Keraia
Hebrews 2

Hebrews 2:3

Salvation Confirmed · Hebrews 2:1–4
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Translations

Modern
…how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
Traditional
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;
Literal
…how will we escape, having neglected such a great salvation, which, having received a beginning to be spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those having heard,
Latin
…quomodo nos effugiemus si tantam neglexerimus salutem? quæ cum initium accepisset enarrari per Dominum ab eis, qui audierunt, in nos confirmata est,

Original

Greek
English
…how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

Notes

Hebrews 2:3

  • Why do we think we can avoid consequences? The author emphasizes the serious danger of rejecting Christ and his salvation. There is no escape from punishment for those who turn away, and the punishment will be very severe (see Hebrews 6:4–12; 10:26–31; 12:29; Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:16).

  • Salvation means God's actions to help his people. For example, God saved his people when he brought them out of Egypt in the exodus (Deuteronomy 26:5–9). In the New Testament, salvation generally refers to Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. This action saved people from the consequences of sin and gave them new life (Hebrews 5:9–10). Jesus first announced this salvation himself (for example, Matthew 4:17; 9:35; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:1–5). He then confirmed the message through those who heard him speak (for example, Mark 6:12; Acts 2:38; 3:19–20).

Hebrews 2:1–4

The author argues from a smaller example to a larger one. In the Old Testament era, people who rejected God’s word delivered by angels were punished. If that was true, then the punishment will be even greater for those who now reject the message of salvation. This message has been given by the Son himself and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Hebrews, Letter to the Lord Perseverance

Topics

Escape: None, from the Judgments of God Jesus, the Christ: Prophet: God Will Severely Punish Those Who Reject Him Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works Judgments: No Escape From Punishment: Divine: No Escape From Salvation: Great Salvation: No Escape for Those Who Neglect Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Testimony: Religious The Call of God: Condemnation the Prophet Christ: God Will Severely Visit Our Neglect of