What does it mean that solid food is for the mature (Hebrews 5:14)?

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who were in danger of returning to their old religious practices. The writer of Hebrews encourages them to persevere in their faith to advance beyond the basic teachings about Christ and move forward into spiritual maturity: “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong” (NLT).

“Solid food is for the mature” is part of a metaphor comparing the human dietary progression to the Christian growth process. Babies must drink milk. They have no teeth to chew solid food, and their delicate digestive systems cannot process it. But as infants grow up, they develop the necessary internal structures to chew, break down, and assimilate the nutritional benefits of a more complex diet. The same is true of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life. The Hebrew recipients of the epistle were like spiritual babies who needed to be bottle-fed. They had to be taught repeatedly the fundamental teachings of the gospel when they should have been feasting on the solid food of advanced biblical truth and then teaching it to others.

The statement that solid food is for the mature draws a sharp contrast between spiritual infancy and maturity. The metaphors of “milk” and “solid food” represent different levels of spiritual teaching. Just as infants begin with milk and gradually progress to solid food, new believers in the Christian faith start with basic teachings (see Hebrews 6:1–3) and later advance to more complex doctrines (see 1 Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 1:17–18; 3:16–19; Colossians 1:10).

Milk symbolizes the fundamental principles of Christianity, which are essential for new believers. These basics include teachings about salvation, repentance, faith, and the resurrection. While these are foundational and essential, surviving only on milk indicates a lack of growth and a failure to develop deeper insight.

Solid food represents advanced doctrinal teachings that require a more mature understanding. This consists of meatier insights into theology, ethical living, and the application of biblical principles in complex situations. Mature believers are expected to digest and apply these teachings, demonstrating growth in wisdom and discernment.

Spiritual discernment, perseverance, and consistent practice are key to Christian maturity. Hebrews 5:14 emphasizes that mature believers “have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil” (ESV). The training process involves regularly reading and studying God’s Word (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17), spending time in prayer (Luke 18:1; Ephesians 6:18), and applying biblical principles in daily life (Titus 2:12; Romans 5:3–5; 12:2; James 1:3–4). Practicing discernment means making decisions that align with God’s will, rejecting sinful behaviors, and embracing actions that reflect Christ’s character (see 1 Timothy 4:7–8). To do this, we must grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and depend on guidance from the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corinthians 2:6–16).

Several factors can hinder spiritual growth, including complacency (Hebrews 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 13:5), lack of discipline (see Hebrews 12:11), and distractions (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 2 Timothy 2:4–5; 4:10). To continue growing up, believers must actively pursue spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, devotions, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and service (see Ephesians 4:11–32; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Philippians 3:12–14). “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind” (Ephesians 4:14).

The assertion that solid food is for the mature in Hebrews 5:14 is a powerful reminder of the importance of growth in the Christian life. Remaining in spiritual infancy prevents us from being useful for God’s kingdom. Instead of teaching and equipping others, we are continually coddled and bottle-fed. Just as physical growth requires progression from milk to solid food, spiritual growth means moving beyond elementary teachings to embrace deeper, more complex doctrines. By practicing discernment and engaging in spiritual disciplines, believers can grow in their faith and live a purposeful life that reflects the character of Christ.