The Meaning of 1 Corinthians 3:2 Explained

1 Corinthians 3:2

KJV: 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.

YLT: with milk I fed you, and not with meat, for ye were not yet able, but not even yet are ye now able,

Darby: I have given you milk to drink, not meat, for ye have not yet been able, nor indeed are ye yet able;

ASV: I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able to bear it : nay, not even now are ye able;

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 1 Corinthians 3:2 Mean?

Verse Meaning

When Paul had been with them they were new converts, so he gave them the milk of the Word, the ABCs of the faith (cf. 1 Peter 2:2). Now, when they should have been able to take in more advanced teaching, they were not able to do so (cf. Hebrews 5:11-14). Their party spirit was an evidence of spiritual immaturity, lack of growth. Their fundamental need was not a change of diet but a change of perspective.
Paul"s use of the vocative ("brothers [1]") and second person plural pronouns in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 indicates that he was addressing the whole church, not just a faction within it (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10). The actions of many in the congregation had defiled the whole body. [2]

Context Summary

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 - Prosperity Comes From God
In all our relations with our fellow-men, Christ's followers must realize their obligations as members of one great family, with one God. A man may be in Christ, truly regenerate and forgiven for his past sins, and yet be carnal; that is, according to Romans 7:18, he may be ruled by me, I, self. The marks of this inward disposition are set out here. He is a babe who needs to be fed with milk, little and often, because unable to digest solid food. He is a sectarian, throwing contempt on those who do not belong to his own school of thought. He allows himself to be infected with jealousy and strife. Let us test our Christian life by these symptoms. Where are we? And if we are conscious that self has become enthroned as the governing motive of life, let us not rest till Christ takes its place.
It is not easy to learn that the planter or the waterer is just nothing at all, and that God is all. Let us think of ourselves only as God's instruments, and in a humble way as God's fellow-workers. It is a most helpful thought. Constantly when engaged in tilling the soil as evangelists or in building character as preachers and teachers, let us count on success, because of the all-power of our great Partner. He must give the policy and direction; it is our part to conform wholly to His will and guidance. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 3

1  Milk is fit for children
3  Strife and division, arguments of a fleshly mind
7  He who plants and He who waters are nothing
9  The ministers are God's fellow workmen
11  Christ the only foundation
16  You are the temples of God, which must be kept holy
19  The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God

Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 3:2

I fed you with milk, not with meat [γαλα υμας εποτισα ου βρωμα]
Note two accusatives with the verb, ποτιζω — epotisa first aorist active indicative of ρωμα — potizō as with other causative verbs, that of the person and of the thing. In the lxx and the papyri the verb often means to irrigate. εποτισα — Brōma does not mean meat (flesh) as opposed to bread, but all solid food as in “meats and drinks” (Hebrews 9:7). It is a zeugma to use βρωμα — epotisa with brōma Paul did not glory in making his sermons thin and watery. Simplicity does not require lack of ideas or dulness. It is pathetic to think how the preacher has to clip the wings of thought and imagination because the hearers cannot go with him. But nothing hinders great preaching like the dulness caused by sin on the part of auditors who are impatient with the high demands of the gospel. [source]
I fed [ἐπότισα]
Lit., I gave you to drink. An instance of the rhetorical figure zeugma, by which one verb is attached to two nouns, of which it only suits the meaning of one, but suggests a verb suitable for the other. Thus “gave to drink ” is applied to meat as well as to milk. For another illustration see hindering (A.V. and Rev., forbidding ), 1 Timothy 4:3. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 3:2

