New Testament
Hebrews 5:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Solid food is for the mature — for those who have trained themselves through practice to tell the difference between good and evil.
Compare translations
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.
What Hebrews 5:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hebrews 5:14, the author contrasts solid food with milk, using these as metaphors for spiritual maturity. Solid food represents deeper, more complex teachings of faith that are suitable for those who have grown in their understanding and practice of God's word. The verse emphasizes that maturity comes from training and experience, where individuals learn to discern right from wrong. This discernment is not just intellectual but involves a practical application of faith in daily life. The ability to distinguish between good and evil is a sign of spiritual growth, indicating that one has moved beyond basic teachings and is now equipped to handle more profound truths. This process of training involves consistent practice and engagement with scripture, leading to a more profound relationship with God and a clearer understanding of His will.
How to apply Hebrews 5:14 to your life
To grow spiritually, engage regularly with scripture and apply its teachings in your life. Seek opportunities to practice discernment in everyday situations, asking God for wisdom to recognize good and evil. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of your faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 5:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hebrews 5:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 5:14 mean?
Hebrews 5:14 means that spiritual maturity is like moving from milk to solid food, where solid food represents deeper teachings of faith. It highlights that maturity comes from practice and experience in discerning good from evil.
What is the meaning of solid food in Hebrews 5:14?
In Hebrews 5:14, solid food symbolizes advanced spiritual teachings that are suitable for mature believers who have developed the ability to discern right from wrong through practice.
How can I apply Hebrews 5:14 in my life?
To apply Hebrews 5:14, regularly engage with scripture and actively practice discernment in your daily decisions. This will help you grow in your understanding of good and evil.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.