Heb 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

Neglect not reject…right? Is this scripture talking about the ability to lose ones salvation? It does say neglect. You must have something before you can neglect it. I mean I can't very well neglect my neighbor’s dog...it's not mine to neglect, but if he gave it to me...then I could neglect it...right?

Does one need to have ownership in order to neglect? Reject seems to fit non-ownership.

What say you guys…and gals?

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TJ

The key in this verse lies in to whom it was addressed, most likely the Jewish converts to the faith of the gospel, probably for the church at Jerusalem.

But it is possible that it was directed to those not converted who were Jews, and that their neglect of salvation would be to their ruin, as indeed it is.

According to Easton's book synopsis:

(The Chapter of Hebrews)

[i]Its design was to show the true end and meaning of the Mosaic system, and its symbolical and transient character. It proves that the Levitical priesthood was a "shadow" of that of Christ, and that the legal sacrifices prefigured the great and all-perfect sacrifice he offered for us. It explains that the gospel was designed, not to modify the law of Moses, but to supersede and abolish it. Its teaching was fitted, as it was designed, to check that tendency to apostatize from Christianity and to return to Judaism which now showed itself among certain Jewish Christians. The supreme authority and the transcendent glory of the gospel are clearly set forth, and in such a way as to strengthen and confirm their allegiance to Christ.[/i]

Neglect does seem to imply ownership, but to have heard the Word, and then to turn from it is a neglect in my view.

Blessings,

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Forrest Anderson

The Greek word for 'neglect' in this passage is [i]Ameleo[/i]. We catch a glimpse of it's meaning in a familiar passage:

Matthew 22:4, 5

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they [u]made light of it[/u], and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

We see here the consequence of their making light of what was said. 'To make light of' is the same Greek word as 'to neglect'. They went their way having rejected the invitation. How shall we escape if we make light of and reject so great salvation?

It is used again in Hebrews 8:9:

Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and [u]I regarded them not[/u], saith the Lord.

This is an interesting passage. The people did not do what God expected them to do- so He did not regard them. If we place the word 'neglect' in place of 'did not regard the' it would read... [i]because they continued not in my covenant, and I [u]neglected them[/u], saith the Lord[/i]. Neglected them? He did not speak to them prophetically for 400 years ending with John the Baptist. When you stop talking it's over. And God stopped talking to the people. I think what is important as a side bar here as that we do not neglect the Lord in neglecting prayer and communion with Him. I have heard it said that a person who does not pray is an atheist no matter what their religion is. God neglected Israel by His silence.

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Robert Wurtz II

Brother Robert wrote:

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Jeff Marshalek