Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 3:2
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers, stating he gave them milk rather than solid food because they were unready. He identifies this unpreparedness as a continued state of spiritual infancy and worldly conduct.
The words — γάλα (gala) translates to milk, and βρῶμα (brōma) translates to solid food, establishing a dietary metaphor for instruction. οὔπω (oupō) means not yet, emphasizing that their capacity to receive deeper teaching remains absent.
The thread — This pattern of unpreparedness appears in John 16:12 and Hebrews 5:11, both noting an inability to bear deeper truth. 1 Peter 2:2 contrasts this by commanding believers to actively crave spiritual milk for growth.
Why it lands — The text demands an honest assessment of one's current capacity to receive complex instruction before advancing. It requires readers to recognize that spiritual maturity depends on moving past infantile divisions rather than demanding advanced teaching prematurely.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 5:11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.
- John 16:12 I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.
- 1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,