Encyclopedia entry
Milk
Disambiguation
The source enumerates 2 distinct subjects under Milk. Jump to one below, or read in order.
Milk (1)
#Hebrew halabh, “new milk”, milk in its fresh state (Judg. 4:19). It is frequently mentioned in connection with honey (Ex. 3:8; 13:5; Josh. 5:6; Isa. 7:15, 22; Jer. 11:5). Sheep (Deut. 32:14) and goats (Prov. 27:27) and camels (Gen. 32:15), as well as cows, are made to give their milk for the use of man. Milk is used figuratively as a sign of abundance (Gen. 49:12; Ezek. 25:4; Joel 3:18). It is also a symbol of the rudiments of doctrine (1 Cor. 3:2; Heb. 5:12, 13), and of the unadulterated word of God (1 Pet. 2:2).
Milk (2)
#Heb. hem’ah, always rendered “butter” in the Authorized Version. It means “butter,” but also more frequently “cream,” or perhaps, as some think, “curdled milk,” such as that which Abraham set before the angels (Gen. 18:8), and which Jael gave to Sisera (Judg. 5:25). In this state milk was used by travellers (2 Sam. 17:29). If kept long enough, it acquired a slightly intoxicating or soporific power.
This Hebrew word is also sometimes used for milk in general (Deut. 32:14; Job 20:17).
Also from Smith's (1884) +−
As an article of diet, milk holds a more important position in eastern countries than with us. It is not a mere adjunct in cookery, or restricted to the use of the young, although it is naturally the characteristic food of childhood, both from its simple and nutritive qualities. (1 Peter 2:2) and particularly as contrasted with meat, (1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12) but beyond this it is regarded as substantial food adapted alike to all ages and classes. Not only the milk of cows, but of sheep, (32:14) of camels, (Genesis 32:15) and of goats, (Proverbs 27:27) was used; that latter appears to have been most highly prized.
In the Bible
51
Verses where Milk is named. Berean Standard Bible (public domain).
- 1 Corinthians 3:2
I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready,
- 1 Corinthians 9:7
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
- 1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,
- 1 Samuel 6:7
Now, therefore, prepare one new cart with two milk cows that have never been yoked. Hitch the cows to the cart, but take their calves away and pen them up.
- 1 Samuel 6:10
So the men did as instructed. They took two milk cows, hitched them to the cart, and penned up their calves.
- Deuteronomy 6:3
Hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you.
+45 more verses naming Milk.
Scripture on Milk
46
See all 46 +−
- 1 Corinthians 31 Peter 2Genesis 18Genesis 49Numbers 16Deuteronomy 26Joshua 5Judges 4Judges 51 Samuel 6Song of Solomon 5Isaiah 7Jeremiah 11Ezekiel 20Ezekiel 25Joel 3Exodus 13Exodus 23Exodus 33Exodus 34Leviticus 20Numbers 13Numbers 14Deuteronomy 6Deuteronomy 11Deuteronomy 14Deuteronomy 27Deuteronomy 312 Samuel 17Job 10Job 20Job 21Proverbs 30Song of Solomon 4Isaiah 28Isaiah 55Isaiah 60Isaiah 66Jeremiah 32Lamentations 41 Corinthians 9
Voices on Milk
7
Surfaced by name match — accuracy varies by title clarity.
Sources · Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897) · Smith's Bible Dictionary (1884)
Public-domain text. Modernized only where archaic spelling impedes reading; original facts preserved. Verify against an authoritative modern reference before quoting.