1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

◄ 1 Peter 2:2 ►

New International Version
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

New Living Translation
Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,

English Standard Version
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

Berean Standard Bible
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

Berean Literal Bible
like newborn babies, crave pure reasonable milk, so that by it you may grow up in respect to salvation,

King James Bible
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

New King James Version
as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

New American Standard Bible
and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

NASB 1995
like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

NASB 1977
like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

Legacy Standard Bible
like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,

Amplified Bible
like newborn babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfillment],

Christian Standard Bible
Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation,

American Standard Version
as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;

Contemporary English Version
Be like newborn babies who are thirsty for the pure spiritual milk that will help you grow and be saved.

English Revised Version
as newborn babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Desire God's pure word as newborn babies desire milk. Then you will grow in your salvation.

Good News Translation
Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved.

International Standard Version
Like newborn babies, thirst for the pure milk of the word so that by it you may grow in your salvation.

Majority Standard Bible
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow,

NET Bible
And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,

New Heart English Bible
as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby to salvation,

Webster's Bible Translation
As new-born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Weymouth New Testament
Thirst, like newly-born infants, for pure milk for the soul, that by it you may grow up to salvation;

World English Bible
as newborn babies, long for the pure spiritual milk, that with it you may grow,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
as newborn babies, desire the reasonable, unspoiled milk, so that you may grow up to salvation,

Berean Literal Bible
like newborn babies, crave pure reasonable milk, so that by it you may grow up in respect to salvation,

Young's Literal Translation
as new-born babes the word's pure milk desire ye, that in it ye may grow,

Smith's Literal Translation
As new born babes, long for the sincere milk pertaining to the word, that ye might be nourished with it:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
As newborn babes, desire the rational milk without guile, that thereby you may grow unto salvation:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Like newborn infants, desire the milk of reasonableness without guile, so that by this you may increase unto salvation,

New American Bible
like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation,

New Revised Standard Version
Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation—

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And become like newborn babes, and long for the word, as for pure and spiritual milk, that you may grow to salvation by it:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And be as nursing infants, and yearn for the word as for pure and spiritual milk by which you shall grow strong for life,

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
as new-born babes, earnestly desire the pure spiritual milk, that you may grow by it,

Godbey New Testament
like newly born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, in order that you may grow thereby unto salvation:

Haweis New Testament
as new-born babes desire earnestly the unadulterated milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Mace New Testament
which is without any mixture, and will make you thrive. Since you have tasted how good the Lord is,

Weymouth New Testament
Thirst, like newly-born infants, for pure milk for the soul, that by it you may grow up to salvation;

Worrell New Testament
as new-born babes, long ye for the spiritual, unadulterated milk, that thereby ye may grow unto salvation,

Worsley New Testament
and envies, and all evil-speakings, as new-born babes desire that rational milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Lord is Good
1Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Hebrews 5:12-14
Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. / But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.

1 Corinthians 3:1-2
Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—as infants in Christ. / I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,

Matthew 18:3
“Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Ephesians 4:14-15
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. / Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

2 Timothy 3:15-17
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. / All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

James 1:21
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.

John 3:3-5
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

2 Peter 3:18
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Psalm 34:8
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Isaiah 55:1-3
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.

Deuteronomy 8:3
He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

Proverbs 9:5
“Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.

Treasury of Scripture

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:

new-born.

1 Peter 1:23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Matthew 18:3
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:15
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.

the sincere.

Psalm 19:7-10
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…

1 Corinthians 3:2
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Hebrews 5:12,13
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat…

grow.

2 Samuel 23:5
Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

Job 17:9
The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Jump to Previous

Babes Babies Born Breasts Crave Desire Full Grow Guile Infants Milk Mothers Newborn Pure Respect Salvation Sincere Soul Spiritual Thereby Thirst Word Word's

Jump to Next

Babes Babies Born Breasts Crave Desire Full Grow Guile Infants Milk Mothers Newborn Pure Respect Salvation Sincere Soul Spiritual Thereby Thirst Word Word's

1 Peter 2

1. He exhorts to put away wickedness;
4. showing that Christ is the foundation whereupon they are built.
11. He beseeches them also to abstain from sinful desires;
13. to be obedient to authorities;
18. and teaches servants how to obey their masters;
20. patiently suffering for well doing, after the example of Christ.

