Strong's g1051

Pronunciation Guide: GAH-lah (γάλα)

Basic Definition

Key Information

γάλα

Transliteration: gala Part of Speech: noun First Appears: 1 Corinthians 3:2 Appears: 5 times

Strong’s Entry

g1051

Gloss: gala (gal’-ah) n.1. (figuratively) milk[of uncertain affinity]KJV: milk 

Strong’s G1051: γάλα refers to literal milk, the nutritious white fluid produced by mothers to nourish their infants. In Scripture, it is primarily used metaphorically to represent the basic, foundational teachings of the faith that are suitable for spiritual infants and new believers. This word symbolizes the essential spiritual nourishment needed by those who are young in their faith journey before they can digest more complex theological teachings.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun, neuter
• From an uncertain root
• Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Appears primarily in teaching passages
• Used in both classical Greek and Koine Greek literature
• Cognate with Latin “lac” and English “lactose”

γάλα Morphology:

• γάλα (nominative/accusative singular) – milk
• γάλακτος (genitive singular) – of milk
• γάλακτι (dative singular) – with/in milk

Origin & History

The term γάλα has ancient roots in Indo-European languages, with cognates appearing across multiple language families. In classical Greek literature, it referred simply to the physical milk from humans or animals. Aristotle, in his “Historia Animalium,” discusses γάλα extensively when describing mammalian reproduction and nursing. The term maintained this literal meaning but gained deeper significance in the Septuagint, where it often appeared in idiomatic expressions describing the promised land as “flowing with milk and honey” (ῥέουσαν γάλα καὶ μέλι), as seen in Exodus 3:8 and throughout the Torah.

By the time of the New Testament writers, γάλα had developed a rich metaphorical dimension alongside its literal meaning. The early Church Fathers further expanded on this metaphorical usage. Clement of Alexandria, in his “Paedagogus” (The Instructor), devotes significant attention to γάλα as spiritual nourishment, drawing from Paul’s metaphorical usage and elaborating on Christ as the provider of spiritual milk for believers.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The physical white fluid produced by mammals to nourish their young
• Basic spiritual teachings suitable for new believers
• Elementary principles of faith as contrasted with more mature doctrine
• Nourishment that promotes spiritual growth in the initial stages of faith
• Symbol of purity and wholesome spiritual nourishment

γάλα Translation Options:

• Milk – The most direct translation, appropriate in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Spiritual milk – Useful when translating passages like 1 Peter 2:2 to emphasize the spiritual nourishment aspect
• Basic teachings – Helpful in contexts like Hebrews 5:12-13 where the instructional aspect is emphasized
• Elementary principles – Appropriate when contrasting with “solid food” of more advanced teachings
• Foundational nourishment – Captures both the nutritive aspect and the fundamental nature of the teaching

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γάλα appears just three times, but each usage is theologically significant. Its first appearance in 1 Corinthians 3:2 shows Paul using it metaphorically to describe elementary Christian teachings. Here, Paul expresses disappointment that he still needs to feed the Corinthians with “milk” rather than “solid food” because they remain spiritually immature.

This metaphorical pattern continues in Hebrews 5:12-13, where the author rebukes readers who should have progressed beyond needing γάλα. In contrast, 1 Peter 2:2 presents γάλα in a positive light, encouraging new believers to “long for the pure spiritual milk” that will help them grow toward salvation. In the Septuagint, γάλα appears frequently in the expression “flowing with milk and honey,” symbolizing abundance and divine provision in the promised land.

• “I gave you milk [γάλα] to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able.” 1 Corinthians 3:2
• “For everyone who partakes only of milk [γάλακτος] is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.” Hebrews 5:13
• “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk [γάλα] of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.” 1 Peter 2:2
• “So I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk [γάλα] and honey.” Exodus 3:8 (Septuagint)

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near East, milk was a precious commodity and a symbol of prosperity. For nursing mothers, the ability to provide milk for their infants represented life itself. In Jewish households, the careful separation of milk and meat products (based on Exodus 23:19) created a heightened awareness of milk as a distinct food category with its own significance. This cultural background enriches our understanding of γάλα as both nourishment and symbol.

An interesting rabbinic tradition adds depth to the metaphorical usage. The Torah was often compared to milk in rabbinic literature, with the numerical value (gematria) of חָלָב (Hebrew for milk) being 40, corresponding to the 40 days Moses spent on Mount Sinai receiving the Torah. Similarly, the sweetness of Torah was compared to milk and honey in Song of Songs Rabbah, a midrashic commentary. This cultural background would have been familiar to the first Jewish believers in the Messiah and enriches our understanding of γάλα as a metaphor for spiritual teaching in the New Testament.

