to exist

διδάσκαλοι

G1320

teachers

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

διὰ

G1223

when for

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

τὸν

G3588

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

χρόνον

G5550

the time

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

πάλιν

G3825

again

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

#10

χρείαν

G5532

need

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

#11

ἔχοντες

G2192

have

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

#12

τοῦ

G3588

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

#13

διδάσκειν

G1321

that one teach

to teach (in the same broad application)

#14

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

#15

τινὰ

G5101

which

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

#16

τὰ

G3588

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

#17

στοιχεῖα

G4747

principles

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

#18

τῆς

G3588

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

#19

ἀρχῆς

G746

be the first

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

#20

τῶν

G3588

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

#21

λογίων

G3051

of the oracles

an utterance (of god)

#22

τοῦ

G3588

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

#23

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

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

#24

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#25

γεγόνατε

G1096

are become such as

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

#26

χρείαν

G5532

need

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

#27

ἔχοντες

G2192

have

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

#28

γάλακτος

G1051

of milk

milk (figuratively)

#29

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#30

οὐ

G3756

not

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

#31

στερεᾶς

G4731

of strong

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

#32

τροφῆς

G5160

meat

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Hebrews Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Faith
Hope