1 Corinthians 3 2

1 Corinthians 3:2 kjv

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.

1 Corinthians 3:2 nkjv

I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;

1 Corinthians 3:2 niv

I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.

1 Corinthians 3:2 esv

I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready,

1 Corinthians 3:2 nlt

I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren't ready for anything stronger. And you still aren't ready,

1 Corinthians 3 verses

1 Corinthians 3 2 Meaning

Paul states that he gave them solid food because they were not yet ready for more advanced spiritual truths. This indicates a progression in spiritual maturity, where foundational teachings are necessary before moving to deeper doctrines. It highlights Paul’s pastoral care in feeding believers according to their capacity.

1 Corinthians 3 2 Context

This verse is part of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church. The Corinthian believers were experiencing divisions and immaturity, evident in their factions following different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas). In chapter 3, Paul is addressing this lack of spiritual maturity, comparing their current state to that of infants who can only digest milk, not solid food. He contrasts his method of teaching with their susceptibility to partisanship. This context highlights Paul’s pedagogical approach, adapting his teaching to the spiritual capacity of his audience.

1 Corinthians 3 2 Word Analysis

• "Ego" (ἐγὼ) - I

  • Paul emphasizes his personal ministry and responsibility in guiding the Corinthian believers.

• "de" (δὲ) - but, and (connective particle)

  • This particle links the previous statement about his inability to speak as spiritual people to the reason why.

• "humos" (ὑμᾶς) - you (plural, accusative)

  • Refers to the entire Corinthian congregation.

• "wós" (ὡς) - as

  • Indicates comparison or manner.

• "bréphos" (βρέφος) - infant, babe (in the sense of undeveloped, immature)

  • This is a key term conveying the spiritual immaturity of the Corinthian believers at that time. It denotes a physical and developmental stage, applied metaphorically to spiritual life.

• "ónta" (ὄντα) - being, existents (participle from εἰμί 'to be', neuter plural accusative)

  • Present participle of "to be." Used here in a verbal sense: "because you were not yet being [capable]." It emphasizes their ongoing state of undevelopedness.

• "gar" (γάρ) - for, because (explanatory particle)

  • Provides the reason for not giving them solid food.

• "ischuó" (ἰσχύω) - to be strong, have power, be able

  • Here it means "to be able," "to have strength," implying spiritual capacity or endurance.

• "fagein" (φαγεῖν) - to eat (aorist infinitive of φαγεῖν, derived from ἐσθίω 'to eat')

  • Refers to the act of consuming food.

• "ste reós" (στερεός) - solid, firm, strong, rich (often refers to food that is substantial)

  • This term describes food suitable for those who are grown and have developed digestive strength. In a spiritual sense, it refers to deeper, more complex doctrines and truths of the faith.

• "fajma" (φάγια) - food, especially solid food (from the same root as above, neuter plural accusative)

  • Contrast to milk. Represents mature spiritual nourishment, the deeper truths of the gospel and God's word.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "wós bréphos ónta" (ὡς βρέφος ὄντα): "as being infants" - This phrase paints a vivid picture of spiritual infancy, emphasizing not just a state but an ongoing condition of undevelopedness in their faith walk.
  • "ou ischúete fajîn ste reó" (οὐ ἰσχύετε φαγεῖν στερεόν): "you were not able to eat solid food" - This collective inability highlights the need for a differentiated approach to teaching. Paul's recognition of their lack of strength prevented him from giving them advanced nourishment that would have been detrimental.

1 Corinthians 3 2 Bonus Section

The concept of "milk" and "solid food" is a recurring metaphor in spiritual teachings. It implies that discipleship involves progression. What is appropriate for a mature believer may be overwhelming for a new convert. This passage also implicitly addresses the danger of leading believers into deeper theological or experiential truths before they are grounded in the basics, which can lead to error and instability. The ability to digest "solid food" signifies spiritual maturity, endurance, and the capacity to handle challenging or complex aspects of the Christian faith and life.

1 Corinthians 3 2 Commentary

Paul’s statement underscores the importance of feeding believers according to their spiritual capacity. Just as a newborn needs milk, immature believers need foundational teachings before progressing to complex doctrines. The Corinthian church, despite being spiritual gifted (1 Cor 1:7), was imature in understanding and practice, leading to divisions and boasting. Paul’s approach demonstrates pastoral wisdom and discernment. He could have presented deeper truths, but it would not have been beneficial for their current spiritual development, possibly leading to pride or confusion. This emphasizes that spiritual growth is a process requiring proper nourishment at each stage.