Hebrews 2:1–4

Warning Against Drifting Away

2:1 Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2:2 For if the message spoken through angels1 proved to be so firm that every violation2 or disobedience received its just penalty, 2:3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first communicated through the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him, 2:4 while God confirmed their witness3 with signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed4 according to his will.

1	sn The message spoken through angels refers to the OT law, which according to Jewish tradition was mediated to Moses through angels (cf. Deut 33:2; Ps 68:17–18; Acts 7:38, 53; Gal 3:19; and Jub. 1:27, 29; Josephus, Ant. 15.5.3 [15.136]).
2	tn Grk “through angels became valid and every violation.”
3	tn Grk “God bearing witness together” (the phrase “with them” is implied).
4	tn Grk “and distributions of the Holy Spirit.”