What does Hebrews 5:11 mean by "dull of hearing" in spiritual growth? Setting the Context “Concerning this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.” (Hebrews 5:11) Hebrews has just introduced Jesus as our great High Priest “after the order of Melchizedek.” The writer is eager to unpack that rich truth, yet he pauses: the audience isn’t ready. “Dull of hearing” names the barrier. What “Dull of Hearing” Means • Greek term: nōthroi—sluggish, lazy, slow-moving. • Not a physical problem but a spiritual one: an unresponsive heart. • Indicates passive listening that fails to engage, discern, or obey. • Shows up when believers stop pressing forward and drift into comfort (cf. Hebrews 2:1). Marks of Spiritual Dullness (vv. 12–14) • Still on “milk,” needing basic truths repeated. • Unable to digest “solid food”—deeper doctrine and practical righteousness. • Untrained senses; little discernment between good and evil. • Lack of habitual practice—truth hasn’t moved from head to lifestyle. Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 6:9–10—ears dull, hearts calloused; same imagery Jesus cites in Matthew 13:15. • Romans 10:17—“faith comes by hearing”; dullness blocks that faith-building process. • James 1:22—hearing without doing deceives; obedience keeps hearing sharp. • Revelation 2–3—“He who has an ear, let him hear…” Urgent calls to receptive obedience. Root Causes • Neglect of the Word—sporadic intake breeds sluggishness (Deuteronomy 8:3). • Comfort with elementary teachings—refusing to move on to maturity. • Tolerated sin—unconfessed patterns numb spiritual perception (Psalm 66:18). • Distraction—crowded hearts (Mark 4:19). Consequences of Staying Dull • Stunted growth; inability to grasp Christ’s fuller work. • Vulnerability to error (Ephesians 4:14). • Ineffectiveness in discerning good from evil, leading to compromised living. • Risk of drifting further (Hebrews 6:1–6 warns what prolonged dullness can cost). God’s Remedy for Sluggish Ears 1. Intentional, steady intake of Scripture—“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). 2. Prompt obedience—practice trains our faculties (Hebrews 5:14). 3. Persistent prayer for an awakened heart (Psalm 119:18). 4. Fellowship that exhorts and sharpens (Hebrews 10:24–25). 5. Fixing eyes on Christ’s supremacy—fuel for ongoing wonder (Hebrews 12:2). The Encouraging Takeaway Spiritual hearing can be restored. The same Word that exposes dullness also quickens faith (Hebrews 4:12). By leaning in, obeying what we know, and seeking deeper understanding, we move from milk to meat and grow into mature, discerning followers of Christ. |
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