What does Hebrews 2:3 mean?
"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;" - Hebrews 2:3
Hebrews 2:3 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "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." This verse is found in the New Testament of the Bible and is a part of a passage in which the author of Hebrews is emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the message of salvation that has been given to humanity.
Contextually, the book of Hebrews is believed to have been written by the Apostle Paul, although there is some debate among scholars about the true author. The book is addressed to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were in danger of turning away from their faith in Jesus Christ. The author seeks to encourage them to remain steadfast in their belief and to continue to follow the teachings of Christ.
In this particular verse, the author is warning the readers about the consequences of neglecting the "great salvation" that has been offered to them through Jesus Christ. The phrase "neglect so great salvation" implies a willful ignoring or indifference to the message of salvation, which the author warns will lead to dire consequences.
The theme of the verse centers on the importance of recognizing the immense value of the salvation that has been provided through Jesus Christ. The use of the word "great" in the phrase "so great salvation" emphasizes the magnitude and significance of this salvation. The author is urging the readers not to take this salvation for granted or to become complacent in their faith.
The verse also highlights the origins and authority of the message of salvation. It mentions that it "began to be spoken by the Lord" and was "confirmed unto us by them that heard him." This emphasizes the divine origin of the message, as it was first proclaimed by Jesus himself and then validated by those who were eyewitnesses to his ministry and teachings.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between the consequences of accepting or neglecting the message of salvation. The idea of "escape" implies a sense of deliverance or liberation from something undesirable. In this context, it suggests that by embracing the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, one can escape the judgment and eternal separation from God that comes with neglecting that salvation.
Furthermore, the reference to those who heard the message from the Lord serves as a reminder of the credibility and authority of the gospel. The early Christians who were witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection testified to the truth of the message, reinforcing its validity and importance.
Overall, Hebrews 2:3 serves as a solemn reminder to the readers about the seriousness of their faith and the significance of the salvation that has been made available to them. It urges them not to disregard or overlook this great gift, as doing so would lead to dire consequences. The verse emphasizes the urgency of embracing the message of salvation and underscores the divine origin and authority of the gospel. It calls for a response of faith and commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
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Hebrews 2:3 - "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;"
"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;" - Hebrews 2:3
Hebrews 3:2 - "Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house."
Hebrews 13:3
Hebrews 6:3 - "And this will we do, if God permit."
"Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house." - Hebrews 3:2
Hebrews 3:8 - "Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:"
Hebrews 3:19 - "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
Hebrews 3:18 - "And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?"
Hebrews 3:11 - "So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)"
Hebrews 10:3 - "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year."
Hebrews 9:3 - "And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;"
"And this will we do, if God permit." - Hebrews 6:3
Philippians 3:5 - "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;"
Hebrews 3:7 - "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,"
jesus is the radiance of the father's glory hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 3:3 - "For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house."
Hebrews 5:3 - "And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins."
Hebrews 3:4 - "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God."
Hebrews 11:2 - "For by it the elders obtained a good report."
Hebrews 3:9 - "When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years."
Hebrews 3:17 - "But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?"
Hebrews 3:16 - "For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses."
Hebrews 3:15 - "While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation."
Hebrews 2:2 - "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;"
Hebrews 13:3 - "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."
Hebrews 3:12 - "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God."
Hebrews 3:10 - "Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways."
Hebrews 3:14 - "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;"
Hebrews 3:5 - "And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;"