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Verse
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Hebrews 2:1

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.

What does Hebrews 2:1 mean?

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.
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