• Hebrews 5:14
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 14 τελείων of perfect (ones) δέ but ἐστιν is ἡ the στερεὰ solid τροφή, nourishment, τῶν of the (ones) διὰ through τὴν the ἕξιν use τὰ the αἰσθητήρια sense organs γεγυμνασμένα having been trained (like gymnast) ἐχόντων having πρὸς toward διάκρισιν distinguishing καλοῦ of fine (thing) τε and καὶ and κακοῦ. bad (thing).

  • Hebrews 5:14
    The Emphasized Bible

    • 14 But to such as are mature pertaineth the strong food, To them who by reason of habit have their organs of perception well trained for discriminating both good and evil.

  • Hebrews 5:14
    King James Version

    • 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

  • Hebrews Study Notes—Chapter 5
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 5:14

      solid food: Paul here refers to substantial and deeper truths as contrasted to “milk,” or basic truths that new believers can easily grasp. (See study notes on 1Co 3:2; Heb 5:12.) For instance, Paul provides much “solid food” in this letter. He delves into Jesus’ role as “a high priest in the manner of Melchizedek,” the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over that of the Levitical priests, and other deep subjects.​—Heb 5:6, 10, 11; 6:20; 7:11, 15-17.

      mature people: Or “full-grown people.”​—See study notes on Eph 4:13; Heb 6:1; compare 1Co 2:6 and ftn.

      powers of discernment: Or “perceptive powers.” This Greek term was sometimes used literally to refer to the physical sense organs that enable humans to see, hear, or taste. However, here it refers to the ability of mature Christians to use their minds to discern, or perceive, how to make sound decisions in moral and spiritual matters.​—See study note on Php 1:9, where a related Greek word is rendered “full discernment.”

      trained: Here Paul uses athletic training as a metaphor. The Greek word gy·mnaʹzo literally means “to train (as an athlete).” (See study note on 1Ti 4:7.) Just as athletes underwent rigorous training, the Hebrew Christians needed to put forth continuous effort to sharpen and exercise their “powers of discernment.” They needed to study the principles in the inspired Scriptures. (2Ti 3:16, 17) Then by applying what they knew, they could train their powers of discernment through use and become “mature people.”

      to distinguish both right and wrong: Paul indicated that the Hebrew Christians needed to work on reaching maturity. (Heb 5:11-13) With their “powers of discernment” properly trained, they would be able to see through deceptive appearances and make decisions that were in harmony with God’s standards. As mature Christians, they could better differentiate between right and wrong conduct as well as between true and false teachings.​—Ro 16:19; 1Co 14:20.