Hebrews 5:13-14

 

 

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Hebrews 5:13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. (NASB: Lockman)

Greek: pas gar o metechon (PAPMSN) galaktos apeiros logou dikaiosunes, nepios gar estin; (3SPAI)
Amplified: For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
ASV: For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe.
Barclay: for when anyone is at the stage of participating in milk feeding, he does not really know what Christian righteousness is, for he is only a child. (
Westminster Press)
ESV: for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.  (
ESV)
KJV: For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
NET: For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because he is an infant.
 (NET Bible)
NIV: Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  (
NIV - IBS)
NJB: Truly, no one who is still living on milk can digest the doctrine of saving justice, being still a baby.  (
NJB)
NLT: And a person who is living on milk isn't very far along in the Christian life and doesn't know much about doing what is right.  (
NLT - Tyndale House)
TEV: Anyone who has to drink milk is still a child, without any experience in the matter of right and wrong.
TLB: You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others, but instead you have dropped back to the place where you need someone to teach you all over again the very first principles in God's Word. You are like babies who can drink only milk, not old enough for solid food. And when a person is still living on milk it shows he isn't very far along in the Christian life, and doesn't know much about the difference between right and wrong. He is still a baby Christian!
Weymouth: By people who live on milk I mean those who are imperfectly acquainted with the teaching concerning righteousness.
Wuest: For everyone whose sole diet is milk, is inexperienced in a message which is righteous in quality, for he is a [spiritually] immature person.  (
Erdmans
Young's Literal: for every one who is partaking of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness -- for he is an infant,

References

Albert Barnes
Brian Bell
John Calvin
Rich Cathers
Adam Clarke
Steven Cole
Thomas Constable
Bob DeWaay
Dan Fortner
Scott Grant
Dave Guzik
Hebrews Project
Matthew Henry
F B Hole
Jamieson, F, B
S Lewis Johnson
William Kelly
John MacArthur
J Vernon McGee
F B Meyer
Phil Newton
A W Pink
John Piper
A T Robertson
Gil Rugh
C H Spurgeon
C H Spurgeon
Ray Stedman
Ray Stedman
Today in the Word
Marvin Vincent
Drew Worthen
Precept Ministries
Today in the Word

Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5 - MS Word Doc
Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5:11-14
Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5:11-14 The Danger of Perpetual Infancy

Hebrews 5:11-6:3 Let Us Go On!
Hebrews 5:11-6:12 Chewing on Meat
Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5:11-6:3
Hebrews 5
Hebrews Commentary Notes
Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5:11 - 6:3 Disaster of Dullness (audio)
Hebrews 1-6 Commentary

Hebrews 5:10-14 Rejecting Full Revelation-1
Hebrews 5:11.mp3  Hebrews 5:12-14 Mp3
Hebrews 5:14
Hebrews 5:11-14 Leaving Milk for Meat

Hebrews 5:11-14 Christ Superior to Aaron
Hebrews 5:11-14 You ought to be teachers
Hebrews 5 Word Pictures
Hebrews 5:11-14 Become Spiritually Mature
Hebrews 5:14 Strong Meat - Pdf
Hebrews 5 Expositional Comments
Hebrews 5:11-14 Spiritual State of the Readers
Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12 Let's Get On with It (sermon)
Hebrews 5:11-13; Hebrews 5:11-6:3
Hebrews 5: Word Studies
Hebrews 5:8-14 Be Doers Of The Word
Hebrews Inductive Study Pt 1
Hebrews 5:11-6:3 Hebrews 5:11-6:3

FOR EVERYONE WHO PARTAKES ONLY OF MILK IS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO THE WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: pas gar o metechon (PAPMSN) galaktos apeiros  logou dikaiosunes: (Psalms 119:123; Romans 1:17,18; 10:5,6; 2 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:16)

Partakes (3348) (metecho from metá = with, denoting association + écho = have) has to do with taking hold of something that is not naturally one's own kind. To have a part or share in something. To partake of something in common with someone (eat, drink, enjoy)

The writer had used this verb in Hebrews 2:14 (note) in his explanation that humans by nature are flesh and blood but Christ was not. Yet He willingly took hold of something which did not naturally belong to Him (= metecho). He added to Himself our nature in order that He might die in our place, and that we might take hold of the divine nature that did not belong to us (cf. note 2 Peter 1:4)

In the present context metecho means to have a share of shares in the possession of "milk" and
present tense indicates it is their habitual practice.

Not accustomed (552) (apeiros from a = without + peíra = experience, trial related to peiro = perforate, pierce thru to test durability of things or simply to pass through) literally means without trial and thus without experience. Apeiros pertains to the lack of knowledge or capacity to do something - ignorant, unskillful, unacquainted with, inexperienced in.

