Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Milk, a fundamental and nourishing substance, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and spiritual nourishment. It is often associated with the Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), signifying God's provision and blessing for His people.Symbol of Abundance and Blessing In the Old Testament, milk is emblematic of the fertility and richness of the land God promised to the Israelites. The phrase "a land flowing with milk and honey" is repeated multiple times (e.g., Exodus 3:17; Leviticus 20:24; Numbers 13:27), underscoring the bountiful nature of the Promised Land. This imagery conveys a place of sustenance and divine favor, where the needs of God's people would be abundantly met. Spiritual Nourishment Milk is also used metaphorically in the Bible to represent spiritual nourishment and growth. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter encourages believers to crave pure spiritual milk, "like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:2). This metaphor highlights the importance of foundational teachings and the Word of God in nurturing and maturing one's faith. Similarly, the Apostle Paul contrasts milk with solid food to illustrate the spiritual maturity of believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:2 , he writes, "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." Here, milk represents the basic teachings of Christianity, suitable for new believers, while solid food symbolizes deeper, more complex doctrines for the mature in faith. Cultural and Dietary Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, milk was a staple in the diet, derived from cows, goats, and sheep. It was consumed fresh, fermented, or as cheese and butter. The Bible references the consumption of milk and its products in various contexts, such as Abraham offering curds and milk to his divine visitors (Genesis 18:8) and the provision of milk as a sign of hospitality and sustenance. Prohibitions and Ritual Purity While milk itself is not prohibited, the Mosaic Law includes specific dietary regulations concerning the mixing of milk and meat. The commandment "Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk" (Exodus 23:19) is repeated in the Torah and has been traditionally interpreted in Jewish law as a prohibition against mixing dairy and meat products. This regulation underscores the importance of ritual purity and the distinctiveness of God's covenant people. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, milk serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision, spiritual nourishment, and the richness of His blessings. Its recurring presence in both literal and metaphorical contexts highlights its significance in the biblical narrative and its enduring role in the life and faith of believers. Smith's Bible Dictionary MilkAs an article of diet, milk holds a more important position in eastern countries than with us. It is not a mere adjunct in cookery, or restricted to the use of the young, although it is naturally the characteristic food of childhood, both from its simple and nutritive qualities. (1 Peter 2:2) and particularly as contrasted with meat, (1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12) but beyond this it is regarded as substantial food adapted alike to all ages and classes. Not only the milk of cows, but of sheep, (32:14) of camels, (Genesis 32:15) and of goats, (Proverbs 27:27) was used; that latter appears to have been most highly prized. ATS Bible Dictionary MilkIs often alluded to in the Bible, as a symbol of pure, simple, and wholesome truth, Hebrews 5:12,13 1 Peter 2:2; and in connection with honey, to denote fertility and plenty, Genesis 49:12 Numbers 16:13 Joshua 5:6. The Jews and their neighbors used not only the milk of cows, but also that of camels, sheep, and goats, Genesis 32:15 De 32:14 Proverbs 27:27. See BUTTER and CHEESE. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) Hebrew halabh, "new milk", milk in its fresh state (Judges 4:19). It is frequently mentioned in connection with honey (Exodus 3:8; 13:5; Joshua 5:6; Isaiah 7:15, 22; Jeremiah 11:5). Sheep (Deuteronomy 32:14) and goats (Proverbs 27:27) and camels (Genesis 32:15), as well as cows, are made to give their milk for the use of man. Milk is used figuratively as a sign of abundance (Genesis 49:12; Ezek. 25:4; Joel 3:18). It is also a symbol of the rudiments of doctrine (1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12, 13), and of the unadulterated word of God (1 Peter 2:2). (2.) Hebrews hem'ah, always rendered "butter" in the Authorized Version. It means "butter," but also more frequently "cream," or perhaps, as some think, "curdled milk," such as that which Abraham set before the angels (Genesis 18:8), and which Jael gave to Sisera (Judges 5:25). In this state milk was used by travellers (2 Samuel 17:29). If kept long enough, it acquired a slightly intoxicating or soporific power. This Hebrew word is also sometimes used for milk in general (Deuteronomy 32:14; Job 20:17). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A white fluid secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals for the nourishment of their young, consisting of minute globules of fat suspended in a solution of casein, albumin, milk sugar, and inorganic salts.2. (n.) A kind of juice or sap, usually white in color, found in certain plants; latex. See Latex. 3. (n.) An emulsion made by bruising seeds; as, the milk of almonds, produced by pounding almonds with sugar and water. 4. (n.) The ripe, undischarged spat of an oyster. 