Hebrews 5:11

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 5:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.
Hebrews 5:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
11Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation, seeing ye are become dull of hearing.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Of whom we have many things to say, etc..] Either of Melchizedek, or of Christ, or of his priesthood or of all of these; since the apostle does largely treat of them in the following chapters: he says many things concerning Melchizedek in the seventh chapter, and many things of Christ, and his priesthood, in those that follow; Christ is a large and inexhaustible subject in the Gospel ministry, and what a Gospel minister delights to dwell on; and it is a fund and stock from whence he is furnished with things of the greatest usefulness, and of the utmost importance: and hard to be uttered; as were many things respecting Melchizedek, mentioned in (<580703>Hebrews 7:3) and also concerning…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Here he digresses to complain of the low spiritual attainments of the Palestinian Christians and to warn them of the danger of falling from light once enjoyed; at the same time encouraging them by God's faithfulness to persevere. At Heb 6:20 he resumes the comparison of Christ to Melchisedec. hard to be uttered--rather as Greek, "hard of interpretation to speak." Hard for me to state intelligibly to you owing to your dulness about spiritual things. Hence, instead of saying many things, he writes in comparatively few words (Heb 13:22). In the "we," Paul, as usual, includes Timothy with himself in addressing them. ye are--Greek, "ye have become dull" (the Greek, by derivation, means hard to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Of whom we have many things to say - There are many things which seem strange in regard to him; many things which are hard to be understood. Paul knew that what be had to say of this man as a type of the Redeemer would excite wonder, and that many might be disposed to call it in question. He knew that in order to be understood, what he was about to say required a familiar acquaintance with the Scriptures, and a strong and elevated faith. A young convert; one who had just commenced the Christian life, could hardly expect to be able to understand it. The same thing is true now. One of the first questions which a young convert often asks, is, Who was Melchizedek? And one of the things which…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Concerning whom - The apostle here begins an important digression, wherein he reproves, admonishes, and exhorts the Hebrews. We - Preachers of the gospel. Have many things to say, and hard to be explained - Though not so much from the subject - matter, as from your slothfulness in considering, and dulness in apprehending, the things of God. Hebrews 5:12”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:11–6:20 After beginning to discuss Jesus’ appointment as High Priest (5:1-10), the author confronts his audience with a series of exhortations (5:11–6:20). Such a shift in a sermon or discourse was meant to focus the hearers’ attention. 5:11–6:3 This exhortation deals with the recipients’ spiritual lethargy. 5:11 spiritually dull: The Greek term means “sluggish, dimwitted, negligent, lazy.””
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“we: Kg1 10:1; Joh 6:6, Joh 16:12; Pe2 3:16 dull: Isa 6:10; Mat 13:15; Mar 8:17, Mar 8:18, Mar 8:21; Luk 24:25; Act 28:27 Hebrews 5:12”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification