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.
Original Language Analysis
Διὰ
Therefore
G1223
Διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
δεῖ
ought
G1163
δεῖ
ought
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
3 of 10
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
προσέχειν
heed
G4337
προσέχειν
heed
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
6 of 10
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκουσθεῖσιν
to the things which we have heard
G191
ἀκουσθεῖσιν
to the things which we have heard
Strong's:
G191
Word #:
8 of 10
to hear (in various senses)
Cross References
Luke 8:15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.Deuteronomy 4:9Only 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;2 Peter 1:15Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.2 Peter 3:1This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:Proverbs 3:21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:Psalms 119:9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.1 Chronicles 22:13Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.Hebrews 12:5And 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:Deuteronomy 4:23Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.Mark 8:18Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
Historical Context
Jewish tradition (reflected in Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19) held that angels mediated the Mosaic law at Sinai. First-century Jewish Christians faced pressure to abandon Christianity and return to Judaism, making this warning particularly urgent.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your spiritual life might you be drifting rather than actively pressing forward?
- How does the superiority of Christ's message increase our accountability to respond?
Analysis & Commentary
The Greek 'prosechein' (pay attention) introduces the first of five warning passages in Hebrews. The maritime metaphor 'lest we drift away' (pararryomen) pictures a ship drifting from its mooring due to neglect. If the law given through angels demanded strict obedience, how much more the salvation declared by the Lord Himself? This establishes a 'lesser to greater' argument central to Hebrews.