Hebrews 5:11-14

The Problem Identified: Dull of Hearing

One of the first places in the book of Hebrews where something is explicitly said of the audience that is wrong is here in Hebrews 5:11-14. This passage identifies an issue within the audience. We have had two warning passages so far, but they were not identifying a specific problem already present in their lives. For instance, in Hebrews 2, the author asks, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? He is not saying they have neglected it. In Hebrews 3:12 to 4:13, he exhorts them to see to it that there not be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief that falls away from the living God.

Hebrews 5:11-14
Of whom we have much to say and hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need somebody to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God. And you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age. That is those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The context of Hebrews exhorts the audience to continue in their profession of faith and persevere in Christianity amid pressure. Here, the author identifies a specific problem: they have become dull of hearing—literally, lazy in hearing.

This is not because the message about Melchizedek is too difficult or the author inadequate. The audience faces persecution from fellow Jews for professing Jesus as Lord and Savior. They understand the need for atonement but face pressure to abandon Christ for Levitical sacrifices. The author teaches that Jesus is the superior high priest, but it is hard to explain because of their laziness in hearing.

The Explanation of the Problem

By this time, after sufficient time as believers—possibly 15 to 30 years since the apostles preached—they ought to be teachers. Instead, they need someone to teach them again the elementary principles, the ABCs of the oracles of God, the basic sayings God has revealed.

Everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, like a babe. This relates to the gospel message of Christ, our high priest, who accomplished atonement and righteousness for us.

The Practice of the Mature

Solid food belongs to those who are mature, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. The word "exercised" is gymnasio, from which we get "gymnasium." In the first century, Greeks exercised naked to avoid restriction, training purposefully.

Mature Christians actively train their senses to distinguish good from evil. Laziness hinders this. There are distractions in life—not necessarily bad, but they can restrict spiritual exercise.

Key Takeaways for Spiritual Growth

1. The Mark of Maturity Is Activeness

Mature Christians are active in taking in knowledge, abiding in Christ, and obedience. New believers often have fire and excitement, but seasoned Christians can grow complacent, treating church as routine. Yet time has passed; they should teach others. Inactivity leads to inability to discern good from evil. Our enemy is active, temptation never rests—if we seek victory, we must be active.

2. Growing in Maturity Benefits the Christian

2 Peter 3:17-18
You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Maturity guards against being carried away by every wind of doctrine, providing stability. It prevents chaos and disarray.

3. Growing in Maturity Glorifies God

True believers desire growth to become more Christ-like and God-honoring. Laziness and distractions creep in—things we excel at, like sports or hobbies, can consume energy better spent on Christ. Focus on what benefits spiritual growth, what lasts eternally. When exhorted against complacency, it stirs desire to press on to maturity.

This passage lays the foundation for Hebrews 6:1—let us press on to maturity. None of us has arrived this side of heaven. There is always need to grow in knowledge and understanding. Praise God for progress, but recognize the ongoing need. Heaven is the arrival, where growth culminates in full participation with Christ, free from sin and suffering.