John 1:42 A stone [Πέτρος]
See on Matthew 16:18. A detached mass of rock. Cephas is the Aramaic name, occurring 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 9:5; 1 Corinthians 15:5; Galatians 2:9. [source]
Romans 6:19 After the manner of men [ἀνθρώπινον]
Lit., what is human, popularly. He seems to have felt that the figures of service, bondage, etc., were unworthy of the subject, and apologizes for his use of the image of the slave mart to enforce such a high spiritual truth, on the ground of their imperfect spiritual comprehension. Compare 2 Corinthians 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 3:2. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:23 At his coming [εν τηι παρουσιαι]
The word παρουσια — parousia was the technical word “for the arrival or visit of the king or emperor” and can be traced from the Ptolemaic period into the second century a.d. (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 368). “Advent-coins were struck after a parousia of the emperor.” Paul is only discussing “those that are Christ‘s” (1 Corinthians 3:23; Galatians 5:24) and so says nothing about judgment (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). [source]
1 Corinthians 3:6 Apollos watered [Απολλως εποτισεν]
Apollos irrigated the church there as is seen in Acts 18:24-19:1. Another aorist tense as in 1 Corinthians 3:2. But God gave the increase (αλλα ο τεος ηυχανεν — alla ho theos ēuxanen). Imperfect tense here (active indicative) for the continuous blessing of God both on the work of Paul and Apollos, Corinthians-labourers with God in God‘s field (1 Corinthians 3:9). Reports of revivals sometimes give the glory to the evangelist or to both evangelist and pastor. Paul gives it all to God. He and Apollos cooperated as successive pastors. [source]
1 Corinthians 3:22 Yours [υμων]
Predicate genitive, belong to you. All the words in this 1 Corinthians 3:22 and 1 Corinthians 3:23 are anarthrous, though not indefinite, but definite. The English reproduces them all properly without the definite article except κοσμος — kosmos (the world), and even here just world will answer. Proper names do not need the article to be definite nor do words for single objects like world, life, death. Things present The wealth of the Christian includes all things, all leaders, past, present, future, Christ, and God. There is no room for partisan wrangling here. [source]
1 Corinthians 4:5 Wherefore [ωστε]
As in 1 Corinthians 3:21 which see. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:23 Order [τάγματι]
Only here in the New Testament. In Sept., a band, troop, or cohort; also a standard; Numbers 10:14; Numbers 18:22, Numbers 18:25. How the one idea ran into the other may be perceived from the analogy of the Latin manipulus, a handful of hay twisted round a pole and used by the Romans as the standard of a company of soldiers, from which the company itself was called manipulus. In classical Greek, besides the meaning of company, it means an ordinance and a fixed assessment. Here in the sense of band, or company, in pursuance of the principle of a descending series of ranks, and of consequent subordinations which is assumed by Paul. The series runs, God, Christ, man. See 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 1 Corinthians 11:3. The reference is not to time or merit, but simply to the fact that each occupies his own place in the economy of resurrection, which is one great process in several acts. Band after band rises. First Christ, then Christians. The same idea appears in the first-fruits and the harvest. [source]
1 Corinthians 4:6 That in us ye may learn [ινα εν ημιν ματητε]
Final clause with ινα — hina and the second aorist active subjunctive of μαντανω — manthanō to learn. As an object lesson in our cases It is no more true of Paul and Apollos than of other ministers, but the wrangles in Corinth started about them. So Paul boldly puts himself and Apollos to the fore in the discussion of the principles involved. Not to go beyond the things which are written (το Μη υπερ α γεγραπται — to Mē huper ha gegraptai). It is difficult to reproduce the Greek idiom in English. The article το — to is in the accusative case as the object of the verb ματητε — mathēte (learn) and points at the words “Μη υπερ α γεγραπται — Mē huper ha gegraptai apparently a proverb or rule, and elliptical in form with no principal verb expressed with μη — mē whether “think” (Auth.) or “go” (Revised). There was a constant tendency to smooth out Paul‘s ellipses as in 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:26, 1 Corinthians 1:31. Lightfoot thinks that Paul may have in mind O.T. passages quoted in 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 1:31; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 1 Corinthians 3:20. That ye be not puffed up Sub-final use of ινα — hina (second use in this sentence) with notion of result. It is not certain whether πυσιουστε — phusiousthe (late verb form like πυσιαω πυσαω — phusiaōινα — phusaō to blow up, to inflate, to puff up), used only by Paul in the N.T., is present indicative with ζηλουτε — hina like ινα γινωσκομεν — zēloute in Galatians 4:17 (cf. Πυσιοω — hina ginōskomen in 1 John 5:20) or the present subjunctive by irregular contraction (Robertson, Grammar, pp. 203, 342f.), probably the present indicative. πυσις — Phusioō is from πυσαω — phusis (nature) and so meant to make natural, but it is used by Paul just like πυσιαω — phusaō or πυσα — phusiaō (from εις υπερ του ενος κατα του ετερου — phusa a pair of bellows), a vivid picture of self-conceit. One for the one against the other (υπερ — heis huper tou henos kata tou heterou). This is the precise idea of this idiom of partitive apposition. This is the rule with partisans. They are “for” (κατα — huper) the one and “against” (του ετερου — kata down on, the genitive case) the other (ετεροδοχ — tou heterou not merely another or a second, but the different sort, heterodox). [source]
1 Corinthians 4:8 Ye have reigned without us [χωρις ημων εβασιλευσατε]
Withering sarcasm. Ye became kings without our company. Some think that Paul as in 1 Corinthians 3:21 is purposely employing Stoic phraseology though with his own meanings. If so, it is hardly consciously done. Paul was certainly familiar with much of the literature of his time, but it did not shape his ideas. [source]
