Hebrews 2:3

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πῶς
How
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#2
ἡμεῖς
shall we
we (only used when emphatic)
#3
ἐκφευξόμεθα
escape
to flee out
#4
τηλικαύτης
so great
such as this, i.e., (in (figurative) magnitude) so vast
#5
ἀμελήσαντες
if we neglect
to be careless of
#6
σωτηρίας
salvation
rescue or safety (physically or morally)
#7
ἥτις
which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#8
ἀρχὴν
at the first
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
#9
λαβοῦσα
began
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
#10
λαλεῖσθαι
to be spoken
to talk, i.e., utter words
#11
διὰ
by
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
#12
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
κυρίου
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#14
ὑπὸ
by
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#15
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
ἀκουσάντων
them that heard
to hear (in various senses)
#17
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
ἡμᾶς
us
us
#19
ἐβεβαιώθη
and was confirmed
to stabilitate (figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of salvation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about salvation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hebrews.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood salvation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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