Greek Word Reference — Hebrews 2:1
Means through or because of, like in Matthew 2:12 where the wise men left by another route. It shows cause or occasion, as in 1 Corinthians 3:15, being saved through fire. It can also describe a state or condition, like in Romans.
Definition: διά (before a vowel δ᾽, exc. Rom.8:10, 2Co.5:7, and in (Proper name)s; Tdf., Pr., 94), prep. with genitive, accusative, as in cl.; __1. with genitive, through; __(i) of Place, after verbs of motion or action: Mat.2:12 12:43, Mrk.2:23, Luk.4:30, Jhn.4:4, 2Co.11:33, al.; σώζεσθαι (διας-) δ. πυρός, ὕδατος, 1Co.3:15, 1Pe.3:20; βλέπειν δ. ἐσόπτρου, 1Co.13:12; metaphorically, of a state or condition: Rom.14:20, 2Co.2:4 5:7, 10; δ. γράμματος, ἀκροβυστίας (Lft., Notes, 263, 279), Rom.2:27 4:11; δι ̓ὑπομενῆς, Rom.8:25. __(ii) Of Time; __(a) during which: Mat.26:61, Mrk.14:58, Luk.5:5; δ. παντὸς τοῦ ζῆν, Heb.2:15; δ. παντός (διαπαντός in Mrk.5:5, Luk.24:53), always, continually, Mat.18:10, Act.2:25" (LXX) 10:2 24:16, Rom.11:10" (LXX), 2Th.3:16, Heb.9:6 13:15. __(b) within which: Act.1:3; δ. νυκτός, Act.5:19 16:9 17:10 23:31; __(with) after which (Field, Notes, 20; Abbott, JG, 255f.): Mrk.2:1, Act.24:17, Gal.2:1. __(iii) Of the Means or Instrument; __(1) of the efficient cause (regarded also as the instrument): of God, Rom.11:36, 1Co.1:9, Gal.4:7, Heb.2:10 7:21; of Christ, Rom.1:8 5:1, 17, 1Co.15:21, 1Pe.4:11, al.; δ. τ. ὑμῶν δεήσεως, Rom.1:12, 2Co.1:4, Gal.4:23, al.; __(2) of the agent, instrument or means; __(a) with genitive of person(s), Mat.11:2, Luk.1:70, Jhn.1:17, Act.1:16, Rom.2:16, 1Co.1:21, Eph.1:5, Heb.2:14, Rev.1:1, al.; ὑπὸ τ. κυρίου δ. τ. προφήτου (δ. τ. κυρίου, 1Th.4:2 (M, Th., in l.); Lft., Rev., 121f.), Mat.1:22 2:15, Rom.1:2; δ. ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δ. ἡμῶν (Field, Notes, 202), 2Th.2:2; δ. Σ. (NTD, 22), 1Pe.5:12; __(b) with genitive of thing(s) (where often the simple dative is used in cl.; Jannaris, Gr., 375), Jhn.11:4, Act.5:12; δ. τ. πίστεως, Rom.3:30; δ. λόγου θεοῦ, 1Pe.1:23; δ. παραβολῆς, Luk.8:4; δουλεύειν δ. τ. ἀγάπης, Gal.5:13; δ. ἐπαγγελίας, Gal.3:18, __2. C. accusative; __(i) rarely, as with genitive, through (Hom), δ. μέσον Σαμαρίας (ICC, in l.; Bl., §42, 1; Robertson, Gr., 581), Luk.17:11. __(ii) by reason of, because of, for the sake of; __(a) with accusative of person(s) (M, Pr., 105), Mrk.2:27, Jhn.6:57 11:42, Rom.8:20; __(b) with accusative of thing(s), δ. φθόνον, Mat.27:18, Mrk.15:10; δ. φόβον, Jhn.7:13 20:19; δ. ἀγάπην, Eph.2:4; δ. τοῦτο, freq., for this cause, therefore, Mat.6:25, Mrk.6:14, Luk.11:49, Jhn.6:65, al.; id. before ὅτι, Jhn.5:16 10:17, al.; δ. τί, why, Mat.9:11, 14 Mrk.2:18, Jhn.7:45, al.; δ. τό, with inf., Mrk.5:4, Luk.9:7, Jas.4:2. __3. In composition, __(1) through, as in διαβαίνω; __(2) of separation, asunder, as in διασπάω; __(3) of distribution, abroad, as in διαγγέλλω; __(4) of transition, as διαλλάσσω; __(5) of "perfective" action (M, Pr., 112f., 115f.), as διαφύγω, διακαθαρίζω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 603 NT verses. KJV: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Peter 1:3.