1 Corinthians 4:6 Not to go beyond the things which are written [το Μη υπερ α γεγραπται]
It is difficult to reproduce the Greek idiom in English. The article το — to is in the accusative case as the object of the verb ματητε — mathēte (learn) and points at the words “Μη υπερ α γεγραπται — Mē huper ha gegraptai apparently a proverb or rule, and elliptical in form with no principal verb expressed with μη — mē whether “think” (Auth.) or “go” (Revised). There was a constant tendency to smooth out Paul‘s ellipses as in 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 1:26, 1 Corinthians 1:31. Lightfoot thinks that Paul may have in mind O.T. passages quoted in 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 1:31; 1 Corinthians 3:19, 1 Corinthians 3:20. [source]
1 Corinthians 4:8 Already ye are become rich [ηδη επλουτησατε]
Note change to ingressive aorist indicative of πλουτεω — plouteō old verb to be rich (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9). “The aorists, used instead of perfects, imply indecent haste” (Lightfoot). “They have got a private millennium of their own” (Robertson & Plummer) with all the blessings of the Messianic Kingdom (Luke 22:29.; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:12). Ye have reigned without us (χωρις ημων εβασιλευσατε — chōris hēmōn ebasileusate). Withering sarcasm. Ye became kings without our company. Some think that Paul as in 1 Corinthians 3:21 is purposely employing Stoic phraseology though with his own meanings. If so, it is hardly consciously done. Paul was certainly familiar with much of the literature of his time, but it did not shape his ideas. I would that ye did reign More exactly, “And would at least that ye had come to reign (or become kings).” It is an unfulfilled wish about the past expressed by οπελον — ophelon and the aorist indicative instead of ει γαρ — ei gar and the aorist indicative (the ancient idiom). See Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003, for the construction with particle οπελον — ophelon (an unaugmented second aorist form). That we also might reign with you (ινα και ημεις υμιν συνβασιλευσωμεν — hina kai hēmeis humin sunbasileusōmen). Ironical contrast to χωρις ημων εβασιλευσατε — chōris hēmōn ebasileusate just before. Associative instrumental case of υμιν — humin after συν — suṅ f0). [source]
1 Corinthians 7:29 The time is shortened [ο καιρος συνεσταλμενος εστιν]
Perfect periphrastic passive indicative of συστελλω — sustellō old verb to place together, to draw together. Only twice in the N.T., here and Acts 5:6 which see. Found in the papyri for curtailing expenses. Calvin takes it for the shortness of human life, but apparently Paul pictures the foreshortening of time (opportunity) because of the possible nearness of and hope for the second coming. But in Philippians Paul faces death as his fate (Philemon 1:21-26), though still looking for the coming of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:20). That henceforth (το λοιπον ινα — to loipon hina). Proleptic position of το λοιπον — to loipon before ινα — hina and in the accusative of general reference and ινα — hina has the notion of result rather than purpose (Robertson, Grammar, p. 997). As though they had none This use of ως — hōs with the participle for an assumed condition is regular and μη — mē in the Koiné{[28928]}š is the normal negative of the participle. So the idiom runs on through 1 Corinthians 7:31. [source]
2 Corinthians 6:10 As having nothing and yet possessing all things [ως μηδεν εχοντες και παντα κατεχοντες]
Contrast between μηδεν — mēden (nothing) and παντα — panta (all things, cf. 1 Corinthians 3:22) and εχω — echō (to have) and κατεχω — katechō (to hold down, to hold fast). Play on words (simple and compound) as in 2 Corinthians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 4:8. Climax of Paul‘s panegyric on the Christian ministry. He now resumes the thread of the story broken off in 2 Corinthians 2:14. [source]
2 Corinthians 7:14 If - I have gloried [εικεκαυχημαι]
Condition of first class. On this verb see note on 1 Corinthians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 5:12. [source]
2 Corinthians 6:10 Yet making many rich [πολλους δε πλουτιζοντες]
Old word from πλουτος — ploutos (wealth), to enrich. Spiritual riches Paul has in mind as in 1 Corinthians 1:5 (cf. Matthew 5:37). As having nothing and yet possessing all things (ως μηδεν εχοντες και παντα κατεχοντες — hōs mēden echontes kai panta katechontes). Contrast between μηδεν — mēden (nothing) and παντα — panta (all things, cf. 1 Corinthians 3:22) and εχω — echō (to have) and κατεχω — katechō (to hold down, to hold fast). Play on words (simple and compound) as in 2 Corinthians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 4:8. Climax of Paul‘s panegyric on the Christian ministry. He now resumes the thread of the story broken off in 2 Corinthians 2:14. [source]
Galatians 5:24 They that are Christ's [οἱ δὲ τοῦ Χριστοῦ]
The best texts add Ἱησοῦ theythat are of Christ Jesus. Belong to him. The exact phrase only here. But see 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 2 Corinthians 10:7, Galatians 3:29. [source]
Galatians 1:4 Out of this present evil world [ἐκ τοῦ αἰῶνος τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος πονηροῦ]
Lit. out of the world, the present (world which is ) evil. For αἰών ageor period, see John 1:9, and additional note on 2 Thessalonians 1:9. Here it has an ethical sense, the course and current of this world's affairs as corrupted by sin. Comp. 2 Corinthians 4:4. Ἑνεστῶτος , present, as contrasted with the world to come. Elsewhere we have ὁ νῦν αἰών thenow world (1 Timothy 6:17); ὁ αἰὼν τοῦκοσμοῦ theperiod of this world (Ephesians 2:2); ὁ αἰὼν οὗτος thisworld or age (Romans 7:2). Ἑνεστῶτος , not impending, as some expositors, - the period of wickedness and suffering preceding the parousia (2 Thessalonians 2:3), which would imply a limitation of Christ's atoning work to that period. Comp. 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Timothy 3:1; 1 Corinthians 7:26. The sense of present as related to future is clear in Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 3:22; Hebrews 9:9. For the evil character of the present world as conceived by Paul, see Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 2:6; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2. [source]
