Hebrews 2:1 kjv

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.

Hebrews 2:1 nkjv

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

Hebrews 2:1 niv

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Hebrews 2:1 esv

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Hebrews 2:1 nlt

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it.

Hebrews 2 verses

Hebrews 2 1 Meaning

Hebrews 2:1 is an earnest exhortation building upon the declaration of Christ's unparalleled superiority in chapter one. It implores believers to give diligent and increased attention to the revelation received in Christ, lest they gradually drift away from the foundational truths of the Gospel through neglect or spiritual apathy. It is a critical call to spiritual vigilance and perseverance.

Hebrews 2 1 Context

Hebrews chapter 2 verse 1 immediately follows Hebrews chapter 1, which establishes the absolute supremacy and deity of Jesus Christ, asserting His superiority over angels, prophets, and any other created being. God has spoken fully and finally through His Son in these last days. Given such an incomparably great revealer and message, the writer begins the practical application with this urgent exhortation. The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians, might have been wavering in their faith, possibly considering a return to Old Covenant practices, due to external persecution or internal spiritual complacency. The letter combats this tendency by underscoring the irreversible nature and severe consequences of neglecting such a "great salvation." The immediate verses following Heb 2:1 (Heb 2:2-4) elaborate on the reason for this earnest heed: if the Old Covenant, delivered by angels, brought judgment for disobedience, how much greater judgment awaits those who neglect the New Covenant message delivered directly by the Lord Himself and confirmed by miraculous signs.

Hebrews 2 1 Word analysis

• Therefore (διὰ τοῦτο - dia touto): This conjunction forms a crucial bridge, indicating that the command that follows is a logical and necessary consequence of the profound truths stated in chapter 1. Because Christ is supreme, superior to angels, and God's final Word, a proportionate response of attention is demanded.
• we (ἡμᾶς - hēmas): The writer includes himself, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and fellowship. It prevents the tone from becoming overly accusatory, emphasizing that spiritual vigilance is a collective need.
• must give (δεῖ - dei): Expresses a strong, binding necessity, a divine imperative. It's not optional but essential for their spiritual well-being and ultimate salvation.
• the more earnest (περισσοτέρως - perissoterōs): This adverb in the comparative degree means "more abundantly," "more exceedingly," or "more intensely." It signifies that the attention required is not just casual or ordinary, but heightened and deep, precisely because of the greater dignity and glory of the Messenger (Christ) and His message.
• heed (προσέχειν - prosechein): "To give attention to," "to cling to," "to hold to," or "to apply oneself to." This term implies not merely passive hearing, but an active, focused concentration that involves mental, emotional, and volitional engagement with the subject matter. It's about letting the truth govern one's mind and actions.
• to the things which we have heard (τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν - tois akoustheisin): Refers to the Gospel message, the new covenant revelation centered on Christ, already proclaimed and received by the believers. It is a definite body of revealed truth, a salvation initially spoken by the Lord and confirmed by His apostles.
• lest at any time (μήποτε - mēpote): A strong adverbial conjunction expressing apprehension or a real possibility. It functions as a warning, indicating a genuine danger of spiritual failure.
• we should let them slip (παραρυῶμεν - pararhyōmen): From pararhreō, which literally means "to flow past," "to drift by," or "to run off." The imagery often invoked is that of a boat losing its mooring and drifting aimlessly away, or water leaking slowly from a vessel, gradually emptying. This suggests a subtle, often unconscious process of spiritual neglect, rather than an intentional act of rebellion or dramatic apostasy. It implies a gradual detachment from the truth, often through apathy, indifference, or distraction, leading to ultimate spiritual loss.

Words-group Analysis

• "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed": This opening phrase forms a powerful transition from Christology to Christian living. The magnificent revelation of God in Christ (Heb 1) lays the inescapable foundation for heightened human responsibility. The "must" (δεῖ) underscores a divine obligation, while "more earnest" (περισσοτέρως) directly correlates with the "greater" revelation, emphasizing proportional spiritual intensity.
• "to the things which we have heard": This highlights the object of their attention: the Gospel itself, the divine communication that initiated their faith. It refers to the new covenant message, proclaimed by Jesus Himself, witnessed, and confirmed. The warning isn't about failing to hear new things, but about neglecting what they have already received and confessed.
• "lest at any time we should let them slip": This phrase warns of the potential negative consequence of failing to give earnest heed. The Greek word pararhyōmen conveys the danger of subtle, spiritual leakage or drifting, often from a lack of vigilance. It's not a sudden jump overboard, but a gradual loosening of one's grip on spiritual reality, like a ship slowly drifting from its harbor because its anchors are not firmly set or constantly maintained. This kind of drifting happens imperceptibly until one realizes they are far from the truth.

Hebrews 2 1 Bonus section

The imagery of "letting them slip" (παραρυῶμεν) has been interpreted in several powerful ways beyond just a ship drifting. Some scholars note that pararhreō could also imply water leaking from a bucket or cistern, or even a stillborn infant "slipping by" into oblivion. These images further amplify the solemnity and finality of such neglect—a slow, unnoticed loss of what was once possessed, leading to ultimate fruitlessness or non-existence. This initial warning in Hebrews sets the tone for a series of five distinct warning passages throughout the letter, which progressively deepen in intensity and implication regarding the peril of spiritual apostasy (Heb 3:7-19, 4:1-11, 5:11-6:12, 10:26-31, 12:25-29). Each warning emphasizes the consequences of neglecting or falling away from the great salvation ushered in by Christ, underscoring that while Christ is superior, human responsibility for receiving and maintaining faith is paramount. The author's concern is not that Christ's power might fail, but that the readers might fail to appropriate and adhere to that power.

Hebrews 2 1 Commentary

Hebrews 2:1 functions as the crucial pastoral application flowing from the doctrinal heights of chapter 1. Because God has revealed Himself most perfectly and supremely through His Son, Jesus Christ—who is infinitely greater than angels or any other mediator—our response must be proportionally intense. The command to "give the more earnest heed" is not an suggestion but a divine imperative. This diligent attention is to be given to the "things which we have heard"—the Gospel of salvation preached by Christ and confirmed by God. The dire warning against "letting them slip" (pararhyōmen) speaks to the insidious nature of spiritual erosion. This isn't usually an overt, defiant rejection of faith, but a subtle, passive drifting away due to neglect, complacency, or preoccupation with worldly matters. It's like a boat that slowly moves from its moorings simply because the crew isn't vigilant. The verse urges believers to consciously anchor their souls to the revealed truth, lest the current of life's distractions and trials carry them away from Christ. Practical application demands consistent engagement with God's Word, prayer, fellowship, and a proactive stance against spiritual indifference.