Hebrews 5:14
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
strong meat--"solid food." them . . . of full age--literally, "perfect": akin to "perfection" (Heb 6:1). by reason of use--Greek, "habit." senses--organs of sense. exercised--similarly connected with "righteousness" in Heb 12:11. to discern both good and evil--as a child no longer an infant (Isa 7:16): so able to distinguish between sound and unsound doctrine. The mere child puts into its mouth things hurtful and things nutritious, without discrimination: but not so the adult. Paul again alludes to their tendency not to discriminate, but to be carried about by strange doctrines, in Heb 13:9. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle continues his discourse upon the priesthood of Christ, a sweet subject, which he would not too soon dismiss. And here, I. He explains the nature of the priestly office in general (Heb 5:1-3). II. The proper and regular call there must be to this office (Heb 5:4-6). III. The requisite qualifications for the work (Heb 5:7-9). IV. The peculiar order of the priesthood of Christ; it was not after the order of Aaron, but of Melchisedec (Heb 5:6, Heb 5:7, Heb 5:10). V. He reproves the Hebrews, that they had not made those improvements in knowledge which might have made them capable of looking into the more abstruse and mysterious parts of scripture (Heb 5:11-14).
Open source ↗5:14 Being able to recognize the difference between right and wrong is a defining characteristic of spiritual maturity.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.
I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,
By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey.
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ.
Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?”
All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.
And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’”
“For God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”