Apeiros is used in the Septuagint (LXX) translation of Numbers 14:23 (LXX) where it refers to “inexperienced youths” who have not yet learned good and evil.

Here in Hebrews 5:13 (the only NT use) apeiros signifies ignorance of and/or inability to partake of the "deeper" Biblical doctrines.

This person cannot digest them, any more than a physical infant can digest a steak. The idea is that of being inexperienced, unprepared and incapable.

Their spiritual system (analogous to the physical body) had failed to grow sufficiently to enable them to handle these teachings (specifically in context the teaching about Melchizedek and his priesthood0 which were more difficult. A child can get something out of looking at a picture book but nothing out of looking at a textbook. The writer is teaching solid food from the "textbook" of Melchizedek.

Milk (1051) (gala) can mean literal milk but in this context is used figuratively to refer to the Word of God.

Specifically here in Hebrews 5 gala speaks of the rudiments of Christian doctrine by which babes in Christ are nourished. The writer is referring to an exclusive diet of milk because even adults still drink milk. They just don't drink milk exclusively as do newborn infants.  Newborn Christians are not ready for solid food, because they are not yet able to "chew" it or  to digest it. The writer of Hebrews is saying that the readers however should have reached the point in their maturing process that they need solid spiritual food to assure full spiritual health.

Yes, it is true what the Dairy Council preaches "Milk makes a body good", but the writer is saying milk is for infants and children and is not to be the sole intake of those who are fully grown. If all you are taking in is the "milk" of God's word, the basic rudiments, you must still be a "baby". Such a state is clearly one of the marks of spiritual immaturity. Beloved, may I ask you - are you still on a "milk only" diet spiritually? Are you still reading devotionals which have a few tidbits of Scripture? Are you reading "Christian books" instead of The Book? Are you primarily listening to tapes rather than your primary Teacher, the Spirit?

Milk is good but filet mignon is much better! Can I encourage you to consider delving into the great adventure of inductive Bible study, whereby you are led to dig deeply into the "solid food" aspects of the Scriptures, learning how to observe the text, how to read in context, how to look for key words, and how to recognize terms of conclusion contrasts, expressions of time and terms of comparison (such as similes metaphors). Although there are numerous inductive studies, by far the best studies are available at  Precept Ministries International (click for a list of their currently available inductive studies - e.g., see Hebrews Inductive Study)

Martin comments that...

The author has expected better things of his readers than they display. They should have made more progress in the Christian life than they have. The author is disturbed by their immaturity. Enough time has transpired in their spiritual lives that by now they should qualify to be teachers. Instead they need instruction. Milk is necessary and adequate for infants. No baby is criticized for taking milk. But when a baby grows into an adult it is absurd to envision it still feeding only on milk. Milk is insufficient for the needs of an adult. With a twist of irony, the author rebukes these believers for such an absurdity: they have had enough time in the faith to be adults feeding on solid food; instead they are still feeding on milk...Solid food...points to the priesthood of Christ, which is likened to the priesthood of Melchizedek (cf. Heb 5:4-10 with the connective in Heb 5:11) and the instruction of the high-priestly office of Christ that will be provided in Hebrews 7:1-10:18 (Bruce, 108–9; Lane, 138–39). (Martin, R. P., & Davids, P. H. Dictionary of the Later New Testament and its Developments . Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press)

Paul uses the metaphor of milk with a similar meaning in 1Corinthians writing...

I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able. (1Cor 3:2) (Comment:  Solid food in this context refers to the hidden wisdom of God, which is imparted by the Spirit to those who possess the mind of Christ - see 1 Cor 2:6-7; 12-16).

Peter uses milk in a different context to symbolize the word of God in general, emphasizes that there is no spiritual growth without intake of the pure milk of the Word...

 like newborn babies, long for (aorist imperative) the pure milk of the word, (why do we need to take in milk?) so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (See note 1 Peter 2:2) (Comment: So here milk does not represent the ABC's but the Word of God which is desirable and by every world of which man lives as Jesus taught - "But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.' Mt 4:4)

The word of righteousness - This is the message about the righteousness of Christ which we have by faith (1Cor 1:30 2Cor 5:21; see notes Romans 3:21; Romans 3:22;  Philippians 3:9 Titus 3:5) (past tense salvation ~ justification. See notes on Three Tenses of Salvation) and the righteousness we are now to live out by faith (present tense salvation ~ sanctification ~ becoming holy as He is holy, going from glory to glory, having our inner man renewed day by day, being transformed by the renewing of our mind, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ).