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
This means it is necessary or must be done, like when Jesus said it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem in Matthew 16:21.
Definition: δεῖ impersonal (δέω), [in LXX chiefly for infin. with לְ ;] one must, it is necessary: with inf., Mat.26:54, Mrk.13:7, Act.5:29, al.; with accusative and inf., Mat.16:21, Mrk.8:31, Jhn.3:7, Act.25:10, al.; with ellipse of accusative, Mat.23:23; of accusative, and inf., Mrk.13:14, Rom.1:27 8:26; οὐ (μὴ) δεῖ (non licet), ought not, must not: Act.25:24, 2Ti.2:24; impf., ἔδει, of necessity or obligation in past time regarding a past event (Bl., § 63, 4), Mat.18:33, Luk.15:32, Jhn.4:4, Act.27:21, al.; periphr., δέον ἐστίν (as in Attic, χρεών ἐστι = χρή, see: δέον), Act.19:36; id., with ellipse of ἐστίν, 1Pe.1:6 τὰ μὴ δέοντα (= ἃ οὐ δεῖ 1Ti.5:13. SYN.: ὀφείλει, expressing moral obligation, as distinct from δεῖ, denoting logical necessity and χρή, a need which results from the fitness of things (see Tr., Syn., § cvii, 10; Westc. on Heb.2:1, 1Jn.2:6; Hort on Jas.3:10). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 103 NT verses. KJV: behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should See also: 1 Corinthians 8:2; John 4:20; 1 Peter 1:6.
This word means beyond measure or exceedingly, used to describe something that is abundant or extreme. It is used in Matthew 27:23 to describe the crowd's insistence on crucifying Jesus. In Acts 26:11, it describes Paul's excessive persecution of Christians.
Definition: περισσῶς adv. (περισσός) [in LXX: Psa.31:23 (יֶתֶר -עַל), Da TH Dan.7:7, 19 8:9 (יַתִּיר, יֶתֶר) 2Ma.8:27 2Mac 12:44 A * ;] beyond measure, exceedingly, abundantly: Mat.27:23, Mrk.10:26 15:14, Act.26:11. Compar. __(a) περισσότερον (see: περισσός); __(b) περισσοτέρως: 2Co.1:12 2:4 7:15 11:23, Gal.1:14, Php.1:14, 1Th.2:17, Heb.2:1 13:19; π. μᾶλλον, 2Co.7:13; opposite to ἧττον, 2Co.12:15.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 15 NT verses. KJV: exceedingly, out of measure, the more See also: 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Acts 26:11; Hebrews 2:1.
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
To pay attention to something, like when we focus on God's word in Acts 8:6 and Hebrews 2:1, or to be cautious about something
Definition: προσ-έχω [in LXX for קָשַׁב hi., שָׁמַר ni., etc. ;] __1. to turn to, bring to (frequently ναῦν, expressed or understood, to bring to port, land; Hdt., al.). __2. τ. νοῦν, before dative, to turn one's mind to, attend to; in Xen. and later writers with νοῦν omitted (El., § 53, 1; 81, 1): Act.8:6 16:14, Heb.2:1, 2Pe.1:19; in sense of caring or providing for, Act.20:28; π. ἑαυτῷ, to give heed to oneself (M, Pr., 157; cf. Gen.24:6, Exo.10:28, al.): Luk.17:3 21:34, Act.5:35; id. before ἀπό (M, Pr., 102; B1., § 34, 11; 40, 3; see: βλέπω), Luk.12:1; (without dative) Mat.7:15 10:17 16:6, 11-12, Luk.20:46 (cf. Sir.6:13, al.); before μή, with inf. (M, Pr., 193; Bl., § 69, 4), Mat.6:1. __3. to attach or devote oneself to: with dative of person(s), Act.8:10-11, 1Ti.4:1; with dative of thing(s), 1Ti.1:4 3:8 4:13 6:3 T (-ερχ-, WH, R), Tit.1:14, Heb.7:13.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: (give) attend(-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to unto); have regard See also: 1 Timothy 1:4; Hebrews 7:13; Hebrews 2:1.
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
To hear or listen, not just with our ears but also to understand and obey, as Jesus says in Mark 4:3 and Matthew 11:15. It involves paying attention to what is being said and responding accordingly.
