Hebrews 2:1
New International Version
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, it behooves us to give heed more abundantly to the things we have heard, lest ever we should drift away.

King James Bible
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.

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

New American Standard Bible
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

NASB 1995
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.

NASB 1977
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Legacy Standard Bible
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away.

Amplified Bible
For this reason [that is, because of God’s final revelation in His Son Jesus and because of Jesus’ superiority to the angels] we must pay much closer attention than ever to the things that we have heard, so that we do not [in any way] drift away from truth.

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

Holman Christian Standard Bible
We must, therefore, pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away.

American Standard Version
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them.

Contemporary English Version
We must give our full attention to what we were told, so we won't drift away.

English Revised Version
Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
For this reason we must pay closer attention to what we have heard. Then we won't drift away [from the truth].

Good News Translation
That is why we must hold on all the more firmly to the truths we have heard, so that we will not be carried away.

International Standard Version
For this reason we must pay closer attention to the things we have heard, or we may drift away,

Majority Standard Bible
We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

NET Bible
Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, so that we will not drift away.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
For this reason we ought to pay the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, for fear we should drift away from them.

World English Bible
Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Because of this it is more abundantly necessary to take heed to the things heard, lest we may drift away,

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, it behooves us to give heed more abundantly to the things we have heard, lest ever we should drift away.

Young's Literal Translation
Because of this it behoveth us more abundantly to take heed to the things heard, lest we may glide aside,

Smith's Literal Translation
For this ought we to hold above measure to the things heard, lest we slip away.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore ought we more diligently to observe the things which we have heard, lest perhaps we should let them slip.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this reason, it is necessary for us to observe more thoroughly the things that we have heard, lest we let them slip away.

New American Bible
Therefore, we must attend all the more to what we have heard, so that we may not be carried away.

New Revised Standard Version
Therefore we must pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
THEREFORE, we should give earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time they be lost.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Because of this, we are indebted that we should be all the more attentive to whatever we have heard, lest we fall.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest we let them glide away.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore it behooves us the more earnestly to give heed to the things which we have heard, lest at some time we may leak out.

Haweis New Testament
FOR this reason we ought to attend more diligently to the things which have been heard, lest by any means we let them flow by us.

Mace New Testament
Therefore we ought to give the greater attention to the things we have heard, for fear we should abandon the gospel.

Weymouth New Testament
For this reason we ought to pay the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, for fear we should drift away from them.

Worrell New Testament
For this reason, it is needful that we give the more earnest heed to the things heard, lest at any time we drift past them.

Worsley New Testament
For this reason we ought the more earnestly to attend to what we have heard, least by any means we should be found deficient.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Salvation Confirmed
1We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment,…

Cross References
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. / Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. / For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body.

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.

Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

James 1:22-25
Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. / For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, / and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ...

2 Peter 1:12-15
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, / because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. ...

1 Corinthians 10:12
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.

Colossians 1:23
if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

2 Timothy 1:13-14
Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. / Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Luke 8:18
Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

1 Timothy 4:16
Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

2 Peter 3:17-18
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing. / But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Mark 4:24-25
He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you. / For whoever has will be given more. But whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Philippians 2:16
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

1 Thessalonians 5:21
but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Therefore.

Hebrews 2:2-4
For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; …

Hebrews 1:1,2
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, …

Hebrews 12:25,26
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: …

the more.

Deuteronomy 4:9,23
Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; …

Deuteronomy 32:46,47
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law…

Joshua 23:11,12
Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God…

we should.

Hebrews 12:5
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

Matthew 16:9
Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?

Mark 8:18
Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?

let them slip.

Habakkuk 1:6
For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs.

Habakkuk 2:16
Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD'S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.

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Hebrews 2
1. We ought to be obedient to Christ Jesus;
5. and that because he condescended to take our nature upon himself;
14. as it was necessary.














We must pay closer attention
The phrase "We must pay closer attention" emphasizes the necessity and urgency of the action. The Greek word used here is "prosechō," which means to hold the mind towards, to pay attention, or to be cautious. This implies an active, deliberate focus on the teachings of the Gospel. In a historical context, the early Christians were surrounded by various teachings and philosophies, and the author of Hebrews is urging them to prioritize the Gospel above all else. This call to vigilance is timeless, reminding believers today to be diligent in their study and application of Scripture, ensuring that their faith remains strong and unshaken.

therefore
The word "therefore" connects this verse to the preceding chapter, where the supremacy of Christ is established. It serves as a logical conclusion that because of who Christ is—greater than the angels and the ultimate revelation of God—believers are compelled to respond with heightened attention. This connection underscores the importance of understanding the context of Scripture, as each part builds upon the other to form a cohesive message.

to what we have heard
This phrase refers to the message of the Gospel that the early Christians received. The Greek word "akouō" means to hear, to listen, or to understand. It implies not just the act of hearing but also comprehending and internalizing the message. Historically, the early church relied heavily on oral tradition and teachings from the apostles. The emphasis here is on the reliability and truth of the Gospel message, which has been passed down and preserved through generations. For contemporary believers, it is a call to remember and hold fast to the foundational truths of their faith.

so that we do not drift away
The imagery of "drift away" is nautical, suggesting a ship that is not anchored and is slowly moving away from its intended course. The Greek word "pararreō" conveys the idea of slipping away or being carried past. This serves as a warning against spiritual negligence and the dangers of gradually moving away from the truth. In the historical context, the early Christians faced persecution and the temptation to revert to old beliefs or practices. This warning is equally relevant today, as believers are encouraged to remain steadfast and anchored in their faith amidst the distractions and challenges of the modern world. The verse as a whole is a powerful reminder of the need for constant vigilance and commitment to the teachings of Christ.

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.)

(1) Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard.--Better, to the things heard; for this expression contains the complement of the thought of Hebrews 1:1. Both "speak" and "hear" are words which carry weighty emphasis in this Epistle. (See Hebrews 1:1; Hebrews 2:2; Hebrews 12:25; Hebrews 3:5; Hebrews 3:7; Hebrews 4:2, et al.) Because of the supreme dignity of Him in whom at the last God speaks, men are bound to give the more earnest heed to the words spoken, whether heard by them from the Lord Himself or (as in this case, Hebrews 2:3) from His servants. . . .

Verses 1-5. - INTERPOSED EXHORTATION as explained above. Verse 1. - On this account (i.e. on account of what has been seen of the SON'S superiority to the angels) we ought (or, we are bound) more abundantly to give heed to the things that we have heard (i.e. the gospel that has been preached to us in the Son), lest at any time (or, lest haply) we let them slip (rather, float past them). The word παραρρυῶμεν (aorist subjunctive from παραρρέω) denotes flowing or floating past anything. The allusion is to the danger, incidental to those to whom the Epistle was addressed, of failing to recognize the transcendent character of the gospel revelation, missing it through inadvertence, drifting away from it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We
ἡμᾶς (hēmas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

must
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

pay closer attention,
προσέχειν (prosechein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 4337: From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.

therefore,
Διὰ (Dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

to what
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

we have heard,
ἀκουσθεῖσιν (akoustheisin)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

so that we do not drift away.
παραρυῶμεν (pararyōmen)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3901: From para and the alternate of rheo; to flow by, i.e. carelessly pass.


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NT Letters: Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to pay greater attention (Heb. He. Hb)
Hebrews 1:14
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