Galatians 1:4 Out of this present evil world [εκ του αιωνος του ενεστωτος πονηρου]
Literally, “out of the age the existing one being evil.” The predicate position of πονηρου — ponērou calls emphatic attention to it. Each word here is of interest and has been already discussed. See Matthew 13:22 for aiōn Matthew 6:23 for ponēros αιων — Enestōtos is genitive masculine singular of πονηρος — enestōs second perfect (intransitive) participle of Ενεστωτος — enistēmi for which see 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 7:26. It is present as related to future (Romans 8:38; Hebrews 9:9). [source]
Galatians 1:4 Deliver [εχεληται]
Second aorist middle subjunctive (final clause with οπως — hopōs) of εχαιρεω — exaireō old verb to pluck out, to rescue (Acts 23:27). “Strikes the keynote of the epistle. The gospel is a rescue, an emancipation from a state of bondage” (Lightfoot). Out of this present evil world (εκ του αιωνος του ενεστωτος πονηρου — ek tou aiōnos tou enestōtos ponērou). Literally, “out of the age the existing one being evil.” The predicate position of πονηρου — ponērou calls emphatic attention to it. Each word here is of interest and has been already discussed. See Matthew 13:22 for aiōn Matthew 6:23 for ponēros αιων — Enestōtos is genitive masculine singular of πονηρος — enestōs second perfect (intransitive) participle of Ενεστωτος — enistēmi for which see 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 7:26. It is present as related to future (Romans 8:38; Hebrews 9:9). According to the will of God Not according to any merit in us. [source]
Galatians 4:3 We were held in bondage [ημεις ημετα δεδουλωμενοι]
Periphrastic past perfect of δουλοω — douloō to enslave, in a permanent state of bondage. Under the rudiments of the world (υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου — hupo ta stoicheia tou kosmou). Στοιχος — Stoichos is row or rank, a series. So στοιχειον — stoicheion is any first thing in a στοιχος — stoichos like the letters of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2 Peter 3:10), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the rudiments of any act (Hebrews 5:12; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world (κοσμος — kosmos as the orderly material universe as in Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). See note on Matthew 13:38; note on Acts 17:24; note on 1 Corinthians 3:22. All were in the elementary stage before Christ came. [source]
Galatians 4:3 Under the rudiments of the world [υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου]
Στοιχος — Stoichos is row or rank, a series. So στοιχειον — stoicheion is any first thing in a στοιχος — stoichos like the letters of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2 Peter 3:10), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the rudiments of any act (Hebrews 5:12; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world See note on Matthew 13:38; note on Acts 17:24; note on 1 Corinthians 3:22. All were in the elementary stage before Christ came. [source]
Ephesians 4:11 Apostles []
Properly, as apostles, or to be apostles. Christ's ministers are gifts to His people. Compare 1 Corinthians 3:5, “ministers as the Lord gave;” also 1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 3:22. The distinguishing features of an apostle were, a commission directly from Christ: being a witness of the resurrection: special inspiration: supreme authority: accrediting by miracles: unlimited commission to preach and to found churches. [source]
Ephesians 1:3 God and Father of our Lord, etc. []
Some object to this rendering on the ground that the phrase God of Christ is unusual, occurring nowhere in Paul, except Ephesians 1:17of this chapter. Such render, God who is also the Father, etc. But Christ of God is found Matthew 27:46; and my God, John 20:17; Revelation 3:12. Compare, also, 1 Corinthians 3:23; and the phrase is undoubted in Ephesians 1:17. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:2 Ye be not quickly shaken [μη ταχεως σαλευτηναι υμας]
First aorist passive infinitive of σαλευω — saleuō old verb to agitate, to cause to totter like a reed (Matthew 11:7), the earth (Hebrews 12:26). Usual negative μη — mē and accusative of general reference υμας — humas with the infinitive. From your mind (απο του νοος — apo tou noos). Ablative case of nous, mind, reason, sober sense, “from your witte” (Wycliffe), to “keep their heads.” Nor yet be troubled Old verb τροεω — throeō to cry aloud (from τροος — throos clamour, tumult), to be in a state of nervous excitement (present passive infinitive, as if it were going on), “a continued state of agitation following the definite shock received Either by spirit (μητε δια πνευματος — mēte dia pneumatos). By ecstatic utterance (1 Thessalonians 5:10). The nervous fear that the coming was to be at once prohibited by μηδε — mēde Paul divides into three sources by μητε μητε μητε — mēte, μητε δια λογου — mēteμητε δι επιστολης ως δι ημων — mēte No individual claim to divine revelation (the gift of prophecy) can justify the statement. Or by word Oral statement of a conversation with Paul (Lightfoot) to this effect as from us. An easy way to set aside Paul‘s first Epistle by report of a private remark from Paul. Or by epistle as from us (ενιστημι — mēte di' epistolēs hōs di' hēmōn). In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3 Paul had plainly said that Jesus would come as a thief in the night and had shown that the dead would not be left out in the rapture. But evidently some one claimed to have a private epistle from Paul which supported the view that Jesus was coming at once, as that the day of the Lord is now present (τα ενεστωτα — hōs hoti enestēken hē hēmera tou kuriou). Perfect active indicative of τα μελλοντα — enistēmi old verb, to place in, but intransitive in this tense to stand in or at or near. So “is