Definition: ἀκούω, [in LXX chiefly for שׁמע ] to hear, listen, attend, perceive by hearing, comprehend by hearing. __1. Intrans.: Mrk.4:3 7:37, Jas.2:5, Rev.2:7, al.; τ. ὠσίν, Mat.13:15 (LXX); with cogn. dative, ακοῇ ἀ. (see: ἀκοή), Mat.13:14, Act.28:26" (LXX) ; ὁ ἔχων ὦτα (οὖς) ἀκούειν, ἀκουσάτω, Mat.11:15, Mrk.4:23, Rev.2:7, al. __2. Trans., prop. with accusative of thing(s), of thing heard, genitive of person(s), from whom heard (LS, see word): Act.1:4; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.12:19, Jhn.3:8 (Abbott, JG, 76), Act.22:9, al.; with dupl. accusative, Jhn.12:18, 1Co.11:18; with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.7:40 (Abbott, JV, 116); τ. φωνῆς (cf. Heb. שָׁמַע בְּקוֹל, Exo.18:19), Jhn.5:25, 28 Act.9:7 (on the distinction bet. this and ἀ. φωνήν, ib. 4, see M, Pr., 66; Field, Notes, 117; Abbott, Essays, 93f.); of God answering prayer, Jhn.9:31, 1Jn.5:14, 15; with accusative of thing(s), before παρά, Jhn.8:26, 40 Act.10:22, 2Ti.2:2; id. before ἀπό, 1Jn.1:5; with genitive pars. before ptcp., Mrk.14:58, Luk.18:36, al. (On NT usage generally, see Bl., §36, 5; Cremer, 82.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 401 NT verses. KJV: give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 23:16; Hebrews 2:1.
Lest or if ever, is used to express a sense of chance or possibility, as in Matthew 5:25 and Luke 12:58, where it is used to convey a warning or caution.
Definition: μήποτε (= μή ποτε, and so written in WH, exc. Mat.25:9), negative particle, related to οὔποτε as μή to οὐ. __1. As neg. particle, never: Heb.9:17 (R, mg., but see infr.; WH, txt., μή τότε). __2. As conjc., lest ever, lest haply (the idea of chance rather than of time seems to prevail in NT) : Mat.4:6 (LXX) Mat.5:25 7:6 13:15" (LXX), Mat.13:29 15:32 27:64, Mrk.4:12" (LXX) Mrk.14:2, Luk.4:11 12:58 14:12, 29, Act.28:27; after verbs of fearing or taking heed, Luk.21:34, Heb.2:1 3:12 4:1; with ellipse of the verb or ptcp., Luk.14:8, Act.5:39; in later writers (see M, Pr., 192 f.), perhaps, Mat.25:9. __3. As interrogative; __(a) in direct questions, like μή, expecting a negative answer: Jhn.7:26, Heb.9:17, (R, txt., cf. Westc., in l; but see supr.); __(b) in indirect questions, whether haply, if haply: Luk.3:15, 2Ti.2:25.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: if peradventure, lest (at any time, haply), not at all, whether or not See also: 2 Timothy 2:25; Luke 14:12; Hebrews 2:1.
To drift away or carelessly pass something by, like in Hebrews 2:1. It means to let something slip away or miss an opportunity.
Definition: παρα-ρρέω [in LXX: Isa.44:4 (יָבַל), Pro.3:21 * ;] to flow by, drift away, slip away: Heb.2:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: let slip See also: Hebrews 2:1.
Context — Salvation Confirmed
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Luke 8:15 |
But the seeds on good soil are those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, cling to it, and by persevering produce a crop. |
| 2 |
2 Peter 1:12–13 |
Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of my body, |
| 3 |
Proverbs 7:1–2 |
My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. |
| 4 |
Proverbs 2:1–6 |
My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
| 5 |
Deuteronomy 4:9 |
Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. |
| 6 |
Hebrews 1:1–2 |
On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe. |
| 7 |
2 Peter 3:1 |
Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you to wholesome thinking |
| 8 |
2 Peter 1:15 |
And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times. |
| 9 |
Joshua 23:11–12 |
Therefore watch yourselves carefully, that you love the LORD your God. For if you turn away and cling to the rest of these nations that remain among you, and if you intermarry and associate with them, |
| 10 |
Proverbs 3:21 |
My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. |
Hebrews 2:1 Summary
[Hebrews 2:1 is a warning to believers to pay close attention to the message of salvation, so we don't slowly drift away from the truth. This means being intentional about reading and applying Scripture to our lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4. If we neglect the message of salvation, we risk facing severe consequences, as seen in Hebrews 2:2-3 and Matthew 25:31-46. By staying grounded in the Word, we can avoid drifting away and stay close to God, as seen in John 15:7 and 1 John 2:24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'drift away' in Hebrews 2:1?
