The term "elementary" in a biblical context often refers to basic or foundational principles of the Christian faith. It is derived from the Greek word "stoicheia," which can mean elements, rudiments, or fundamental principles. In the New Testament, the concept of elementary teachings is addressed primarily in the context of spiritual maturity and growth.

Biblical References:

1. 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."

In this passage, the author of Hebrews admonishes the recipients for their lack of spiritual maturity. The "basic principles" or "elementary teachings" refer to the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, which are necessary for new believers but should be built upon as one grows in faith.

2. Galatians 4:3 : "So also, when we were children, we were enslaved under the basic principles of the world."

Here, the Apostle Paul uses the term "basic principles" to describe the rudimentary and worldly elements that once held believers in bondage before they came to know Christ. This suggests a contrast between the elementary principles of the world and the deeper, liberating truths found in the gospel.

3. Colossians 2:8 : "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ."

Paul warns the Colossians against being led astray by teachings that are based on human traditions and the "elementary principles" of the world, rather than the teachings of Christ. This highlights the importance of discerning between worldly wisdom and divine truth.

Theological Significance:

The concept of elementary teachings is significant in understanding the process of spiritual growth and maturity. New believers are encouraged to start with the basics of the faith, such as repentance, faith in God, baptism, and the laying on of hands (Hebrews 6:1-2). However, they are also urged to move beyond these elementary teachings to a deeper understanding and application of their faith.

The elementary principles serve as the foundation upon which a believer's spiritual life is built. Just as a child progresses from milk to solid food, Christians are called to grow from basic understanding to a more profound comprehension of God's word and His will. This growth is essential for discerning good from evil and for living a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Practical Application:

For believers today, the call to move beyond elementary teachings is a reminder to continually seek spiritual growth and maturity. This involves regular study of Scripture, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and active participation in the life of the church. By doing so, Christians can deepen their understanding of God's word and become more effective witnesses for Christ in the world.

In summary, while elementary teachings are crucial for establishing a firm foundation in the faith, they are not the end goal. Believers are encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with God, characterized by maturity, wisdom, and discernment.1. (a.) Having only one principle or constituent part; consisting of a single element; simple; uncompounded; as, an elementary substance.

2. (a.) Pertaining to, or treating of, the elements, rudiments, or first principles of anything; initial; rudimental; introductory; as, an elementary treatise.

3. (a.) Pertaining to one of the four elements, air, water, earth, fire.

4747. stoicheion -- one of a row, hence a letter (of the alphabet) ...
... Short Definition: a heavenly body, an element Definition: (a) plur: the heavenly
bodies, (b) a rudiment, an element, a rudimentary principle, an elementary rule ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4747.htm - 8k

746. arche -- beginning, origin
... Word Origin from archo Definition beginning, origin NASB Word Usage beginning (38),
corners (2), domain (1), elementary (1), elementary* (1), first (1), first ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/746.htm - 7k

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements. ... If the father were not
capable of elementary teaching, a stranger would be employed. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ...
... The Instructor: Book I Chapter VI."The Name Children Does Not Imply
Instruction in Elementary Principles. We have ample means ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi the name children does.htm

The Sunday School or Church School
... In Sunday school nomenclature the regimental battalions are "Divisions""
Elementary, Secondary, and Adult, by name. The companies ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/iv the sunday school or.htm

Conclusion
... The work of evangelisation and all elementary teaching require no foreign help,
but we still seem to be necessary for the organisation which is giving training ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxv conclusion.htm

Through-The-Week Activities for Boys' Organized Classes
... Practical Talks: Elementary Mechanics Applied Electricity Wireless Chemical Analysis
Natural Science Mineralogy Nature Study First Aid Thrift and Property Use ...
/.../the boy and the sunday school/x through-the-week activities for boys.htm

Immeasurable Love
... which tell of the fellowship of the higher life"all these are helpful to holy
fellowship; but I am sure not more so than those elementary and foundation ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/immeasurable love.htm

Schools.
... [Sidenote: PRIMARY SCHOOLS.]. I do not know any mission in Northern India
where elementary education has been entirely neglected. ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xii schools.htm

Hwochow Women's Bible Training School
... Arithmetic. Singing and Memorisation of Hymns. PRACTICAL WORK."Assist in
conducting Elementary Classes for Women. THIRD TERM. Book ...
/.../hwochow womens bible training school.htm

For this Deep and Disabling Reason Therefore, Its Cynical and ...
... The final proof that our elementary schools have no definite ideal of their own
is the fact that they so openly imitate the ideals of the public schools. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 39 for this deep.htm

The Word Success Can of Course be Used in Two Senses. ...
... they achieve what they want. The popular elementary schools do not in that
sense achieve anything at all. It is very difficult to ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 37 the word success.htm

Elementary (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Having only one principle or constituent part; consisting of a single
element; simple; uncompounded; as, an elementary substance. ...
/e/elementary.htm - 8k

Rudiments (5 Occurrences)
... that the Hebrew Christians had not made the advance expected, in grace and in the
knowledge of God, but were in need of instruction in the elementary truths of ...
/r/rudiments.htm - 13k

Elemental (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Pertaining to rudiments or first principles; rudimentary; elementary.
Multi-Version Concordance Elemental (4 Occurrences). ...
/e/elemental.htm - 7k

Magician (5 Occurrences)
... Frazer (Golden Bough(2), I, 61) says: "Magic is a kind of savage logic, an elementary
species of reasoning based on similarity, contiguity and contrast." But ...
/m/magician.htm - 24k

Magic (12 Occurrences)
... Frazer (Golden Bough(2), I, 61) says: "Magic is a kind of savage logic, an elementary
species of reasoning based on similarity, contiguity and contrast." But ...
/m/magic.htm - 29k

Elements (7 Occurrences)

/e/elements.htm - 10k

Education (4 Occurrences)
... It should be added that the later Jewish tradition reflected in the Talmud, Targum
and Midrash, and which represents both public, elementary and college ...
/e/education.htm - 40k

Virgin (62 Occurrences)
... He must have been lacking, not only in the sense of truthfulness, but also in the
elementary instinct of delicacy, to have invaded the privacy of the most ...
/v/virgin.htm - 64k

Birth (357 Occurrences)
... He must have been lacking, not only in the sense of truthfulness, but also in the
elementary instinct of delicacy, to have invaded the privacy of the most ...
/b/birth.htm - 71k

Lifeless (10 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving elementary instruction about the Christ, let us advance
to mature manhood and not be continually re-laying a foundation of ...
/l/lifeless.htm - 9k

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