imminent” (Lightfoot). The verb is common in the papyri. In 1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:38 we have a contrast between ως οτι — ta enestōta the things present, and ta mellonta the things future (to come). The use of hōs hoti may be disparaging here, though that is not true in 2 Corinthians 5:19. In the Koiné{[28928]}š it comes in the vernacular to mean simply “that” (Moulton, Proleg., p. 212), but that hardly seems the case in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1033). Here it means “to wit that,” though “as that” or “as if” does not miss it much. Certainly it flatly denies that by conversation or by letter he had stated that the second coming was immediately at hand. “It is this misleading assertion that accounts both for the increased discouragement of the faint-hearted to encourage whom Paul writes 1:3-2:17, and for the increased meddlesomeness of the idle brethren to warn whom Paul writes 3:1-18” (Frame). It is enough to give one pause to note Paul‘s indignation over this use of his name by one of the over-zealous advocates of the view that Christ was coming at once. It is true that Paul was still alive, but, if such a “pious fraud” was so common and easily condoned as some today argue, it is difficult to explain Paul‘s evident anger. Moreover, Paul‘s words should make us hesitate to affirm that Paul definitely proclaimed the early return of Jesus. He hoped for it undoubtedly, but he did not specifically proclaim it as so many today assert and accuse him of misleading the early Christians with a false presentation. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:2 Nor yet be troubled [μηδε τροεισται]
Old verb τροεω — throeō to cry aloud (from τροος — throos clamour, tumult), to be in a state of nervous excitement (present passive infinitive, as if it were going on), “a continued state of agitation following the definite shock received Either by spirit (μητε δια πνευματος — mēte dia pneumatos). By ecstatic utterance (1 Thessalonians 5:10). The nervous fear that the coming was to be at once prohibited by μηδε — mēde Paul divides into three sources by μητε μητε μητε — mēte, μητε δια λογου — mēteμητε δι επιστολης ως δι ημων — mēte No individual claim to divine revelation (the gift of prophecy) can justify the statement. Or by word Oral statement of a conversation with Paul (Lightfoot) to this effect as from us. An easy way to set aside Paul‘s first Epistle by report of a private remark from Paul. Or by epistle as from us (ενιστημι — mēte di' epistolēs hōs di' hēmōn). In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3 Paul had plainly said that Jesus would come as a thief in the night and had shown that the dead would not be left out in the rapture. But evidently some one claimed to have a private epistle from Paul which supported the view that Jesus was coming at once, as that the day of the Lord is now present (τα ενεστωτα — hōs hoti enestēken hē hēmera tou kuriou). Perfect active indicative of τα μελλοντα — enistēmi old verb, to place in, but intransitive in this tense to stand in or at or near. So “is imminent” (Lightfoot). The verb is common in the papyri. In 1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:38 we have a contrast between ως οτι — ta enestōta the things present, and ta mellonta the things future (to come). The use of hōs hoti may be disparaging here, though that is not true in 2 Corinthians 5:19. In the Koiné{[28928]}š it comes in the vernacular to mean simply “that” (Moulton, Proleg., p. 212), but that hardly seems the case in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1033). Here it means “to wit that,” though “as that” or “as if” does not miss it much. Certainly it flatly denies that by conversation or by letter he had stated that the second coming was immediately at hand. “It is this misleading assertion that accounts both for the increased discouragement of the faint-hearted to encourage whom Paul writes 1:3-2:17, and for the increased meddlesomeness of the idle brethren to warn whom Paul writes 3:1-18” (Frame). It is enough to give one pause to note Paul‘s indignation over this use of his name by one of the over-zealous advocates of the view that Christ was coming at once. It is true that Paul was still alive, but, if such a “pious fraud” was so common and easily condoned as some today argue, it is difficult to explain Paul‘s evident anger. Moreover, Paul‘s words should make us hesitate to affirm that Paul definitely proclaimed the early return of Jesus. He hoped for it undoubtedly, but he did not specifically proclaim it as so many today assert and accuse him of misleading the early Christians with a false presentation. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:2 Or by word [ως οτι ενεστηκεν η ημερα του κυριου]
Oral statement of a conversation with Paul (Lightfoot) to this effect as from us. An easy way to set aside Paul‘s first Epistle by report of a private remark from Paul. Or by epistle as from us (ενιστημι — mēte di' epistolēs hōs di' hēmōn). In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3 Paul had plainly said that Jesus would come as a thief in the night and had shown that the dead would not be left out in the rapture. But evidently some one claimed to have a private epistle from Paul which supported the view that Jesus was coming at once, as that the day of the Lord is now present (τα ενεστωτα — hōs hoti enestēken hē hēmera tou kuriou). Perfect active indicative of τα μελλοντα — enistēmi old verb, to place in, but intransitive in this tense to stand in or at or near. So “is imminent” (Lightfoot). The verb is common in the papyri. In 1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:38 we have a contrast between ως οτι — ta enestōta the things present, and ta mellonta the things future (to come). The use of hōs hoti may be disparaging here, though that is not true in 2 Corinthians 5:19. In the Koiné{[28928]}š it comes in the vernacular to mean simply “that” (Moulton, Proleg., p. 212), but that hardly seems the case in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1033). Here it means “to wit that,” though “as that” or “as if” does not miss it much. Certainly it flatly denies that by conversation or by letter he had stated that the second coming was immediately at hand. “It is this misleading assertion that accounts both for the increased discouragement of the faint-hearted to encourage whom Paul writes 1:3-2:17, and for the increased meddlesomeness of the idle brethren to warn whom Paul writes 3:1-18” (Frame). It is enough to give one pause to note Paul‘s indignation over this use of his name by one of the over-zealous advocates of the view that Christ was coming at once. It is true that Paul was still alive, but, if such a “pious fraud” was so common and easily condoned as some today argue, it is difficult to explain Paul‘s evident anger. Moreover, Paul‘s words should make us hesitate to affirm that Paul definitely proclaimed the early return of Jesus. He hoped for it undoubtedly, but he did not specifically proclaim it as so many today assert and accuse him of misleading the early Christians with a false presentation. