“like“ (ὡς) - Comparative particle, introducing an analogy.
“newborn babies“ (ἀρτιγέννητα βρέφη) - Literally “newly born infants,“ emphasizing new spiritual life.
“long for“ (ἐπιποθήσατε) - Aorist imperative, commanding an intense desire or craving.
“the pure“ (τὸ ἄδολον) - Meaning unadulterated or sincere.
“milk“ (γάλα) - A metaphor for basic spiritual nourishment.
“of the word“ (λογικὸν) - Can be translated as “spiritual“ or “of the word,“ referring to the nature of the nourishment.
“so that“ (ἵνα) - Introducing a purpose clause.
“by it“ (ἐν αὐτῷ) - Referring to the spiritual milk.
“you may grow“ (αὐξηθῆτε) - Aorist subjunctive, indicating potential spiritual growth.
“in respect to salvation“ (εἰς σωτηρίαν) - The goal or direction of the growth.
Background
Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers scattered throughout Asia Minor who were facing persecution. In this section, he's urging them to pursue spiritual growth, having just reminded them of their new birth through the living and enduring word of God (1 Peter 1:23).
Key Points
Believers are compared to newborn infants, emphasizing their new life in Christ.
There should be an intense longing for spiritual nourishment.
The “milk“ referred to is pure and unadulterated, likely referring to the true teachings of the gospel.
Spiritual nourishment is essential for growth in salvation.
The imagery suggests both the simplicity and the necessity of this spiritual food.
Reflection Questions
How would you describe your current “craving“ for God's Word?
What might be diluting or adulterating the “pure milk“ in your spiritual diet?
How has your approach to Scripture changed since you first believed?
In what ways have you seen spiritual growth in your life as a result of engaging with God's Word?
What practices help you maintain a consistent hunger for spiritual nourishment?
Applications
Set aside dedicated time each day this week to read and meditate on Scripture.
Reflect on your spiritual journey, noting how God's Word has contributed to your growth.
Identify any “impurities“ in your spiritual diet and take steps to remove them.
Share with a fellow believer how God's Word has nourished you recently.
Consider memorizing this verse as a reminder to continually seek spiritual nourishment.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with gratitude for the new life You've given us in Christ. Thank You for providing us with the pure, spiritual milk of Your Word.
Lord, we confess that we don't always crave Your Word as we should. Forgive us for the times we've neglected this essential spiritual nourishment. Renew in us a deep longing for Your truth.
Stir within us an intense desire for the pure milk of the Word. Help us to approach Scripture with the eagerness and dependency of newborn infants. Guard us against anything that would adulterate or diminish our spiritual nourishment.
As we feed on Your Word, cause us to grow in our salvation. May we see tangible spiritual growth in our lives as we consistently engage with Scripture. Help us to move from milk to solid food as we mature in faith.
We pray for the discipline to maintain regular time in Your Word, and for the wisdom to apply its truths to our lives. May our growth be evident to those around us, drawing others to the nourishing truth of the gospel.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.