Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  4000 Creation  »  4400 Vegetation and food  »  4480 milk

A common source of food and nourishment, associated with rich and productive land. The term is also used figuratively as a form of spiritual food suitable for those who have yet to reach maturity in the Christian faith.

Milk as a source of nourishment

Deuteronomy 32:13-14 See also Genesis 18:8; Judges 4:19; 2 Samuel 17:29; Proverbs 27:27; Ezekiel 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:7 illustrating the support of the ministry

Milk as an indication of prosperity and well-being

Deuteronomy 6:3 A frequent description of the promised land ; Isaiah 55:1 See also Exodus 3:8; Leviticus 20:24; Numbers 13:27; Isaiah 7:22; Isaiah 60:16; Ezekiel 20:6; Joel 3:18

Laws concerning milk

Exodus 23:19; Exodus 34:26; Deuteronomy 14:21

Elementary Christian teaching likened to milk

Hebrews 5:12-13 See also 1 Corinthians 3:2; 1 Peter 2:2

Milk used figuratively

Proverbs 30:33 See also Genesis 49:12; Job 10:10; Songs 4:11; Songs 5:12; Lamentations 4:7

See also

4404  food
5881  immaturity
7257  promised land