What does Hebrews 5:11 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 5:11 speaks to a specific concern the author has about the spiritual maturity and comprehension of the audience.

The verse implies that there are complex and significant teachings about Christ to discuss ("Of whom we have many things to say"), yet these teachings are "hard to be uttered," or difficult to explain, because the listeners are "dull of hearing." The phrase "dull of hearing" suggests that the audience is slow to understand or lacks the attentiveness and eagerness needed to grasp more profound spiritual truths.

In a deeper sense, this verse points to the idea that spiritual maturity requires a willingness and ability to move beyond basic teachings and engage with more challenging doctrines.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD, to a community of Jewish Christians.

This audience would have had a background in Jewish teachings and traditions but may have struggled with the transition to the new understanding of faith introduced by Christianity.

The epistle's author is unknown, though some early Christians hypothesized that Paul or a colleague of his might have been the author.

The historical context suggests that the writer was addressing a community at risk of regressing into their old religious ways instead of embracing the radical teachings of Christianity about Jesus Christ as high priest and the ultimate sacrifice.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the importance of progressing in spiritual knowledge and understanding.

From an evangelical perspective, there might be an emphasis on the need for personal growth and continuous learning in one's faith journey. A catholic or orthodox viewpoint may focus on the role of the church's teaching authority in guiding believers towards deeper truths.

From a more liberal Christian perspective, this verse may highlight the importance of intellectual engagement with faith and the challenges that arise when tradition hampers the understanding of new theological concepts.

Practical Applications

Practically, Hebrews 5:11 can encourage individuals to actively seek spiritual growth and not remain content with superficial understanding of their faith.

This involves studying scripture, engaging in community discussions, and being open to teachings that challenge personal comfort zones.

It also serves as a reminder for teachers and spiritual leaders to be patient and persistent in educating their congregations, gradually building their ability to grasp complex doctrinal issues.

Cross-References

• Hebrews 6:1 - "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,"
• Matthew 13:15 - "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."
• 2 Peter 3:16 - "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction."

Language Study

The original Greek word for "hard to be uttered" is "δυσερμήνευτος" (dysermēneutos), which means "hard to explain or interpret".

The term "dull" comes from the Greek "νωθρός" (nōthros), which implies slowness, laziness, or lack of effort.

The phrase "dull of hearing" conveys not just an inability to hear, but a sluggishness to respond or be attentive, bringing out a moral and spiritual laziness in the recipients.

Therefore, the language suggests a discontent from the author with the spiritual lethargy among the listeners.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient Jewish culture, being "dull of hearing" would have been a significant concern because it implies a resistance to the prophetic messages that required active engagement and response.

This can be compared to other religious traditions where there is an expectation to continually grow in wisdom and understanding, such as the Hindu concept of spiritual learning through the Guru-Shishya tradition or the Buddhist practice of Dharma study which demands an ongoing engagement with teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, one might consider the psychological aspects of learning and cognitive development.

People have varying degrees of openness to new information, and their cognitive biases or preconceived notions can hinder the absorption of complex concepts.

The science of neuroplasticity suggests that learning and engaging with challenging material can literally reshape the pathways in the brain, which parallels the call in Hebrews 5:11 for active and engaged learning in a faith context.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided diverse perspectives on Hebrews 5:11.

Matthew Henry, an 18th-century commentator, suggests that this spiritual dullness is a form of slothfulness that hinders growth.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary interprets the phrase as an indication that the Hebrew Christians were not making the progress that could be reasonably expected.

Moreover, the Expositor's Greek Testament commentary implies that the audience's spiritual state has regressed to the point of needing to learn the basics again, rather than advancing to more challenging concepts.

These interpretations highlight a common understanding of the verse as a call to spiritual progression and a warning against complacency.