### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3901 παραῤῥυέω (pararrhyéō) is a compound word derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning "beside," "alongside," or "away from," and ῥέω (rheō), meaning "to flow." Literally, the word describes something that "flows by" or "flows alongside." This imagery evokes a sense of passing by without being retained, or of something slipping away like water.
Figuratively, and as it is used in its sole New Testament occurrence, G3901 παραῤῥυέω carries the semantic range of "to let slip," "to drift away," "to neglect," or "to fail to hold on to." The core idea is a loss or a deviation that occurs due to inattention, carelessness, or a lack of firm grasp. It implies a subtle, often unintentional, departure from a proper course or a failure to retain something valuable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3901 παραῤῥυέω appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Hebrews 2:1]]: "Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we *drift away*."
The context of [[Hebrews 2:1]] is crucial for understanding the nuance of G3901 παραῤῥυέω. The author of Hebrews has just concluded a profound exposition on the superiority of Christ over angels (Hebrews 1). He emphasizes that God's final and most complete revelation has come through His Son. Building on this monumental truth, the author issues a solemn warning. The phrase "what we have heard" refers to the gospel message, the divine revelation delivered through Christ and confirmed by those who heard Him (cf. [[Hebrews 2:3]]).
The warning "lest we drift away" (μήποτε παραῤῥυῶμεν) uses the imagery of a ship drifting from its moorings or a person losing their grip on a valuable object. It suggests a gradual, perhaps imperceptible, departure from the truth due to inattention or neglect. It is not necessarily a sudden, deliberate act of rebellion, but a subtle spiritual apathy that leads to a loss of firm footing in the faith. The imperative to "pay closer attention" (προσέχωμεν περισσοτέρως) stands in direct opposition to the danger of drifting, highlighting the need for active diligence and careful heed to the divine word.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words and theological concepts share a semantic connection with G3901 παραῤῥυέω:
* **ῥέω (rheō):** The root word for "flow," underlying the literal sense of G3901.
* **προσέχω (prosechō):** Meaning "to pay attention," "to give heed," or "to apply oneself." This word is used in the immediate context of [[Hebrews 2:1]] as the necessary counter-action to G3901 παραῤῥυέω. To pay closer attention is to prevent drifting.
* **ἀμελέω (ameleō):** Meaning "to neglect," "to be careless," or "to disregard." This word captures the essence of the spiritual apathy that can lead to the "slipping away" described by G3901 παραῤῥυέω.
* **ἐκπίπτω (ekpiptō):** Meaning "to fall out," "to fall away," or "to lose one's standing." While G3901 παραῤῥυέω suggests a more subtle, passive drift, ἐκπίπτω can denote a more active or definitive falling away, though both relate to a departure from a desired state.
* **Perseverance:** The concept of persevering in faith is a direct theological counterpoint to the danger expressed by G3901 παραῤῥυέω. It emphasizes the active, ongoing commitment required to maintain one's spiritual footing.
* **Apostasy:** While G3901 παραῤῥυέω describes the *process* or *danger* of drifting, it can be seen as a precursor to or a manifestation of apostasy, which is a more complete renunciation or abandonment of faith.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of G3901 παραῤῥυέω in [[Hebrews 2:1]] carries profound theological weight:
1. **The Gravity of Divine Revelation:** The warning underscores the immense value and authority of the "things heard"—the gospel message delivered by Christ. To "let it slip" is not a minor oversight but a serious disregard for God's ultimate and most perfect revelation. The author implies that neglecting such a message, particularly one confirmed by God through signs and wonders, is far more perilous than neglecting the Law given through angels (cf. [[Hebrews 2:2-3]]).
2. **Human Responsibility in Faith:** The imperative to "pay closer attention" highlights the active role and responsibility of believers in engaging with and preserving the truth. Salvation, while a gift of grace, is not a passive experience. It requires diligent heed, careful application, and steadfastness to prevent spiritual drift. This emphasizes the need for continuous spiritual vigilance.
3. **The Insidious Nature of Spiritual Drift:** The imagery of "drifting away" suggests a danger that is often subtle and gradual, rather than sudden and dramatic. It's a slow erosion of conviction, a diminishing of spiritual fervor, or a quiet departure from sound doctrine that occurs through inattention and neglect. This warns against spiritual complacency and apathy as significant threats to faith.
4. **The Call to Perseverance:** Implicit in the warning is an exhortation to perseverance. Believers are called to "hold fast" to their confession and hope (cf. [[Hebrews 3:6]], [[Hebrews 4:14]], [[Hebrews 10:23]]). G3901 παραῤῥυέω serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to do so.
### Summary
G3901 παραῤῥυέω (pararrhyéō) is a Greek verb meaning literally "to flow by" and figuratively "to let slip" or "to drift away." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Hebrews 2:1]] serves as a critical warning to believers. The author of Hebrews exhorts his readers to "pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away." This warning underscores the profound value of the gospel message delivered through Christ and highlights the serious danger of spiritual neglect or inattention. The word emphasizes that a gradual, often imperceptible, departure from the truth can occur if believers fail to diligently heed and hold fast to divine revelation. The theological significance of G3901 παραῤῥυέω lies in its call for active spiritual vigilance, perseverance in faith, and a profound reverence for the authoritative word of God.
TRV