Berean Study Bible

Like newborn infants
This phrase draws a vivid analogy between new believers and newborn babies. In the Greek, the word for "newborn" (ἀρτιγέννητα) emphasizes the freshness and newness of life. Just as infants are entirely dependent on their mothers for nourishment, new Christians are called to depend on God for spiritual sustenance. Historically, the early church was a burgeoning community, much like a newborn, requiring foundational teachings and guidance to grow in faith. This imagery underscores the purity and innocence expected of believers, encouraging them to approach their faith with the same eagerness and need as a newborn.

Crave
The Greek word here is "ἐπιποθέω," which conveys an intense longing or desire. This is not a passive wish but an active, earnest yearning. In the context of the early church, this craving reflects the deep hunger for spiritual truth and growth that characterized the early Christians. It is a call to prioritize spiritual nourishment above all else, much like the Psalmist's longing for God as a deer pants for water (Psalm 42:1). This craving is essential for spiritual vitality and maturity.

Pure spiritual milk
The term "pure" (ἄδολον) suggests something unadulterated and genuine. In the ancient world, milk was a staple of nourishment, symbolizing the basic, essential teachings of the faith. The "spiritual milk" refers to the foundational truths of the Gospel, which are necessary for growth and development in the Christian life. This phrase emphasizes the importance of returning to the basics of faith, ensuring that one's spiritual diet is free from false teachings or impurities that could stunt growth.

So that by it you may grow up
The purpose of craving pure spiritual milk is growth. The Greek word for "grow" (αὐξάνω) implies a process of increasing and maturing. In the historical context of the early church, growth was not just individual but communal, as believers were called to mature together in their understanding and practice of the faith. This growth is not merely intellectual but transformative, affecting every aspect of a believer's life.

In your salvation
The phrase "in your salvation" highlights the ultimate goal of spiritual growth. Salvation, in the Greek "σωτηρία," encompasses not just the initial act of being saved but the ongoing process of being sanctified and made more like Christ. This reflects the conservative Christian perspective that salvation is both a moment and a journey, requiring continual growth and development. The early church understood salvation as a holistic transformation, impacting both the individual and the community, as believers lived out their faith in a world that often opposed them.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) As newborn babes.--The word "newborn" is, of course, newly, lately born, not born anew, although the birth meant is the new birth of 1Peter 1:23. They are said to be still but newborn because they are still so far from maturity in Christ, as these sins testified. The metaphor is said to be not uncommon in Rabbinical writers to denote proselytes. St. Peter would, therefore, be describing Jews who had newly received the word of God, as proselytes of the new Israel. "As" means "in keeping with your character of." (Comp. 1Peter 1:14.)

Desire the sincere milk.--The word for "desire" here is a strong word--get an appetite for it. Bengel is perhaps right when he says on "newborn babes," "It is their only occupation, so strong is their desire for it." St. Peter here again seems to lend a thought to the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 5:12-14). In both places Jewish Christians are beginning to rebel against the Gospel instructions, and in both places they are warned that they have not yet outgrown the need of the very simplest elements of the Gospel. The epithet "sincere" should have been rendered guileless, as it contains a contrast with "guile" in the verse before; perhaps the intention of the epithet may be to rebuke the attempt to deal deceitfully with the Old Testament Scriptures after the example of the Septuagint passage quoted above.

