Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 2:1

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away [from them]." — Hebrews 2:1 (ASV)

“Therefore” most likely refers to the whole argument of 1:5–14. Since the Son is so far superior to the angels and his message is superior to theirs, we should “pay more careful attention” (GK 4668) to it. This verb means not only to turn the mind to a thing but also to act upon what one perceives. Inaction in spiritual things is fatal. The author does not explain what he means by “what we have heard,” but we need not doubt that the whole Christian Gospel is in mind. By the word “we” the author puts himself in the same class as his readers, i.e., dependent on others for the message. He was not one of the original disciples. The danger is that we might “drift away” (GK 4184). This verb is used of such things as a ring slipping off a finger; it is a vivid figure for the person who lets himself or herself drift away from the haven of the Gospel. One need not be violently opposed to the message to suffer loss; one need only drift away from it (see comment on v.3).