Hebrews 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];

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G4459} shall we {G2249} escape {G1628}, if we neglect {G272} so great {G5082} salvation {G4991}; which {G3748} at the first {G746} began {G2983} to be spoken {G2980} by {G1223} the Lord {G2962}, and was confirmed {G950} unto {G1519} us {G2248} by {G5259} them that heard {G191} him;

Complete Jewish Bible

then how will we escape if we ignore such a great deliverance? This deliverance, which was first declared by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him;

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 2:3 delivers a profound and urgent warning, challenging its readers to consider the immense significance and eternal implications of the salvation inaugurated by Jesus Christ. It underscores the unparalleled nature of this divine provision, which far surpasses any previous revelation, and highlights the severe, inescapable consequences for those who treat such a glorious gift with indifference, apathy, or neglect.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapters of Hebrews, where the author establishes the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ. Following a majestic exposition of Christ's divine nature and superiority to angels in [Hebrews 1](/hebrews/1 "Hebrews 1 - The Superiority of Christ"), the author pivots in [Hebrews 2:1-2](/hebrews/2-1-2 "Hebrews 2:1-2 - Warning Against Drifting") to a solemn warning. The logic is a compelling *a fortiori* argument: if the Old Covenant law, delivered through angels, brought just retribution for disobedience, how much more severe will be the judgment for neglecting the New Covenant salvation, which was initiated by the Lord Himself? This rhetorical question serves as a powerful bridge, reinforcing the gravity of the message by contrasting the two covenants and their respective consequences.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The epistle to the Hebrews was likely addressed to a community of Jewish Christians who were experiencing various forms of pressure—possibly persecution, social ostracization, or the allure of reverting to the perceived security and familiarity of Judaism's Old Covenant rituals and traditions. They were tempted to "drift away" ([Hebrews 2:1](/hebrews/2-1 "Hebrews 2:1 - The Danger of Drifting")) from their Christian confession. The author's consistent emphasis on Christ's superiority over all aspects of the Old Covenant (angels, Moses, the priesthood, the sacrifices) directly addresses this temptation, urging them to persevere in their faith and not to undervalue the definitive salvation they had received through Christ.
* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 2:3](/hebrews/2-3 "Hebrews 2:3 - The Greatness of Salvation and Peril of Neglect") contributes significantly to several major themes in the book. Foremost is the **Supremacy of Christ**, as His direct speaking of salvation elevates its authority far above any previous divine communication, including the Law given through angels ([Hebrews 2:2](/hebrews/2-2 "Hebrews 2:2 - The Law Delivered by Angels")). Another critical theme is the **Warning Against Apostasy and Neglect**, which is a recurring motif throughout Hebrews, emphasizing the serious consequences of failing to hold fast to one's confession ([Hebrews 3:12-19](/hebrews/3-12-19 "Hebrews 3:12-19 - Warning Against Unbelief") and [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - The Consequences of Willful Sin")). The verse also highlights the **Divine Authority and Apostolic Witness** of the gospel message, establishing its unshakeable foundation in the Lord's own words and the confirmed testimony of eyewitnesses, further elaborated in [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **escape (Greek, _ekpheúgō'_):** From the root meaning "to flee out," this word signifies avoiding a danger or punishment by fleeing from it. In this context, it refers to the possibility of evading the just judgment that awaits those who disregard God's ultimate revelation. The rhetorical question implies that such an escape is impossible.
* **neglect (Greek, _ameléō'_):** This term denotes being "careless of," "making light of," or having "no regard" for something. It's not necessarily an active, hostile rejection, but rather a passive indifference, a failure to appreciate, prioritize, or actively engage with the "so great salvation." This highlights the insidious danger of spiritual apathy.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** Meaning "rescue or safety," this word encompasses deliverance, health, and saving. Here, it refers to the comprehensive spiritual deliverance from sin, death, and God's wrath, leading to reconciliation with God and the promise of eternal life. The adjective "so great" (Greek, _tēlikoûtos'_) emphasizes its immeasurable value and scope, stemming from its divine origin and the infinite cost of Christ's sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How shall we escape,"**: This is a powerful rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer but to underscore the impossibility of escape. It implies that there is no alternative means of deliverance or refuge for those who disregard the unique salvation offered through Christ. The author includes himself ("we") to identify with the readers and emphasize the universal applicability of the warning.
* **"if we neglect so great salvation;"**: This clause presents the condition for the inescapable judgment. The "neglect" is the critical failure—not necessarily outright rejection, but a passive indifference or a failure to properly value and respond to the "so great salvation." The magnitude of this salvation, stemming from its divine origin and the unparalleled sacrifice of Christ, makes the neglect of it all the more perilous.
* **"which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord,"**: This phrase establishes the ultimate authority and divine origin of this salvation. It was not a human invention or a secondary revelation, but originated directly from Jesus Christ, the Lord Himself. This direct divine initiation elevates its status above all previous covenants or prophetic messages.
* **"and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him];"**: This part emphasizes the reliability and authenticity of the message. The salvation spoken by the Lord was then validated and transmitted to the current generation by the apostles and other eyewitnesses who had personally heard Jesus speak. This confirmation was further attested by accompanying signs, wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in [Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness").

