What does Hebrews 5:14 mean?
"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." - Hebrews 5:14

The verse Hebrews 5:14 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
This verse is a continuation of the discourse on the high priesthood of Jesus Christ and the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian faith. The author of Hebrews is addressing the believers, urging them to move beyond the basic principles of the faith and strive for a deeper understanding of God's word in order to mature in their faith.
The phrase "strong meat" is used metaphorically to represent deeper, more profound truths of the Gospel that are reserved for those who are spiritually mature. Just as children are not ready for solid food until they have grown and developed, so too are new believers not ready for the deeper, spiritual truths until they have matured in their faith. The author is highlighting the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian walk, emphasizing that a deeper understanding of the Word of God is reserved for those who are of "full age," or mature in their faith.
The verse also speaks of how the senses are exercised to discern both good and evil. This speaks to the idea that spiritual maturity enables believers to discern between right and wrong, good and evil. As Christians grow in their faith, they become more discerning about the things of God, developing a greater understanding of His will and a stronger ability to resist temptation and live in accordance with His Word.
The overall theme of this verse is the call to spiritual maturity and growth in the Christian faith. It emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic principles of the faith and striving for a deeper understanding of the Word of God. It also highlights the need for believers to develop spiritual discernment in order to navigate the complexities of life and make decisions in line with God's will.
The context of this verse is crucial for understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, the author of Hebrews expresses his concern for the spiritual immaturity of the recipients of the letter. He states in Hebrews 5:12, "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." Here, the author rebukes the believers for not progressing in their faith as they should have. He admonishes them for still needing to be taught the basic principles of the faith, likening them to spiritual infants in need of milk.
The author then goes on to explain the concept of spiritual maturity and the need to move beyond the elementary teachings of the faith. This sets the stage for Hebrews 5:14, where he encourages believers to strive for spiritual maturity and discernment, in order to partake of the "strong meat" of the Word of God.
Symbolically, "strong meat" can be seen as representing the deeper, more profound truths of the Gospel. It signifies a deeper understanding of God's word and a more intimate knowledge of His character and will. The concept of discerning between good and evil symbolizes the believer's ability to make righteous decisions and live a life pleasing to God.
In conclusion, Hebrews 5:14 in the King James Version of the Bible emphasizes the call to spiritual maturity and growth in the Christian faith. It encourages believers to move beyond the elementary teachings of the faith and strive for a deeper understanding of the Word of God. It highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and the ability to distinguish between good and evil as essential aspects of the Christian walk. This verse serves as a reminder to believers of the need to continually grow and mature in their faith, striving to understand and live out the deeper truths of God's Word.
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Hebrews 5:14 - "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." - Hebrews 5:14
Hebrews 1:14
Hebrews 1:14
Hebrews 8:5
Hebrews 8:1-5
Hebrews 10:5-10
Hebrews 10:5-10
Hebrews 11:14 - "For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country."
Hebrews 13:14 - "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."
Hebrews 10:14 - "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
Hebrews 4:5 - "And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest."
Hebrews 5:10 - "Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
Hebrews 6:5 - "And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,"
Hebrews 1:14 - "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
Hebrews 6:14 - "Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee."
Philippians 3:5 - "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;"
Hebrews 5:13 - "For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe."
Hebrews 5:4 - "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron."
Hebrews 12:14 - "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
Hebrews 7:14 - "For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood."
Hebrews 3:14 - "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"
Hebrews 5:3 - "And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins."
"For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country." - Hebrews 11:14
Hebrews 2:5 - "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak."
Hebrews 9:5 - "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly."
Hebrews 5:5 - "So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee."
Hebrews 5:8 - "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;"
Hebrews 5:6 - "As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
Hebrews 5:11 - "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing."