Keraia
1 Corinthians 3

1 Corinthians 3:2

God’s Fellow Workers · 1 Corinthians 3:1–9
Read 1 Corinthians 3

Translations

Modern
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,
Traditional
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.
Literal
I gave you milk to drink, not food, for you were not yet able. But now you are still not able,
Latin
…lac vobis potum dedi, non escam: nondum enim poteratis: sed nec nunc quidem potestis: adhuc enim carnales estis.

Original

Greek
English
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,

Notes

1 Corinthians 3:2

Because the Corinthian Christians were not spiritually mature, Paul could not discuss the deeper truths of life in Christ, which are like solid food (see 1 Corinthians 2:6–7) meant for mature Christians. Instead, he had to focus on milk, the basic teachings of the good news about Jesus (compare Hebrews 5:12–14; 6:1–3; 1 Peter 2:2).

1 Corinthians 3:1–4

Paul criticizes the Christians in Corinth for not growing spiritually.

1 Corinthians 3:1–4:7

After comparing human and spiritual wisdom, Paul addresses the divisions in the Corinthian church (see 1 Corinthians 1:10–12), especially their undue loyalty to him and Apollos.

Parallels

Hebrews 5:11–14

Glossary

Apollos Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Flesh Peter, Second Letter of Sanctification Second Letter to the Thessalonians Spiritual Gifts

Topics

Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Doctrines: False Milk: Figuratite Milk: First Principles of God's Word Neophytes: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Spiritual Life: Has Its Infancy