For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
For the time - considering the long time you have been Christians. Therefore this letter was not one early written. Which be the first principles, х ta (G3588) stoicheia (G4747) tees (G3588) archees (G746)] - 'the rudiments of the beginning of,' etc. A Pauline phrase (Galatians 4:3; Galatians 4:9). Ye need not only to be taught the first elements, but also 'which they be.' They are therefore enumerated, Hebrews 6:1-2. Alford, 'That some one teach you the rudiments,' [but the position of tina (G5101) favours "which" interrogatively, as the English version, Syriac, Vulgate, etc.]
Of the oracles of God - namely, of the Old Testament. Instead of seeing Christ as the end of the Old Testament, they were relapsing toward Judaism, so as not only not to understand the typical reference to Christ of such an Old Testament personage as Melchisedek, but even more elementary references.
Are become - through indolence.
Milk - such first principles as Hebrews 6:1-2.
Strong meat. Solid food is not indispensable for preserving life, but is so for acquiring strength. Especially as the Hebrews so venerated the minute details of the law, the unfolding of the Old Testament types of Christ and His High Priesthood was calculated much to strengthen them in the Christian faith.