The word of righteousness is equivalent to the gospel of salvation which is received by faith.

Paul explained that the Gospel (expounded on in the ENTIRE book of Romans, the "Christian's Constitution"!) is the source of revelation about God's righteousness writing that...

in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH." (See note Romans 1:17)

Writing to Timothy Paul outlined how a believer is to grow in righteousness declaring that...

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.  (See notes 2 Timothy 3:16; 3:17)

Vincent writes

The genitive of righteousness is combined in NT with way, God, gift, instruments, servants, law, ministration, fruit and fruits, ministers, hope, breastplate, crown, king, preacher. It is a mistake to attempt to give the phrase here a concrete meaning. It signifies simply a word of normally right character...Probably, however, in the foreground of the writer’s thought was the word spoken by the Son (see note Hebrews 1:2); the salvation which at first was spoken by the Lord (see note Hebrews 2:3)

Ray Stedman explains it this way...

They are not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. Commentators differ as to whether righteousness here refers to conduct or imputed worth. Hughes opts for the latter view, describing it as

“the teaching about righteousness which is fundamental to the Christian faith, namely, the insistence on Christ as our righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30, 2 Cor. 5:21) as opposed to self-righteousness or works-righteousness” (1977:191).

Ignorance of having a righteous position in God’s eyes already through faith in Christ has been the cause of much useless laboring to earn righteousness through the centuries. It invariably produces a form of legalism which tries to earn “brownie points” with God to gain his acceptance. The dullness which does not understand the divine program that leads to right conduct manifests its ignorance by being unable to “distinguish good from evil.” But those who, by persistent obedience to the truth, are able to grasp such solid food will give evidence of it in wise and wholesome conduct. They will identify evil as evil, even when it looks good, and follow good because it is good, even when it looks evil. (Stedman, Ray: Hebrews IVP New Testament Commentary Series or Logos)

Steven Cole writes that the word of righteousness refers to...

the Scriptures, which are designed to produce God’s righteousness in those who believe and obey. The author may be referring to the doctrine of imputed righteousness, taught in Genesis 15:6, and repeated by Paul in Romans 3 & 4. But also, those who are counted righteous by faith in Christ will also progress in practical righteousness, learning what is pleasing to the Lord (see note Ephesians 5:10). You may think that righteousness and good and evil are obvious, but that is not so. These things need to be learned through practice and training. (Hebrews 5:11-6:3)

The KJV Bible Commentary explains the word of righteousness this way...

They are unskillful (Gr apeiros), inexperienced in or unacquainted with the word that instructs them in how to live a life of righteousness. (Dobson, E G, Charles Feinberg, E Hindson, Woodrow Kroll, H L. Wilmington: KJV Bible Commentary: Nelson or Logos)

FOR HE IS AN INFANT: nepios gar estin (3SPAI): (Isaiah 28:9; Matthew 11:25; Mark 10:15; Romans 2:20; 1 Corinthians 13:11; 14:20; Ephesians 4:14; 1 Peter 2:2)

As someone has written

You are young only once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.

Steven Cole notes that...

If there is spiritual life, there will be spiritual growth of some sort, but growth rates vary. Some become Christians and instantly drop the sins that have plagued their lives for years and never fall back. Others struggle to get rid of those sins for decades. I have a pastor friend who got saved in his early forties. He was a night club entertainer, addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. He instantly dropped all of those habits and began to follow Christ. But I know others who have struggled with those habits for years after making a profession of faith. They make a break from them, but then keep falling back into them. (Hebrews 5:11-6:3)

He is an infant -  The writer is saying in Hebrews 5:11-14 that only solid food will effect the desired result of progressing beyond “first principles” (see note Hebrews 6:1ff) toward spiritual maturity and moral discernment.

Is (estin) is in the present tense which indicates that the person he describes is still in their "spiritual diapers" and needs to have their "spiritual food" mashed up and fed to them by spoon!

Infant (babe) (3516) (nepios from negative = no + epo = speak) means one not able to talk. It is also describes one not able to chew (e.g., spiritual "steak") if they are still on the bottle and only taking in milk.

Paul uses nepios in similar way as the writer of Hebrews...

As a result, we are no longer to be children (nepios), tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; (See note Ephesians 4:14)

As an aside note Paul does say that we are to infants or babes in one thing...

Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be mature. (1Cor 14:20)

J Vernon McGee puts it plainly...