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews masterfully employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" This question is not meant to be answered directly but to provoke deep introspection and emphasize the utter impossibility of escaping divine judgment if one disregards the gospel. It serves as a powerful **Warning** and a call to urgency. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** implied between the "so great salvation" and the consequences of its neglect, as well as a contrast with the "word spoken through angels" in the preceding verse. The phrase "so great salvation" itself uses **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** to magnify the immeasurable value and scope of God's saving work in Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 2:3 functions as a pivotal warning, deeply rooted in the theological understanding of God's progressive revelation and the definitive nature of Christ's work. It underscores that God's final and most glorious word has been spoken through His Son, making any indifference to this ultimate revelation profoundly dangerous. The "greatness" of this salvation lies in its comprehensive scope—encompassing forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life—and its immense cost, the sacrifice of God's own Son. To neglect such a gift is to spurn the very heart of God's redemptive plan and to forfeit the only means of rescue from divine judgment. This warning is not about losing salvation for true believers, but rather about the perilous state of those who hear the gospel but fail to genuinely embrace and persevere in it, demonstrating a lack of true faith.

* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son"): Establishes the supremacy of Christ's revelation as God's final and most perfect word.
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"): Highlights salvation as an unmerited gift of God's grace, received through faith, not by human works.
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26-27 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Warning Against Willful Sin"): Reinforces the severe consequences for those who "willfully go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth," paralleling the danger of neglecting the truth.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 2:3 serves as a timeless and sobering mirror for every believer. It compels us to examine the posture of our hearts towards the gospel. Is our faith a vibrant, active engagement with the living God, or has it become a passive, intellectual assent? The "neglect" warned against here is not necessarily outright rebellion, but a subtle, insidious indifference—a failure to truly value, prioritize, and live out the profound implications of God's gracious gift. In a world full of distractions, it is easy to become spiritually apathetic, allowing the cares of life or the allure of fleeting pleasures to overshadow the eternal weight of our salvation. This verse calls us to a renewed appreciation for Christ's sacrifice, a vigilant pursuit of holiness, and a steadfast commitment to the truth, reminding us that the greatest tragedy is not to actively reject salvation, but to simply let it slip away through inattention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly neglecting the "so great salvation" God has given me?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper appreciation and active engagement with the truths of the gospel in my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard against spiritual apathy and drift?**

### FAQ

**What does "neglect so great salvation" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Neglect" (Greek, _ameléō'_) here refers to a passive indifference or a lack of concern, rather than an active, hostile rejection. It implies a failure to pay attention to, appreciate, or value the immense gift of salvation offered through Christ. It's the danger of spiritual apathy, of letting the truth "slip away" ([Hebrews 2:1](/hebrews/2-1 "Hebrews 2:1 - Warning Against Drifting")) through inattention, rather than outright rebellion. The warning is for those who hear the gospel but do not genuinely embrace it or persevere in it, thereby missing out on its benefits.

**Who are "them that heard him" who confirmed the message?**

Answer: "Them that heard him" refers to the original eyewitnesses of Jesus' earthly ministry—primarily the apostles and other disciples who personally heard Jesus speak and teach. These individuals were entrusted with proclaiming the gospel message, and their testimony was supernaturally confirmed by God through "signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will" ([Hebrews 2:4](/hebrews/2-4 "Hebrews 2:4 - God Bearing Witness")). This dual witness—the Lord's original speaking and the apostles' confirmed testimony—provided an unshakeable foundation for the authenticity and authority of the Christian message.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 2:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound significance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "so great salvation" is not merely a concept or a set of doctrines; it is embodied in Christ Himself. He is the very "Lord" who "at the first began to be spoken" this salvation, demonstrating His divine authority and role as the inaugurator of the New Covenant. Unlike the Law, which was mediated by angels, this salvation comes directly from the Son of God, who is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Son's Supremacy")). His incarnation, obedient life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the very substance of this salvation, providing complete deliverance from sin and death ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). To neglect this salvation is to neglect Christ Himself—the one who "suffered death so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone" ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone")) and who is now our great High Priest, interceding for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Thus, the warning of [Hebrews 2:3](/hebrews/2-3 "Hebrews 2:3 - The Greatness of Salvation and Peril of Neglect") is a powerful call to fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), for in Him alone is found the fullness of this "so great salvation."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:28

He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

Hebrews 10:29

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

Romans 2:3

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;