Of the word.--This translation of the original adjective cannot possibly be right. The only other place in the New Testament where it is used, Romans 12:1, will show clearly enough its meaning here. There it is rendered "your reasonable service"--i.e., not "the service which may be reasonably expected of you," but "the ritual worship which is performed by the reason, not by the body." So here, "the reasonable guileless milk" will mean "the guileless milk which is sucked in, not by the lips, but by the reason." The metaphor of milk (though used by St. Paul, 1Corinthians 3:2) was not so hackneyed as now; and the Apostle wished to soften it a little, and explain it by calling it mental milk," just as (so Huther points out) he explained the metaphor in 1Peter 1:13, by adding "of your mind." It is needless to add that the "mental milk" would, as a matter of fact, be "the milk of the word," and that the Apostle is pressing his readers to cling with ardent attachment to the evangelical religion taught them by the Pauline party. . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - As newborn babes. The words look back to 1 Peter 1:3, 23. God begat them again; they were new-born babes in Christ, they must remember their regeneration. The rabbis used the same metaphor of their proselytes; but the apostle was doubtless thinking of the Savior's words (Matthew 18:3; Mark 10:14, 15). Desire the sincere milk of the Word. Desire, long for it eagerly (ἐπιποθήσατε), as babes long for milk, their proper food, the only food necessary for them. It seems that in the adjective λογικόν (paraphrased in the Authorized Version "of the Word," rendered "spiritual" or "reasonable" in the Revised Version) there must be a reference to the Word of God (λόγος Θεοῦ), mentioned in 1 Peter 1:23 as the instrument of regeneration, and called by our Lord (Matthew 4:4, from Deuteronomy 8:3) the food of man (but the Greek in Matthew is ῤῆμα, as in 1 Peter 1:25). The paraphrase of the Authorized Version gives the general meaning; but the adjective means literally, "reasonable" or "rational." The apostle is not thinking of natural milk, but of that nourishment which the Christian reason can regard as milk for the soul - spiritual food, pure and simple and nourishing, capable of supporting and strengthening those newborn babes who not long ago had been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the Word of God. The adjective occurs only in one other place of Holy Scripture (possibly St. Peter may have read it there) - Romans 12:1, τὴν λογικὴν λατερείαν ὑμῶν, where it means the service of the sanctified reason as opposed to the mechanical observance of formal rites. It is explained by Chrysostom as ebony ἔχουσαν σωματικὸν οὐδὲν ταχὺ οὐδὲν αἰσθηνπ´ν Thus it seems nearly to correspond with the use of the word πνευματικός, spiritual, by St. Peter in ver. 5 of this chapter, and by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:3, 4. St. Paul also speaks of milk as the proper food of babes in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:2; comp: also Hebrews 5:12), though the thought is somewhat different; for St. Peter's words do not convey any reproof for want of progress. This spiritual milk is ἄδολον, pure, unadulterated (comp. 2 Corinthians 2:17; 2 Corinthians 4:2). That ye may grow thereby; literally, therein, in the use of it. All the most ancient manuscripts add the words, "unto salvation." The soul which feeds upon the pure milk of the Word groweth continually unto salvation.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Like
ὡς (hōs)
Adverb
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

newborn
ἀρτιγέννητα (artigennēta)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 738: Newly begotten, newly born. From arti and gennetos; just born, i.e. a young convert.

infants,
βρέφη (brephē)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1025: Infant, babe, child in arms. Of uncertain affinity; an infant literally or figuratively.

crave
ἐπιποθήσατε (epipothēsate)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1971: From epi and potheo; to dote upon, i.e. Intensely crave possession.

pure
ἄδολον (adolon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 97: Unadulterated, pure, guileless. Undeceitful, i.e. unadulterated.

spiritual
λογικὸν (logikon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3050: (a) reasonable, rational, (b) metaphorical, as contrasted with the literal. From logos; rational.

milk,
γάλα (gala)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1051: Milk. Of uncertain affinity; milk.

so that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

by
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

it
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

you may grow up
αὐξηθῆτε (auxēthēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 837: (a) I cause to increase, become greater (b) I increase, grow. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow, i.e. Enlarge.

in [your]
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

salvation,
σωτηρίαν (sōtērian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4991: Feminine of a derivative of soter as noun; rescue or safety.

Links

1 Peter 2:2 NIV
1 Peter 2:2 NLT
1 Peter 2:2 ESV
1 Peter 2:2 NASB
1 Peter 2:2 KJV

1 Peter 2:2 BibleApps.com
1 Peter 2:2 Biblia Paralela
1 Peter 2:2 Chinese Bible
1 Peter 2:2 French Bible
1 Peter 2:2 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babies long for the pure (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet)