King James Version

What Does Hebrews 2:3 Mean?

Hebrews 2:3 in the King James Version says “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confir... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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. let: Gr. run out as leaking vessels

2

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;

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;

4

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? gifts: or, distributions

5

For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The rhetorical question expects the answer: there is no escape. 'Neglect' (Greek 'amelesantes') implies not rejection but indifference or carelessness toward salvation. This is more dangerous than outright rejection because it appears less serious. 'So great salvation' encompasses deliverance from sin's penalty, power, and eventually presence—past, present, and future aspects of redemption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The warning assumes readers understand salvation's magnitude. In the context of potential apostasy back to Judaism, the author stresses that abandoning Christ means abandoning the only means of salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Are there ways you treat the gospel casually rather than with the weight it deserves?
  2. How would you describe the greatness of your salvation to someone who has never heard?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
πῶς1 of 19

How

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἡμεῖς2 of 19

shall we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἐκφευξόμεθα3 of 19

escape

G1628

to flee out

τηλικαύτης4 of 19

so great

G5082

such as this, i.e., (in (figurative) magnitude) so vast

ἀμελήσαντες5 of 19

if we neglect

G272

to be careless of

σωτηρίας6 of 19

salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

ἥτις7 of 19

which

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἀρχὴν8 of 19

at the first

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

λαβοῦσα9 of 19

began

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

λαλεῖσθαι10 of 19

to be spoken

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

διὰ11 of 19

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ12 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου13 of 19

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὑπὸ14 of 19

by

G5259

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 (

τῶν15 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκουσάντων16 of 19

them that heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

εἰς17 of 19

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἡμᾶς18 of 19

us

G2248

us

ἐβεβαιώθη19 of 19

and was confirmed

G950

to stabilitate (figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 2:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 2:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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