Topical Encyclopedia
The term "milky" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of milk and its symbolic meanings are prevalent throughout the Scriptures. Milk is often used metaphorically to represent nourishment, purity, and the foundational teachings of the Christian faith.
Symbolism and Usage in Scripture1.
Nourishment and Growth: Milk is frequently associated with the basic and essential teachings of the faith, akin to the nourishment provided to infants. In
1 Peter 2:2 , believers are encouraged to "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." This verse highlights the importance of foundational teachings for spiritual growth and maturity.
2.
Purity and Simplicity: Milk is often seen as a symbol of purity and simplicity. In the context of spiritual teachings, it represents the unadulterated and straightforward truths of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in
1 Corinthians 3:2 , states, "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it." Here, milk signifies the elementary teachings suitable for new believers who are not yet ready for more complex doctrines.
3.
Promise and Abundance: The Promised Land is described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (
Exodus 3:8), symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and God's provision. This imagery conveys the richness and fertility of the land God promised to the Israelites, reflecting His faithfulness and generosity.
4.
Contrast with Maturity: While milk is essential for new believers, the Bible also encourages growth beyond the elementary teachings.
Hebrews 5:12-14 contrasts milk with solid food, urging believers to mature in their understanding: "In fact, though 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!" This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual maturity and deeper comprehension of God's Word.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn biblical times, milk was a staple in the diet of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. It was consumed fresh or in the form of curds and cheese. The abundance of milk-producing animals, such as goats and sheep, contributed to its symbolic representation of prosperity and sustenance.
Theological ImplicationsThe metaphor of milk in Scripture underscores the importance of beginning with the basics of the Christian faith while also encouraging believers to progress toward spiritual maturity. It serves as a reminder of the need for continual growth and development in understanding God's Word and living out the Christian life.
In summary, while the term "milky" itself is not found in the Bible, the concept of milk carries significant theological and symbolic weight, representing nourishment, purity, and the foundational aspects of the faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Consisting of, or containing, milk.
2. (a.) Like, or somewhat like, milk; whitish and turbid; as, the water is milky. Milky juice.
3. (a.) Yielding milk.
4. (a.) Mild; tame; spiritless.
Library
The Reaction against Egypt
... The material of the statue is a finegrained limestone, and itsmilky whiteness
tends to soften the malign character of her look and smile....
Essay i. Fortuna Plerumque Est Veluti Galaxia Quarundam Obscurarum...
... BACON. (Translation)"Fortune is for the most part but a galaxy ormilky
way, as it were, of certain obscure virtues without a name....
Christ, as to his Divine Nature, as the Word of God, Became Flesh...
... In the cheese, it is from the coagulation that themilky substance acquires that
consistency, [7206] which is condensed by infusing the rennet....
Morning Hymn
... Since Thou canst change, O holy Light, The blackest hue tomilky white, Ebon to
clearness crystalline, Wash my foul stains and make me clean....
Sin Immeasurable
... If you will turn your eyes above, the astronomer will tell you that the undiscovered
stars, that the vast mass of worlds which form themilky way, and the...
Argument: Moreover, God not Only Takes Care of the Universal World...
... full of milk as the offspring grows to maturity, and that the tender progeny should
grow up by the nourishment afforded by the abundance of themilky moisture?...
Hercules.
... when they wished to return thanks instead of praise to the absent thunderer,
senselessly vowed victims as to a god to be besought, they mademilky altars as...
The Doctrine of Mathematicians not Wholly to be Despised, when...
... head of the Ox is in honour of Zeus, who, in the form of a Bull, carried over Europe
into Crete; and they say the circle called the Galaxy, ormilky way, which...
Moses Despondent
... he seeks. TheMilky Way is no substitute for the sun. Our hearts cry out
for One great light, for One spacious home. Endless strings...
John Chapter xvi. 29-33.
... to babes, is in some sort sucked in; and even though it yield them not solid food,
which they cannot as yet receive, it denies them not at least amilky diet....
Thesaurus
Milky (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Consisting of, or containing, milk. 2. (a.) Like, or somewhat like, milk;
whitish and turbid; as, the water is
milky.
Milky juice.
...Milky (1 Occurrence).
...Mill (9 Occurrences)
Frankincense (22 Occurrences)
... frants'-in-sens (lebhonah, from root meaning "whiteness," referring to themilky
color of the fresh juice: Exodus 30:34 Leviticus 2:1, 15; 5:11; 6:15; 24:07:00...
Engedi (6 Occurrences)
... It has a grayish bark and long oval leaves, which when broken off discharge amilky
fluid. The fruit resembles an apple, and hangs in clusters of two or three....
Milk-cheeses (1 Occurrence)
Milk-cheeses. Milk, Milk-cheeses.Milky . Multi-Version Concordance Milk-cheeses
(1 Occurrence).... (BBE). Milk, Milk-cheeses.Milky . Reference Bible.
Purple (54 Occurrences)
... was removed and crushed. The crushed gland gives amilky fluid that becomes
red or purple on exposure to the air. Piles of these...
Botany
... The trunk has a cork-like bark and white,milky juice and the fruit consists of
queer apple-like follicles which, though solid looking, are only inflated with...
Resources
What does it mean that the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God create such a vast universe and other planets if there is only life on Earth? | GotQuestions.orgMilky: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