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:2 as from us []
. An easy way to set aside Paul‘s first Epistle by report of a private remark from Paul. Or by epistle as from us (ενιστημι — mēte di' epistolēs hōs di' hēmōn). In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3 Paul had plainly said that Jesus would come as a thief in the night and had shown that the dead would not be left out in the rapture. But evidently some one claimed to have a private epistle from Paul which supported the view that Jesus was coming at once, as that the day of the Lord is now present (τα ενεστωτα — hōs hoti enestēken hē hēmera tou kuriou). Perfect active indicative of τα μελλοντα — enistēmi old verb, to place in, but intransitive in this tense to stand in or at or near. So “is imminent” (Lightfoot). The verb is common in the papyri. In 1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:38 we have a contrast between ως οτι — ta enestōta the things present, and ta mellonta the things future (to come). The use of hōs hoti may be disparaging here, though that is not true in 2 Corinthians 5:19. In the Koiné{[28928]}š it comes in the vernacular to mean simply “that” (Moulton, Proleg., p. 212), but that hardly seems the case in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1033). Here it means “to wit that,” though “as that” or “as if” does not miss it much. Certainly it flatly denies that by conversation or by letter he had stated that the second coming was immediately at hand. “It is this misleading assertion that accounts both for the increased discouragement of the faint-hearted to encourage whom Paul writes 1:3-2:17, and for the increased meddlesomeness of the idle brethren to warn whom Paul writes 3:1-18” (Frame). It is enough to give one pause to note Paul‘s indignation over this use of his name by one of the over-zealous advocates of the view that Christ was coming at once. It is true that Paul was still alive, but, if such a “pious fraud” was so common and easily condoned as some today argue, it is difficult to explain Paul‘s evident anger. Moreover, Paul‘s words should make us hesitate to affirm that Paul definitely proclaimed the early return of Jesus. He hoped for it undoubtedly, but he did not specifically proclaim it as so many today assert and accuse him of misleading the early Christians with a false presentation. [source]
2 Thessalonians 2:2 Or by epistle as from us [ενιστημι]
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:3 Paul had plainly said that Jesus would come as a thief in the night and had shown that the dead would not be left out in the rapture. But evidently some one claimed to have a private epistle from Paul which supported the view that Jesus was coming at once, as that the day of the Lord is now present Perfect active indicative of τα μελλοντα — enistēmi old verb, to place in, but intransitive in this tense to stand in or at or near. So “is imminent” (Lightfoot). The verb is common in the papyri. In 1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:38 we have a contrast between ως οτι — ta enestōta the things present, and ta mellonta the things future (to come). The use of hōs hoti may be disparaging here, though that is not true in 2 Corinthians 5:19. In the Koiné{[28928]}š it comes in the vernacular to mean simply “that” (Moulton, Proleg., p. 212), but that hardly seems the case in the N.T. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1033). Here it means “to wit that,” though “as that” or “as if” does not miss it much. Certainly it flatly denies that by conversation or by letter he had stated that the second coming was immediately at hand. “It is this misleading assertion that accounts both for the increased discouragement of the faint-hearted to encourage whom Paul writes 1:3-2:17, and for the increased meddlesomeness of the idle brethren to warn whom Paul writes 3:1-18” (Frame). It is enough to give one pause to note Paul‘s indignation over this use of his name by one of the over-zealous advocates of the view that Christ was coming at once. It is true that Paul was still alive, but, if such a “pious fraud” was so common and easily condoned as some today argue, it is difficult to explain Paul‘s evident anger. Moreover, Paul‘s words should make us hesitate to affirm that Paul definitely proclaimed the early return of Jesus. He hoped for it undoubtedly, but he did not specifically proclaim it as so many today assert and accuse him of misleading the early Christians with a false presentation. [source]
1 Timothy 5:18 The laborer is worthy, etc. []
A second scriptural quotation would seem to be indicated, but there is no corresponding passage in the O.T. The words are found Luke 10:7, and, with a slight variation, Matthew 10:10. Some hold that the writer adds to the O.T. citation a popular proverb, and that Christ himself used the words in this way. But while different passages of Scripture are often connected in citation by καὶ , it is not according, to N.T. usage thus to connect Scripture and proverb. Moreover, in such series of citations it is customary to use καὶ πάλιν and again, or πάλιν simply. See Matthew 4:7; Matthew 5:33; John 12:39; Romans 15:9-12; 1 Corinthians 3:20; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 2:13. According to others, the writer here cites an utterance of Christ from oral tradition, coordinately with the O.T. citation, as Scripture. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 7:10, appeals to a word of the Lord; and in Acts 10:35he is represented as quoting “it is more blessed to give than to receive” as the words of Jesus. In 1Corinthians href="/desk/?q=1co+9:14&sr=1">1 Corinthians 9:14) “even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel,” which resembles the combination here. This last is the more probable explanation. [source]