Theological Significance

The metaphor of γάλα reveals Yahweh’s compassionate nature as a nurturing parent who provides appropriate spiritual nourishment for His children at each stage of their development. Just as a mother carefully provides the perfect first food for her infant, our Heavenly Father ensures that new believers receive the essential truths they need to establish their faith. This metaphor highlights both God’s wisdom in progressive revelation and His tender care in meeting us where we are spiritually.

Moreover, γάλα symbolizes the purity and wholesomeness of God’s truth. In 1 Peter 2:2, the milk is described as “pure” or “unadulterated” (ἄδολον), emphasizing that God’s truth comes to us without contamination or corruption. This purity is essential for spiritual growth, just as pure milk is vital for an infant’s physical development. The metaphor also beautifully illustrates the intimate relationship between the believer and God – just as nursing creates a bond between mother and child, receiving spiritual nourishment from God creates a profound connection with Him.

Personal Application

When we understand the concept of γάλα, we gain important insight into our spiritual journey. Just as infants need milk before they can digest solid food, we must embrace the foundational teachings of our faith before tackling more complex theological concepts. This reminds us to be patient with ourselves and others in the growth process, recognizing that spiritual maturity develops gradually with proper nourishment.

Consider how you might identify the “milk” in your own spiritual diet. What are the essential, nourishing truths that sustain your faith? For new believers, these might include understanding God’s love, the sacrifice of the Messiah, and the basics of prayer and Scripture reading. Whatever your stage of growth, remember that even mature believers must regularly return to these foundational truths to maintain spiritual health and vitality. Just as we never outgrow our need for the basic nutrients found in milk and dairy products, we never outgrow our need for the fundamental truths of our faith.

Related Words

• τροφή (trophē, pronounced tro-FAY) – general nourishment or food; broader than γάλα and can refer to any form of sustenance, both physical and spiritual. While γάλα is specifically milk suitable for infants, τροφή encompasses all forms of nourishment appropriate for various stages of development. See G5160
• βρῶμα (brōma, pronounced BRO-mah) – solid food, often contrasted with γάλα in passages about spiritual maturity. Where γάλα represents elementary teachings, βρῶμα symbolizes the deeper, more complex theological concepts suitable for mature believers. See G1033
• στοιχεῖον (stoicheion, pronounced stoy-KHI-on) – elementary principles or basic elements; similar to γάλα in representing foundational concepts, but with a broader application beyond just spiritual nourishment to include basic principles of the world and cosmos. See G4747
• μέλι (meli, pronounced MEH-lee) – honey; often paired with γάλα in the expression “flowing with milk and honey” to represent abundance and God’s provision in the promised land. Together they symbolize complete nourishment and divine blessing. See G3192
• θηλάζω (thēlazō, pronounced they-LAH-zo) – to nurse or suckle; the action associated with γάλα, emphasizing the intimate nurturing relationship between the one providing milk and the one receiving it. See G2337

Did you Know?

• The expression “land flowing with milk and honey” appears approximately 20 times in the Torah. This repetition emphasizes the abundance of the Promised Land and connects γάλα with God’s covenant promises to Israel. Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that the region of ancient Israel was indeed well-suited for dairy production, with evidence of cattle, sheep, and goat husbandry dating back thousands of years, making this metaphor particularly apt for its original audience.
• In the ancient world, milk was often mixed with wine as a refreshing drink. This practice, mentioned by classical authors like Homer, adds an interesting dimension to our understanding of 1 Peter 2:2, suggesting that the “pure” or “unadulterated” spiritual milk Peter describes contrasts with common cultural practices of mixing or diluting milk. For believers, the pure teachings of the faith should not be diluted with worldly philosophies or false doctrines.
• Modern medical science has discovered that colostrum, the first milk a mother produces after giving birth, contains high concentrations of antibodies that help protect newborns from disease. This remarkable design parallels how the “milk” of basic spiritual teachings protects new believers from doctrinal errors and spiritual deception, highlighting the perfection of Yahweh’s design in both the physical and spiritual realms.

Remember This

γάλα represents not only God’s provision of essential spiritual nourishment for new believers but also His perfect wisdom in providing exactly what we need at each stage of our spiritual growth journey.