Hebrews 2:1 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

CSB: For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.

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

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.

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

Chapters 1 and 2 of Hebrews explain that Jesus is not an angel, or some other created being. The writer of Hebrews uses various Old Testament quotations to show that the Promised One cannot be an angel, but is in fact divine and identical to God. The intended audience of this letter is Christians with a Jewish background. This is the reason for emphasizing Old Testament concepts and passages. This also helps us to understand the context of the various warnings given in Hebrews, which become continually stronger as the book progresses.

Verses 1 through 4 of this passage offer the first of several warnings given in the book of Hebrews. This caution is mild, but includes an implicit criticism: these Jewish Christians are not being careful in their study of the faith. The original Greek of this verse uses the term perissoterōs to describe how the readers are to approach the faith. This word means "much more, more abundantly, or especially." These people need to be more committed to learning about the Word of God.

The purpose of this suggestion is obvious. Since there are false teachers and false gospels in the world, it's important for Christians to know the actual content of their faith, so they won't be seduced by counterfeit versions. The following verses will explain the consequences of drifting from truth.

Hebrews 2:1–4 is the first of five warnings against spiritual error found in this book. Since Jesus is God's message to mankind, ignoring Him will bring disaster. The writer of Hebrews points out that those who violated the Old Covenant suffered punishment. Therefore, those who violate the New Covenant can expect consequences. This gospel has been confirmed by witnesses and miracles, and needs to be given closer attention by the reader. Whether by accident, or on purpose, breaking God's laws always results in disaster.

Chapter 2 begins with a strong warning about the dangers of apostasy. Chapter 1 opened by explaining that Jesus Christ is the message of God. This chapter points out that those who have faith in Christ, but drift from that truth, will face dire consequences. The rest of the passage continues a series of proofs begun in Chapter 1. These are quotes from the Old Testament, used to prove that the Messiah is not an angel, but is superior to any created being. He is, in fact, identical to God. And yet, He became fully human in order to serve as our perfect high priest.

The first two chapters of Hebrews are meant to prove that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Rather than seeing Jesus as a created being, or some form of exalted angel, He should be viewed as what He is: identical with God. These two chapters use extensive Old Testament quotes to prove this point. The first few verses of chapter 2 feature the first of several warnings within the book about the dangers of apostasy. Later chapters will demonstrate that Christ is also superior to other prophets, spiritual leaders, and priests.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.