1 Timothy 4:8 The life that now is [ζωῆς τῆς νῦν]
According to the strict Greek idiom, life the now. This idiom and the following, τῆς μελλούσης N.T.oThe phrase ὁ νῦν αἰών thepresent aeon, 1 Timothy 6:17; 2 Timothy 4:10; Titus 2:12. Ὁ αἰών οὗτος this aeon, a few times in the Gospels, often in Paul, nowhere else. We have ὁ αἰών ὁ μέλλων theaeon which is to be, and ὁ αἰών ὁ ἐρχόμενος or ἐπερχόμενος theaeon which is coming on, in the Gospels, once in Paul (Ephesians 2:7), and in Hebrews once, μέλλων αἰών without the article. Ἑν τῷ καιρῷ τούτῳ inthis time, of the present as contrasted with the future life, Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30. Ὁ νυν καιρός thenow time, in the same relation, Romans 8:18. For ζωὴ lifesee on John 1:4. The force of the genitive with ἐπαγγελία promisemay be expressed by for. Godliness involves a promise for this life and for the next; but for this life as it reflects the heavenly life, is shaped and controlled by it, and bears its impress. Godliness has promise for the present life because it has promise for the life which is to come. Only the life which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:1) is life indeed, 1 Timothy 6:19. Comp. 1 Peter 3:10; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. [source]
Titus 3:9 Vain [μάταιοι]
Only here in Pastorals. Twice in Paul, 1 Corinthians 3:20, cit.; 1 Corinthians 15:17(note). Very frequent in lxx. The sense is aimless or resultless, as μάταιος εὐχή aprayer which cannot obtain fulfilment. The questions, genealogies, etc., lead to no attainment or advancement in godliness. Comp. ματαιολογία jangling 1 Timothy 1:6; ματαιολόγοι vaintalkers, 1 Timothy 1:10; ματαιότης vanity Romans 8:20; Ephesians 4:17; ἐματαιώθησαν weremade vain, Romans 1:21; μάτην invain, Matthew 15:9. [source]
Hebrews 9:9 For the time then present [εικς τὸν καιρὸν τὸν ἐνεστηκότα]
Rend. now present, as contrasted with the “time of reformation,” Hebrews 9:10. See on these last days, Hebrews 1:2. Ἐις forwith reference to; applying to. Καιρὸς seasonis used instead of αἰὼν agebecause “the time” is conceived by the writer as a critical point, - a turning-point, at which the old system is to take its departure. For ἐνεστηκότα present, see on Galatians 1:4, and comp. Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 3:22. [source]
Hebrews 5:12 Milk [γάλακτος]
Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:2. Answering to rudiments. [source]
Hebrews 5:12 Of the first principles of the oracles of God [της αρχης των λογιων του τεου]
Three genitives linked to each other. Αρχης — Archēs (beginning) illustrates τα στοιχεια — ta stoicheia just before, the A B C of Christian teaching like Hebrews 6:1. Λογιον — Logion is a diminutive of logos, divine oracles being usually brief, common in the O.T. and Philo for God‘s words, in N.T. used for the O.T. (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2), of God‘s word through Christians (1 Peter 4:11), of the substance of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12). Of milk Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
Hebrews 5:12 Of milk [γαλακτος]
Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
Hebrews 5:12 Teachers [διδασκαλοι]
Predicate nominative after ειναι — einai By reason of the time Alas, what a commentary on modern Christians. That some one teach you the rudiments Neat Greek idiom, genitive case of the articular infinitive (need of the teaching) with two accusatives of the person For στοιχεια — stoicheia see Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8. Of the first principles of the oracles of God Three genitives linked to each other. Αρχης — Archēs (beginning) illustrates τα στοιχεια — ta stoicheia just before, the A B C of Christian teaching like Hebrews 6:1. Λογιον — Logion is a diminutive of logos, divine oracles being usually brief, common in the O.T. and Philo for God‘s words, in N.T. used for the O.T. (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2), of God‘s word through Christians (1 Peter 4:11), of the substance of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12). Of milk Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
Hebrews 5:12 By reason of the time [δια τον χρονον]
Alas, what a commentary on modern Christians. That some one teach you the rudiments Neat Greek idiom, genitive case of the articular infinitive (need of the teaching) with two accusatives of the person For στοιχεια — stoicheia see Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8. Of the first principles of the oracles of God Three genitives linked to each other. Αρχης — Archēs (beginning) illustrates τα στοιχεια — ta stoicheia just before, the A B C of Christian teaching like Hebrews 6:1. Λογιον — Logion is a diminutive of logos, divine oracles being usually brief, common in the O.T. and Philo for God‘s words, in N.T. used for the O.T. (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2), of God‘s word through Christians (1 Peter 4:11), of the substance of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12). Of milk Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
Hebrews 5:12 That some one teach you the rudiments [του διδασκειν υμας τινα τα στοιχεια]
Neat Greek idiom, genitive case of the articular infinitive (need of the teaching) with two accusatives of the person For στοιχεια — stoicheia see Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8. Of the first principles of the oracles of God Three genitives linked to each other. Αρχης — Archēs (beginning) illustrates τα στοιχεια — ta stoicheia just before, the A B C of Christian teaching like Hebrews 6:1. Λογιον — Logion is a diminutive of logos, divine oracles being usually brief, common in the O.T. and Philo for God‘s words, in N.T. used for the O.T. (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2), of God‘s word through Christians (1 Peter 4:11), of the substance of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12). Of milk Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