He doesn’t know the Word of God. I don’t want to step on your toes, my friend, but I’d love to be helpful to you. You cannot grow apart from the Word of God. I don’t care how active you are in the church. You may be an officer. You may be on every committee in the church. You may be a leading deacon or elder. I don’t care who you are, or what you are; if you are not studying the Word of God, and if you don’t know how to handle it, you are a little baby. It is tragic to occupy a church office when you are just a little baby. You ought to come on and grow up. It is tragic that there are people who have been members of the church and have been saved for years, and they are still going around saying, “Goo, goo, goo.” They have nothing to contribute but little baby talk. All they want is to be burped periodically. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary:  Thomas Nelson or Logos)

Here is a simple illustration - A new Christian was reading through the Gospels. After she finished, she told a friend she wanted to read a book on church history. When her friend asked why, the woman replied,

"I'm curious. I've been wondering when Christians started to become so unlike Christ." (Which of us is not convicted!)

When you walk with Christ,
you'll be out of step with the world.

The world will try to pressure us
To fit into its mold,
But with God's help we can resist
If to His truth we hold. --Sper

The author assaults his friends with a somewhat silly image of adult babies who are still nursing. Put on your "sanctified imagination" for a moment. If this next Sunday service God were to dress each of those who attended in the garb that their spiritual maturity dictated what would the assembly resemble? Perhaps we would not even need a separate nursery! Imagine the absurdity of full-grown men and women sitting in the pews in diapers sucking their thumbs and unable to eat solid food!

Remember that if your not growing in Christ-likeness and spiritual maturity, you are not simply maintaining the status quo so to speak. There is simply no such thing as a static Christian. We either move forward or fall back. We are either climbing or falling. We are either winning or losing. Static, status quo Christianity is a delusion! Imagine yourself on a bicycle right now. Do you see yourself as pedaling forward? Are the pedals even moving? If not what happens to a cyclist, especially when the riding gets difficult on a hill?

><>><>><>

Babies Need Weaning - I find few things more delectable than three or four of my wife's freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies, hot from the oven but cool enough to pick up and introduce to my longing taste buds. What really makes this treat complete is a large glass of ice-cold milk. That milk and those cookies are made for each other.

Now, I'm not considered a baby because I still drink milk. But if that's all I took in for nourishment, you would ask, and rightly so, "What's wrong? Shouldn't you have been on solid foods long ago?"

Transfer this scenario to our Christian lives, as the writer did in today's Scripture. There comes a point in our experience when we must move on from the basic salvation truths (Heb. 5:12)--not that we should ever lose our taste for them. Milk is always good and nourishing. We must never lose our appreciation for God's forgiveness and our new life in Christ.

God wants us to learn the Word through study, prayer, meditation, obedience, and testing. We must know spiritual principles so that we can apply them, speak with confidence about our faith, and stand up under adversity.

The milk of the Word will always taste good, but the Bible's solid food makes us strong. How's your diet? —Dennis J. De Haan
(
Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

The Bible is a pantry
Where I can always find
The food I need from day to day
For heart and soul and mind. --Anon.

Spiritual growth requires the meat of God's Word.

 

Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil (NASB: Lockman)

Greek: teleion de estin (3SPAI) e sterea trophe, ton dia ten exin ta aistheteria gegumnasmena (RPPNPA) echonton (PAPMPG) pros diakrisin kalou te kai kakou.
Amplified: But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.  (Amplified Bible - Lockman)
ASV: But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
Barclay: For solid food is for those who have reached maturity, those who, through the development of the right kind of habit, have reached a stage when their perceptions are trained to distinguish between good and evil. (
Westminster Press)
ESV: But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.  (
ESV)
KJV:  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
NET:  But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice for discerning both good and evil.
 (NET Bible)
NIV: But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.  (
NIV - IBS)
NJB: Solid food is for adults with minds trained by practice to distinguish between good and bad.  (
NJB)
NLT:  Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right.  (
NLT - Tyndale House)
TEV: Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil.
TLB: You will never be able to eat solid spiritual food and understand the deeper things of God's Word until you become better Christians and learn right from wrong by practicing doing right.
Weymouth: Such persons are mere babes. But solid food is for adults—that is, for those who through constant practice have their spiritual faculties
Wuest: But solid food belongs to those who are [spiritually] mature, to those who on account of long usage have their powers of perception exercised to the point where they are able to discriminate between both that which is good in character and that which is evil.  (
Erdmans
Young's Literal: and of perfect men is the strong food, who because of the use are having the senses exercised, unto the discernment both of good and of evil.

BUT SOLID FOOD IS FOR THE MATURE: he sterea trophe teleion de estin (3SPAI): (Matthew 5:48; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 3:15; James 3:2)

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus likewise exhorted His listeners to seek spiritual maturity declaring...

