HEB 2:1-4

Salvation Confirmed

1For this reason we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we may not drift away. [2:2] For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and act of disobedience received a just penalty, [2:3] how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was first declared by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him, [2:4] God also bearing witness with signs and wonders and various miracles and distributions of the Holy Spirit according to his will.

In the world it was spoken into

In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, divine messages were often understood as mediated through intermediaries like angels, who were seen as agents of God’s will. The Jewish tradition held that the Law given through angels was unalterable , and violations of it incurred just consequences. Against this backdrop, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the gravity of neglecting a salvation confirmed not by angels but by the Lord himself. This salvation was further validated through signs , wonders , and miracles—acts that were understood as divine authentication in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts. The Holy Spirit’s distribution of gifts also served as evidence of God’s active presence. For the original audience, drifting away from this message would have been seen as a perilous disregard of a divine reality made manifest through undeniable acts of power and authority.

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How other translations render this

HEB 2:1

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.
BSB: We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
Koinōnos: For this reason we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we may not drift away.

HEB 2:2

KJV: For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
BSB: For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment,
Koinōnos: For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and act of disobedience received a just penalty,

HEB 2:3

KJV: 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;
BSB: 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,
Koinōnos: how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? It was first declared by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him,

HEB 2:4

KJV: 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?
BSB: and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
Koinōnos: God also bearing witness with signs and wonders and various miracles and distributions of the Holy Spirit according to his will.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

HEB 2:1

we may drift away.:The word translated 'we may drift away' literally means to flow past or slip away, like a boat unmoored from its dock, emphasizing a gradual, unnoticed departure rather than a sudden break.

HEB 2:2

unalterable,:The term translated 'unalterable' describes something firm, steady, and steadfast, like a solid foundation or a promise that cannot be broken, emphasizing its reliability and permanence.

HEB 2:4

by signs:The word translated 'signs' refers to distinguishing marks or indicators that point to something beyond themselves, often serving as proof or evidence of divine activity.
by wonders:The word translated 'wonders' refers to extraordinary events that inspire awe and astonishment, often seen as portents or manifestations of divine power.