Hebrews 9:9 Which [ητις]
“Which very thing,” the first tent Only in the Synoptic Gospels in the N.T. and Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 11:19. See note on Matthew 13:3 for the word (from paraballō to place alongside). Here like παραβαλλω — tupos (type or shadow of “the heavenly reality,” Moffatt). For the time now present “For the present crisis “ Perfect active articular (repeated article) participle of παραβολη — enistēmi (intransitive), the age in which they lived, not the past, not the future. See 1 Corinthians 3:22; Romans 8:38 for contrast between σκηνης — enestōta and κατα συνειδησιν — mellonta This age of crisis, foreshadowed by the old tabernacle, pointed on to the richer fulfilment still to come. According to which Here the relative refers to τελειωσαι τον λατρευοντα — parabolē just mentioned, not to skēnēs See Hebrews 5:1; Hebrews 8:3. As touching the conscience For suneidēsis see 1 Corinthians 8:10; 1 Corinthians 10:17; Romans 2:15. This was the real failure of animal sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1-4). Make the worshipper perfect First aorist active infinitive (Hebrews 2:10). At best it was only ritual or ceremonial purification (Hebrews 7:11), that called for endless repetition (Hebrews 10:1-4). [source]
1 Peter 2:2 That ye may grow thereby [ινα εν αυτωι αυχητητε]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of αυχανω — auxanō old and common verb to grow. See this same metaphor in Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 4:15. Peter uses the word of God as the food for growth, especially for babes in Christ, not emphasizing the distinction from solid food (βρωμα — brōma) made in 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:13. Salvation (σωτηριαν — sōtērian) here is final salvation. [source]
1 Peter 2:2 Long for [επιποτησατε]
First aorist (constative) active imperative of επιποτεω — epipotheō old verb for intense yearning (Philemon 2:26).The spiritual milk which is without guile (το λογικον αδολον γαλα — to logikon adolon gala). Γαλα — Gala is old word for milk as in 1 Corinthians 9:7 and as metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:2. Αδολος — Adolos is an old compound (here alone in N.T.) adjective (alpha privative and δολος — dolos deceit), unadulterated milk which, alas, is so hard to get. Λογικον — Logikon is an old adjective in ικος — ̇ikos from λογος — logos (reason, speech), in N.T. only here and Romans 12:1, used here with allusion to λογου — logou (1 Peter 1:23) and ρημα — rēma (1 Peter 1:25), “the sincere milk of the word” (“the milk belonging to the word,” either the milk which is the word or the milk contained in the word, that is Christ). So Bigg holds. But in Romans 12:1 Paul uses λογικον — logikon in the sense of “rational” or “spiritual,” and that idea is possible here as Hort holds. In the Pelagia legend (Usener) we have the phrase των λογικων προβατων του Χριστου — tōn logikōn probatōn tou Christou (the spiritual or rational sheep of Christ).That ye may grow thereby Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of αυχανω — auxanō old and common verb to grow. See this same metaphor in Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 4:15. Peter uses the word of God as the food for growth, especially for babes in Christ, not emphasizing the distinction from solid food (βρωμα — brōma) made in 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:13. Salvation (σωτηριαν — sōtērian) here is final salvation. [source]
1 Peter 2:2 The spiritual milk which is without guile [το λογικον αδολον γαλα]
Γαλα — Gala is old word for milk as in 1 Corinthians 9:7 and as metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:2. Αδολος — Adolos is an old compound (here alone in N.T.) adjective (alpha privative and δολος — dolos deceit), unadulterated milk which, alas, is so hard to get. Λογικον — Logikon is an old adjective in ικος — ̇ikos from λογος — logos (reason, speech), in N.T. only here and Romans 12:1, used here with allusion to λογου — logou (1 Peter 1:23) and ρημα — rēma (1 Peter 1:25), “the sincere milk of the word” (“the milk belonging to the word,” either the milk which is the word or the milk contained in the word, that is Christ). So Bigg holds. But in Romans 12:1 Paul uses λογικον — logikon in the sense of “rational” or “spiritual,” and that idea is possible here as Hort holds. In the Pelagia legend (Usener) we have the phrase των λογικων προβατων του Χριστου — tōn logikōn probatōn tou Christou (the spiritual or rational sheep of Christ). [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 3:2 mean?

Milk you I gave to drink not solid food not yet for were you able In fact not still now are you able
γάλα ὑμᾶς ἐπότισα οὐ βρῶμα οὔπω γὰρ ἐδύνασθε Ἀλλ’ οὐδὲ ἔτι νῦν δύνασθε

γάλα  Milk 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: γάλα  
Sense: milk.
ἐπότισα  I  gave  to  drink 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ποτίζω  
Sense: to give to drink, to furnish drink.
βρῶμα  solid  food 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: βρῶμα  
Sense: that which is eaten, food.
οὔπω  not  yet 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὔπω  
Sense: not yet.
ἐδύνασθε  were  you  able 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: δύναμαι  
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.
Ἀλλ’  In  fact 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἀλλά  
Sense: but.
ἔτι  still 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἔτι  
Sense: yet, still.
νῦν  now 
Parse: Adverb
Root: νῦν  
Sense: at this time, the present, now.
δύνασθε  are  you  able 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 2nd Person Plural
Root: δύναμαι  
Sense: to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom.

What are the major concepts related to 1 Corinthians 3:2?

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