To drift away means to slowly and unintentionally move away from the truth of the Gospel, much like a boat drifting away from its anchor, as warned in Hebrews 2:1, and as seen in the example of the Israelites in Numbers 14:11 and Psalm 78:40-42.
Why is it important to pay closer attention to what we have heard?
It is crucial to pay closer attention to what we have heard because the message of salvation is of utmost importance, and neglecting it can have severe consequences, as seen in Hebrews 2:2-3 and Matthew 25:31-46.
How can we ensure that we do not drift away from the truth?
We can ensure that we do not drift away by regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, such as Psalm 119:11 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and by surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who can encourage and support us in our faith, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25.
What is the significance of 'what we have heard' in this verse?
What we have heard refers to the message of salvation, which was first announced by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard Him, as mentioned in Hebrews 2:3, and is also seen in Romans 10:17 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can pay closer attention to the message of salvation in my daily life?
- How can I ensure that I am not drifting away from the truth, and what are some warning signs that I should look out for?
- What role does community play in helping me stay grounded in my faith, and how can I prioritize building relationships with other believers?
- What are some practical steps I can take to meditate on Scripture and apply its teachings to my life, such as seen in Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:2-3?
Gill's Exposition on Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed,.... This is an inference from the apostle's discourse in the preceding chapter; since he, by whom God has spoke in these last days, is his Son, who
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Hebrews 2:1
HEBREWS CHAPTER 2 The obligation we are under to give more earnest heed to the gospel doctrine. The dominion of the world to come was not granted to angels, but to the Son of man, whom it behoved to undergo a previous course of humiliation and suffering. In this and the three following verses the apostle applieth the doctrine of the great gospel Prophet’ s being more excellent for nature and person than any of the angels in respect of his Deity; and from thence inferreth the dnty, that since God speaking by the prophets is to be heard by those to whom he sends them; how much more when speaking to them by his Son-prophet, who so infinitely excelleth not only all prophets, but angels too! We ought to give the more earnest heed; we believers, who know the things spoken to be good for us, whether apostles, ministers, or Christian members, by the indispensable necessity laid on us by God’ s precept, are obliged more abundantly, exceeding abundantly, than formerly they had; more than they gave to Moses and the legal ministry, excessively beyond that, ; to give heed with an attentive and intent mind, so as to have hearts fastened to what was diligently considered of before, received, believed; heeding them so as to retain and practise them; so to believe, profess, be, keep, and do what he speaks from the Father to them, having souls knit and cleaving to them, ,25. To the things which we have heard; all that mind and will of God which his Son revealeth to us fully, the whole gospel doctrine which by himself, and by his Spirit in the apostles, he had preached and written to them, . Lest at any time we should let them slip; an act opposite to the former giving heed, which is by them to be denied, viz. their being like leaking vessels, or having chinks open in their souls, letting by them slide out the most precious gospel of Christ, as water out of a cracked, leaky, broken vessel, or split on the ground. All forgetfulness of memory, all apostacy in heart or profession, is that which the Spirit forbiddeth in this metaphor, pararruwmen. Their danger as to their persons is made a motive to this duty, , and is not therefore so immediately concerned in this, though it may be implied, for none will let the gospel of Christ slide from them who will not, as to their persons, slide from him at last.
Trapp's Commentary on Hebrews 2:1
1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Ver. 1. We should let them slip] Or, run out, παραρρυωμεν, as water runs through a cracked vessel. The word mingled with faith in the heart, as Acts 16:14, must be carefully kept, and it will safely keep us, Proverbs 6:20-22. Some render it, Nequando procter fluamus, lest we pass by the things we have heard, as a river swiftly passeth by the side of a city, as the fashion of this world passeth away, as a picture drawn upon the ice soon vanisheth, &c. The Arabic rendereth it, "lest we fall," the Syriac, "lest we perish." They must needs fall and never rise again, perish without remedy, that reject the remedy, that hate to be healed, that spurn at the grace of the gospel, which is post naufragium tabula, the power of God to salvation. This is as if a condemned prisoner should reject a pardon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Hebrews 2:1
II. (1-4) These verses must be closely joined with the first chapter. Before advancing to the next step in his argument, the writer pauses to enforce the duty which results from what has been already established. But (as in Hebrews 4:14-16) the exhortation does not interrupt the thought, but rather serves as a connecting link. (See Note on Hebrews 2:5.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 2:1
CHAPTER II. The use we should make of the preceding doctrine, and the danger of neglecting this great salvation, 1-4. The future world is not put in subjection to the angels, but all is under the authority of Christ, 5-8. Jesus has tasted death for every man, 9. Nor could he accomplish man's redemption without being incarnated and without dying; by which he destroys the devil, and delivers all that believe on him from the fear of death and spiritual bondage, 10-15. Christ took not upon him the nature of angels, but the nature of Abraham, that he might die, and make reconciliation for the sins of the people, 16-18. NOTES ON CHAP. II. Verse 1. Therefore] Because God has spoken to us by his Son; and because that Son is so great and glorious a personage; and because the subject which is addressed to us is of such infinite importance to our welfare.
