What Does Hebrews 5:13 Mean in the King James?
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Milk marks an early capacity to receive the word of alignment, not a verdict on the worth of the one receiving it.
THE MEANING
The verse names a present stage of growth: you can receive nourishment while still being inexperienced with the word that describes alignment. “Unskilful” points to unfamiliarity, while “babe” describes the learner’s present measure, not their whole capacity.
THE ROOT
ἄπειρος
apeiros
GROWS FROM
πειρ-
peir-
Experience, trial, or attempt; apeiros means inexperienced or unacquainted.
The word translated “unskilful” can name a lack of experience with something, rather than a lack of worth or intelligence. The verse describes someone who has not yet grown familiar with the word of alignment; milk is nourishment suited to that stage.
ALSO GROWS
peira: trial or experience
πεῖρα
It shows the experience implied by the description of someone still unacquainted.
empeiros: experienced
ἔμπειρος
It gives the contrasting sense: familiarity gained through experience.
δικαιοσύνης
dikaiosynēs
GROWS FROM
δικ-
dik-
Rightness or alignment.
The Greek word belongs to the same family as words for a person who is just and for being made right. “The word of righteousness” therefore reaches beyond an abstract topic: it is language about alignment and what it means to be aligned.
ALSO GROWS
dikaios: just, aligned
δίκαιος
The same family names the person whose life is in alignment.
dikaioō: justify, set right
δικαιόω
This branch carries alignment as an action, not merely a quality.
THE PATTERN
The word received as nourishment develops into perception that can distinguish what is aligned.
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.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.The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.THE THREAD
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.“Righteousness” and “just” here come from the same Greek δικ- family that appears in Hebrews’ “word of righteousness.” The shared root opens that phrase as language about alignment and the person who is aligned.
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