[Greek] γάλα (gala), [Latin] potus, [Latin] lacte: milk, spiritual nourishment, abundance, instruction; 1Cor.3:2, 1Cor.9:7, Heb.5:12-13, 1Pet.2:2
The Milky Way galaxy
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term is used in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Milk, in the Dionysus cult and gnostic religions, takes on a sacramental nature through means of drinking and baptism (immersion). Milk becomes a form of salvation. Philo and Epictetus refer to milk as infant instruction. Epictetus’s Discourses 2.16.39 states, “Some people are never willing to take solid food, but cling to their nurses.” This Stoic philosopher viewed nurses negatively, indicating that there must be weaning from the milk. This term also refers to the Gauls who had pale skin. The Gaul culture was later appropriated by the Roman culture. Latin was adopted by the Gauls.
Old Testament: This term is also used in a literal and metaphorical sense. Milk can refer to animal milk, abundance, prosperity, and blessing. Job refers to times of blessings (good times) when his footsteps were “bathed in milk.” Milk is a characteristic of the holy land with the promise of abundance. The land flowing with milk and honey refers to the abundance and fertility of goats (sheep). Milk flows from the goats’ udders. Honey flows from the abundance of figs. This speaks to the coming of the eschatological marriage. I have come down to rescue them from the hands of the Egyptians and lead them out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey (Ex.3:8). When my footsteps were bathed in milk (Job. 29:6). On that day, the mountains shall drip new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk (Joel 3:18). You shall suck the milk of nations (Isa.60:16).
New Testament: This term is also used in a literal and primarily a metaphorical sense. Milk is presented as spiritual instruction for various reasons. The Corinthians are seen as spiritual infants, unable to handle solid food. Paul speaks of rights as a shepherd using milk from his flock. The Word is provided in contrast to the milk provided by the gnostic religions. However, spiritual milk must be provided because of fleshiness, stubbornness, and immaturity.
Scripture:
“I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take. Indeed, you are still not able, even now.” 1Cor.3:2
The Corinthians are spiritually immature in their faith. Paul must provide spiritual milk.
Etymology: Milky way comes from the Latin via lactea or from the Greek galaxios kyklos.
Conclusion:
Galaxy, galactic, Gaul, Galatia, potion, lactate
It was interesting to learn that milk was used as a sacramental element in the mystery religions. Philo, a Hellenized Jewish philosopher, believed that soul nourishment should come from school learning, not oral tradition.
It makes sense that land flowing with milk and honey represent abundance, fruitfulness, and fertility. This is seen when goat abundance (fertility) releases milk from the udder. It is also encouraging to see that Job had experienced some happier times.
It is significant that milk is used metaphorically as a means to nourish spiritually immature Christians. Milk becomes a source of spiritual nourishment. Perhaps this milk terminology was used in order to appeal to or reach those involved with the mystery religions.
In his famous 4th century commentary on St. Paul’s letter to the Galatians, St. Jerome states that the Galatian language was similar to that spoken by a Celtic tribe that he had visited in Gaul.
A galaxy is a cluster of stars, planets, and other interstellar dust. The descriptive milky appearance comes from the appearance from Earth of the galaxy.