5. (v. t.) To draw or press milk from the breasts or udder of, by the hand or mouth; to withdraw the milk of. 6. (v. t.) To draw from the breasts or udder; to extract, as milk; as, to milk wholesome milk from healthy cows. 7. (v. t.) To draw anything from, as if by milking; to compel to yield profit or advantage; to plunder. 8. (v. i.) To draw or to yield milk. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MILKmilk (chalabh; gala; Latin lac (2 Esdras 2:19; 8:10)): The fluid secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals for the nourishment of their young. The word is used in the Bible of that of human beings (Isaiah 28:9) as well as of that of the lower animals (Exodus 23:19). As a food it ranked next in importance to bread (Ecclesiasticus 39:26). Palestine is frequently described as a land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8, 17 Numbers 13:27 Deuteronomy 6:3 Joshua 5:6 Jeremiah 11:5 Ezekiel 20:6, 15). Milk was among the first things set before the weary traveler (Genesis 18:8). In fact, it was considered a luxury (Judges 5:25 Songs 5:1). The people used the milk of kine and also that of sheep (Deuteronomy 32:14), and especially that of goats (Proverbs 27:27). It was received in pails ('atinim, Job 21:24), and kept in leather bottles (no'dh, Judges 4:19), where it turned sour quickly in the warm climate of Palestine before being poured out thickly like a melting substance (nathakh; compare Job 10:10). Cheese of various kinds was made from it (gebhinah and charitse he-chalabh, literally, "cuts of milk"); or the curds (chem'ah) were eaten with bread, and possibly also made into butter by churning (Proverbs 30:33). See FOOD, II. It is possible that milk was used for seething other substances; at least the Israelites were strictly forbidden to seethe a kid in its mother's milk (Exodus 23:19; Exodus 34:26 Deuteronomy 14:21), and by a very general interpretation of these passages Jews have come to abstain from the use of mixtures of meat and milk of all kinds. Greek 1051. gala -- milk ... 1050, 1051. gala. 1052 . milk. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: gala Phonetic Spelling: (gal'-ah) Short Definition: milk Definition: milk. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1051.htm - 6k 2337. thelazo -- to suckle 889. achreioo -- to make useless Strong's Hebrew 2461. chalab -- milk... 2460, 2461. chalab. 2462 . milk. Transliteration: chalab Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-lawb') Short Definition: milk. Word Origin of ... /hebrew/2461.htm - 6k 4711. matsats -- to drain out 3243. yanaq -- to suck 5845. atin -- probably a pail, bucket 5763. ul -- to nurse, give suck 7087. qapha' -- to thicken, condense, congeal 2529. chemah -- curd 1385. gebinah -- curd, cheese Library The Comfort of the Milk Whether it is Fitting that those who Fast Should be Bidden to ... Thy Lips, O My Spouse, Drop as the Honeycomb; Honey and Milk are ... It is not Right to Offer Honey and Milk on the Altar. ... His Eyes are Like a Dove's by the Rivers of Waters, Washed with ... Let My Beloved Come into his Garden and Eat the Fruit of His Psalm CXXXI. How by Holy Complacency we are Made as Little Infants at Our ... Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary Food for the Lambs. Thesaurus Milk (66 Occurrences)... (1.) Hebrew halabh, "new milk", milk in its fresh state (Judges 4:19). ...Milk is used figuratively as a sign of abundance (Genesis 49:12; Ezek. 25:4; Joel 3:18). ... /m/milk.htm - 34k Milk-cheeses (1 Occurrence) Floweth (16 Occurrences) Butter (10 Occurrences) Curd (8 Occurrences) Curds (9 Occurrences) Cheese (3 Occurrences) Suck (22 Occurrences) Breasts (39 Occurrences) Milky (1 Occurrence) Resources Why was Israel called the land of milk and honey? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is eating dairy products and meat in the same meal considered not kosher? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean for a Christian to grow in faith? | GotQuestions.org Milk: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Milk (66 Occurrences)Luke 11:27 Luke 23:29 1 Corinthians 3:2 1 Corinthians 9:7 Hebrews 5:12 Hebrews 5:13 1 Peter 2:2 Genesis 18:8 Genesis 32:15 Genesis 49:12 Exodus 2:9 Exodus 3:8 Exodus 3:17 Exodus 13:5 Exodus 23:19 Exodus 33:3 Exodus 34:26 Leviticus 20:24 Numbers 13:27 Numbers 14:8 Numbers 16:13 Numbers 16:14 Deuteronomy 6:3 Deuteronomy 11:9 Deuteronomy 14:21 Deuteronomy 26:9 Deuteronomy 26:15 Deuteronomy 27:3 Deuteronomy 31:20 Deuteronomy 32:14 Joshua 5:6 Judges 4:19 Judges 5:25 1 Samuel 1:23 1 Samuel 6:7 1 Samuel 6:10 2 Samuel 17:29 Job 3:12 Job 10:10 Job 20:17 Job 21:24 Job 29:6 Psalms 63:5 Psalms 78:71 Proverbs 27:27 Proverbs 30:33 Song of Songs 4:11 Song of Songs 5:1 Song of Songs 5:12 Song of Songs 8:1 Isaiah 7:22 Isaiah 28:9 Isaiah 49:23 Isaiah 55:1 Isaiah 60:16 Isaiah 66:11 Jeremiah 11:5 Jeremiah 32:22 Lamentations 4:3 Lamentations 4:7 Ezekiel 20:6 Ezekiel 20:15 Ezekiel 25:4 Ezekiel 34:3 Hosea 9:14 Joel 3:18 Subtopics Milk: An Animal Secretion, of a White Colour Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Camels Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Cows Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Goats Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Sea-Monsters Milk: Different Kinds Mentioned of Sheep Milk: First Principles of God's Word Milk: Flocks and Herds Fed for Supply of Milk: Godly and Edifying Discourses Milk: Kept by the Jews in Bottles Milk: Kid (A Baby Goat) not to be Seethed (Boiled) in Its own Mother's Milk: Young Animals not to be Seethed in That of the Mother Related Terms |
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