 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The writer is using terms of human development to describe their spiritual growth, of far more value than physical growth (1Ti 4:7)

But - note the contrast and also note that mature is placed first in the Greek text for emphasis...

and of perfect men is the strong food, who because of the use are having the senses exercised, unto the discernment both of good and of evil. (YLT)

Solid (4731) (stereos from  histemi = stand) literally means strong, compact, solid or firm (as used to describe a foundation as firm). Stereos is in contrast with that which is soft or liquid solid.

Figuratively, stereos refers to the foundational doctrines of God which are firm (securely or solidly fixed in place) (2 Timothy 2:19), of faith which is steadfast (not subject to change) (1 Peter 5:9) or of Biblical teaching which is

Solid "food", the equivalent of Biblical ''health'' food which builds strong, solid, healthy believers who can resist when temptation comes, who are steadfast when winds of crooked doctrine blow, and who God uses to lead others to His righteousness.

Food and drink are not uncommon metaphors for Biblical truth (Isaiah 55:1–6, Ps 42:2; 63:1; 143:6, 1 Cor 10:3; cf. Deut 8:3; Mt 4:4, etc).

2 Timothy 2:19 (note)  Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness."

Hebrews 5:12 (note) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
Hebrews 5:14 (note) But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

1 Peter 5:9 (note) But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

There are 13 uses of stereos in the Septuagint (LXX) (Ex 37:17, 20; Num 8:4; Deut 32:13; 1 Sam 4:8; Ps 35:10; Isa 2:21; 5:28; 17:5; 50:7; 51:1; Jer 15:18; 30:14; 31:11)

Sermons are good, but they are not to be compared with personal Spirit illuminated Bible study as food for your soul ("soul food"). Songs and hymns are excellent, but let us not become "songbook Christians". Men wrote the songs but God wrote the Bible. As an aside we lament the declining popularity of the old hymns (many of which do contain God's words as well as sound doctrine) as they are slowly being replaced by choruses that are often repetitive and doctrinally shallow (there are exceptions). This gradual drift should be cause for some alarm among mature believers. Why? Well, ask yourself, what is one of the marks of being continually filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)? Paul answers it is...

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord (See notes Ephesians 5:19 and also notes on Colossians 3:16)

A maturing Christian must be a Biblically saturated Christian. If we are to get a deep insight into the holy mysteries of God’s Word, we must lay aside every sin (see note Hebrews 12:1) and every preconceived notion about His Truth and come simply as children to be taught by the Holy Spirit (1Jn 2:20, 27). God has purposely hidden His truths from the wise and prudent but He is ready at any time to reveal them to babes. (Mt 11:25, 13:11, Lu 10:21).

As Solomon recorded in Proverbs 2 almost 3 millennia ago...

My son, if you will receive my sayings, And treasure my commandments within you,
2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding;
3 For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding;
4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will discern the fear of the LORD, And discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:1-6)

To avoid being pulled into error
Keep a firm grip on the truth.

Mature (5046)(teleios from telos = an end, a purpose, an aim, a goal) (Click word study on teleios) means complete, fully developed, full grown, brought to its end, finished, wanting nothing necessary to completeness, in good working order.

Teleios signifies consummate soundness, includes the idea of being whole. Interestingly the Gnostics used teleios of the one fully initiated into their mysteries.

The writer uses teleios later in Hebrews writing...

But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect (teleios) tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation (see notes Hebrews 9:11)

Paul used teleios in Colossians after declaring the glorious truth that Christ was now in them and that He Alone was their Hope (absolute assurance of future good - see notes Colossians 1:27) of glory went on to emphasis that because of this great truth...

we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete (teleios) in Christ. And for this purpose also I labor (to the point of literal exhaustion!), striving (agonizomai - same  verb describing Epaphras' "laboring earnestly" in prayer for the same goal = that the Colossian saints would be complete in Christ) according to His power (which undoubtedly is how Epaphras also was enabled to prayer with such passion and power - and it is the only way we can pray this way - His power working in us and through us), which mightily works within me. (see notes Colossians 1:28, 1:29)

As discussed more fully below, teleios does not connote moral or spiritual perfection or sinlessness as some have taught is possible or attainable by mortal flesh (!!!), but rather refers to that a believer who is fully developed, who is being progressively transformed into all he or she was "re-created" to be - like Christ, conformed to His image. And yet maturity is never an end we attain and then say "Whew! I have finally arrived!" No, instead it is to be our earnest, diligent pursuit, even as the "mature" apostle Paul declared...

10 that I may know Him (Christ), and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;
11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect (teleioo), but I press on (
present tense = his continual practice) in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting (
present tense = his continual practice) what lies behind and reaching forward (present tense = his continual practice) to what lies ahead,
14 I press on (