Hebrews 5:14

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, etc..] Or perfect; (see <460206>1 Corinthians 2:6). This does not intend a perfection of justification; for though some have a greater degree of faith than others, and a clearer discovery of their justification, yet babes in Christ are as perfectly justified as more grown and experienced believers; nor a perfection of sanctification, for there is no perfection of holiness but in Christ; and though the work of sanctification may be in greater perfection in one saint than in another, yet all are imperfect in this life; and as to a perfection of parts, babes have this as well as adult persons: but it designs a perfection of knowledge; for…”

“strong meat--"solid food." them . . . of full age--literally, "perfect": akin to "perfection" (Heb 6:1). by reason of use--Greek, "habit." senses--organs of sense. exercised--similarly connected with "righteousness" in Heb 12:11. to discern both good and evil--as a child no longer an infant (Isa 7:16): so able to distinguish between sound and unsound doctrine. The mere child puts into its mouth things hurtful and things nutritious, without discrimination: but not so the adult. Paul again alludes to their tendency not to discriminate, but to be carried about by strange doctrines, in Heb 13:9. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6”

“Strong meat - Solid food pertains to those of maturer years. So it is with the higher doctrines of Christianity. They can be understood and appreciated only by those who are advanced in Christian experience. Of full age - Margin, “Perfect.” The expression refers to those who are grown up. Who by reason of use - Margin, Or, “an habit,” or, “perfection.” Coverdale and Tyndale render it, “through custom.” The Greek word means “habit, practice.” The meaning is, that by long use and habit they had arrived to that state in which they could appreciate the more elevated doctrines of Christianity. The reference in the use of this word is not to those who “eat food” - meaning that by long use they are…”

“But strong meat - These sublimer truths relating to "perfection," Heb 6:1. Belong to them of full age, who by habit - Habit here signifies strength of spiritual understanding, arising from maturity of spiritual age. By, or in consequence of, this habit they exercise themselves in these things with ease, readiness, cheerfulness, and profit. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6”

“5:14 Being able to recognize the difference between right and wrong is a defining characteristic of spiritual maturity.”

“of full age: or, perfect, Mat 5:48; Co1 2:6; Eph 4:13; Phi 3:15; Jam 3:2 \*Gr. use: or, an habit, or, perfection their: Job 6:30, Job 12:11, Job 34:3; Psa 119:103; Sol 1:3, Sol 2:3; Mat 6:22, Mat 6:23; Eph 1:18 to discern: Gen 3:5; Sa2 14:17; Kg1 3:9, Kg1 3:11; Isa 7:15; Rom 14:1 \*Gr: Co1 2:14, Co1 2:15; Phi 1:9, Phi 1:10 \*Gr: Th1 5:21 Next: Hebrews Chapter 6”