What Does “We Have Much to Say About This, But It Is Hard to Explain” Mean? (Hebrews 5:11 Explained in Simple Terms)
Understanding Spiritual Growth and “Dullness of Hearing” in the Book of Hebrews
Have you ever been in a class where the teacher had so much to share, but the students just weren’t ready to learn? That’s kind of what’s happening in Hebrews 5:11. The author writes, “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.” Let’s break this down in everyday language.
What’s the Big Topic?
The author of Hebrews is talking about something deep and important: the priesthood of Jesus. In the Old Testament, there was a mysterious figure named Melchizedek—a priest and king who shows up in Genesis and is mentioned again in Psalm 110:4. The author wants to explain how Jesus is a special kind of priest, not like the regular priests, but “in the order of Melchizedek.” This is a big deal, because it connects Jesus to ancient prophecies and shows how He fulfills God’s promises in a unique way.
Why Is It Hard to Explain?
The topic itself is pretty complex, but that’s not the only problem. The real issue is that the audience—the believers reading this letter—aren’t ready to understand it. The author says they are “dull of hearing.” That doesn’t mean they literally can’t hear; it means they’ve become spiritually sluggish or unmotivated. They’re not putting in the effort to learn and grow.
Milk vs. Solid Food: Growing Up Spiritually
Think about a baby who can only drink milk. As the baby gets older, you expect them to start eating solid food. In the same way, Christians are supposed to grow in their faith. The author says these believers should be ready for “solid food”—deeper teachings—but instead, they still need “milk,” the basics. They haven’t practiced or trained their spiritual senses, so they can’t handle the tougher, richer truths.
What Does “Dull of Hearing” Mean?
“Dull of hearing” is like being in a class but not paying attention. You’re there, but you’re not really listening or trying to understand. The Greek word used here points to being lazy or undisciplined, not just slow. It’s a choice to stop growing, to get comfortable and stop making an effort.
Why Does This Matter?
The author is basically saying: “You’ve been Christians long enough that you should be teaching others by now! But instead, you still need someone to teach you the ABCs.” This is a gentle but firm warning. Spiritual maturity doesn’t just happen with time—you have to work at it, just like you practice sports or learn a new skill.
What’s the Takeaway for Us?
· We should always be open and eager to learn more about God.
· It’s not enough to just show up at church or read the Bible sometimes; we need to actively seek understanding and put it into practice.
· If we become “dull of hearing,” we make it harder for ourselves and others to grasp the amazing truths God wants to share.
· Christian growth is about moving from “milk” (the basics) to “solid food” (deeper truths), and that takes time, effort, and a willing heart.
Final Thoughts
God has so much to teach us, and the joy and satisfaction that come from really experiencing His goodness are beyond words. Let’s not settle for just the basics. Instead, let’s keep growing, listening, and learning, so we can fully enjoy and share everything God has for us.
Let’s break this down in plain terms: The writer of Hebrews is saying, “We have a lot of important things to share with you—especially about how Jesus is our perfect high priest, connected to the story of Melchizedek from the Old Testament. But here’s the problem: it’s hard to get these ideas across because you’ve stopped trying to understand.”
Think of it like this—imagine a coach who wants to teach you advanced plays, but you keep missing the basics because you’re not paying full attention. The issue isn’t that the lessons are too complicated, but that you’ve become content with the basics and aren’t pushing yourself to learn more. In spiritual terms, you’re still sipping on “milk” instead of moving on to “solid food.”
So, what’s the advice for us? Don’t settle for just scratching the surface of your faith. Make the effort to dig deeper—ask questions, seek understanding, and put what you learn into practice. Just showing up is not enough; real growth happens when you engage your heart and mind. If you find yourself feeling spiritually sluggish or unmotivated, remember that maturity isn’t automatic. It takes practice, discipline, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
In short: God wants to reveal amazing truths to us, but we need to be open and eager to receive them. Don’t let spiritual laziness hold you back from the richness and satisfaction that comes from truly knowing and following Christ. Let’s keep growing together—moving from the basics to the deeper things God has for us.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 