We ought to give the more earnest heed] We should hear the doctrine of Christ with care, candour, and deep concern. Lest at any time we should let them slip.] μηποτεπαραρρυωμεν. "Lest at any time we should leak out." This is a metaphor taken from unstanch vessels; the staves not being close together, the fluid put into them leaks through the chinks and crevices. Superficial hearers lose the benefit of the word preached, as the unseasoned vessel does its fluid; nor can any one hear to the saving of his soul, unless he give most earnest heed, which he will not do unless he consider the dignity of the speaker, the importance of the subject, and the absolute necessity of the salvation of his soul. St. Chrysostom renders it μηποτεαπολωμεθαεκπεσωμεν, lest we perish, lest we fall away.
Cambridge Bible on Hebrews 2:1
1. Therefore] Because we are heirs of a better covenant, administered not by Angels but by a Son, to whom as Mediator an absolute dominion is to be assigned.we ought] The word implies moral necessity and not mere obligation. The author never loses sight of the fact that his purpose was to warn as well as to teach.to give the more earnest heed] If the command to “take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently lest thou forget the things that thine eyes have seen” (Deuteronomy 4:9) came with awful force to those who had only received the Law by the disposition of Angels, how much “more abundantly” should Christians attend to Him of Whom Moses had spoken to their fathers? (Acts 3:22).to the things which we have heard] Lit., “to the things heard,” i.e. to the Gospel.lest at any time] Rather, “lest haply.”we should let them slip] Rather, “should drift away from them.” Wiclif rendered the word more correctly than the A. V. which here follows the Genevan Bible of 1560—“lest peradventure we fleten away.” The verb thus resembles the Latin praetervehi. The metaphor is taken from a boat which having no “anchor sure and steadfast,” slips its anchor, and as Luther says in his gloss, “before her landing shoots away into destruction” (Proverbs 3:21 LXX. υἱὲμὴπαραῤῥυῆς). It is obvious that these Hebrew converts were in great danger of “drifting away” from the truth under the pressure of trial, and in consequence of the apathy produced by isolation and deferred hopes (Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 6:11, Hebrews 10:25; Hebrews 10:36-37, Hebrews 12:1-3).
Barnes' Notes on Hebrews 2:1
Therefore - Greek “On account of this” - Διατοῦτο Dia touto - that is, on account of the exalted dignity and rank of the Messiah as stated in the previous chapter.
Whedon's Commentary on Hebrews 2:1
3. The guilt of disobeying the word of the Son proportioned to the dignity of his nature, Hebrews 2:1-4.1.
Sermons on Hebrews 2:1
| Sermon | Description |
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A Final Shaking
by T. Austin-Sparks
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In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a boat mooring to illustrate the importance of not drifting away from the truth of Christ. He emphasizes the need to hold on tightly |
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(Hebrews) 5-Abel and Enoch
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who committed adultery and ended up in prison. The man confesses his crime and expresses remorse for his actions. The preach |
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(Hebrews) 6-Noah
by Leonard Ravenhill
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In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of faith in pleasing God. He emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The speaker also highlights the co |
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(So Great a Salvation) Awakening
by Paris Reidhead
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In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named Victor who was desperate for money and decided to wait for his mother outside a church to take money from her purse. H |
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Concerning Spiritual Gifts: Unwrapping the Gifts
by Warren Wiersbe
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love as the most excellent way. He starts by discussing Romans 12:1-3, which highlights dedication, transformation, and eva |
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Judgement Day
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being prepared for the judgment day. He presents three tests that individuals must pass in order to stand confidently befor |
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So Great Salvation
by Paris Reidhead
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the word of God and not allowing it to slip away. He shares a personal anecdote about his wife lo |