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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Drift</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/d/drift.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/hebrews/2-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/d/drift.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Drift</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/d/drieth.htm" title="Drieth">◄</a> Drift <a href="/topical/d/drifted.htm" title="Drifted">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In a biblical context, the concept of "drift" can be understood as a gradual movement away from faith, truth, or righteousness. This notion is not explicitly named in Scripture but is implicitly addressed through various passages that warn against spiritual negligence and the dangers of straying from God's path.<br><br><b>Spiritual Drift</b><br><br>The idea of spiritual drift is most clearly articulated in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews. <a href="/hebrews/2.htm">Hebrews 2:1</a> states, "We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." This verse underscores the importance of vigilance in maintaining one's faith and adherence to the teachings of Christ. The author of Hebrews warns believers to remain steadfast and attentive to the gospel message, lest they gradually move away from its truth.<br><br><b>Moral and Ethical Drift</b><br><br>The Bible also addresses the concept of moral and ethical drift, where individuals or communities slowly deviate from God's commandments and standards. In the Old Testament, the Israelites often experienced periods of drift, turning away from God's laws and embracing idolatry and sin. <a href="/judges/2-17.htm">Judges 2:17</a> illustrates this pattern: "Yet they would not listen to their judges, but prostituted themselves to other gods and worshiped them. They quickly turned from the way of their fathers, who had walked in obedience to the LORD’s commands."<br><br><b>Drift in Doctrine</b><br><br>The New Testament warns against doctrinal drift, where false teachings and heresies can lead believers astray. Paul addresses this concern in his letters, urging the early church to hold fast to sound doctrine. In <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a> , Paul writes, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."<br><br><b>Preventing Drift</b><br><br>To prevent drift, Scripture emphasizes the importance of regular engagement with God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. <a href="/acts/2-42.htm">Acts 2:42</a> describes the early church's commitment to these practices: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This devotion serves as a model for maintaining spiritual vitality and preventing drift.<br><br><b>The Role of the Holy Spirit</b><br><br>The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding believers and preventing drift. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a helper and guide in <a href="/john/14-26.htm">John 14:26</a> : "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." The Spirit empowers believers to remain faithful and discerning, helping them to stay anchored in the truth.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While the Bible does not use the term "drift" explicitly, the concept is woven throughout Scripture as a warning against the dangers of spiritual, moral, and doctrinal negligence. Believers are called to remain vigilant, rooted in the Word, and reliant on the Holy Spirit to avoid the subtle yet perilous path of drift.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>n.</I>) A driving; a violent movement.<p>2. (<I>n.</I>) The act or motion of drifting; the force which impels or drives; an overpowering influence or impulse.<p>3. (<I>n.</I>) Course or direction along which anything is driven; setting.<p>4. (<I>n.</I>) The tendency of an act, argument, course of conduct, or the like; object aimed at or intended; intention; hence, also, import or meaning of a sentence or discourse; aim.<p>5. (<I>n.</I>) That which is driven, forced, or urged along<p>6. (<I>n.</I>) Anything driven at random.<p>7. (<I>n.</I>) A mass of matter which has been driven or forced onward together in a body, or thrown together in a heap, etc., esp. by wind or water; as, a drift of snow, of ice, of sand, and the like.<p>8. (<I>n.</I>) A drove or flock, as of cattle, sheep, birds.<p>9. (<I>n.</I>) The horizontal thrust or pressure of an arch or vault upon the abutments.<p>10. (<I>n.</I>) A collection of loose earth and rocks, or boulders, which have been distributed over large portions of the earth's surface, especially in latitudes north of forty degrees, by the agency of ice.<p>11. (<I>n.</I>) In South Africa, a ford in a river.<p>12. (<I>n.</I>) A slightly tapered tool of steel for enlarging or shaping a hole in metal, by being forced or driven into or through it; a broach.<p>13. (<I>n.</I>) A tool used in driving down compactly the composition contained in a rocket, or like firework.<p>14. (<I>n.</I>) A deviation from the line of fire, peculiar to oblong projectiles.<p>15. (<I>n.</I>) A passage driven or cut between shaft and shaft; a driftway; a small subterranean gallery; an adit or tunnel.<p>16. (<I>n.</I>) The distance through which a current flows in a given time.<p>17. (<I>n.</I>) The angle which the line of a ship's motion makes with the meridian, in drifting.<p>18. (<I>n.</I>) The distance to which a vessel is carried off from her desired course by the wind, currents, or other causes.<p>19. (<I>n.</I>) The place in a deep-waisted vessel where the sheer is raised and the rail is cut off, and usually terminated with a scroll, or driftpiece.<p>20. (<I>n.</I>) The distance between the two blocks of a tackle.<p>21. (<I>n.</I>) The difference between the size of a bolt and the hole into which it is driven, or between the circumference of a hoop and that of the mast on which it is to be driven.<p>22. (<I>v. i.</I>) To float or be driven along by, or as by, a current of water or air; as, the ship drifted astern; a raft drifted ashore; the balloon drifts slowly east.<p>23. (<I>v. i.</I>) To accumulate in heaps by the force of wind; to be driven into heaps; as, snow or sand drifts.<p>24. (<I>v. i.</I>) to make a drift; to examine a vein or ledge for the purpose of ascertaining the presence of metals or ores; to follow a vein; to prospect.<p>25. (<I>v. t.</I>) To drive or carry, as currents do a floating body.<p>26. (<I>v. t.</I>) To drive into heaps; as, a current of wind drifts snow or sand.<p>27. (<I>v. t.</I>) To enlarge or shape, as a hole, with a drift.<p>28. (<I>a.</I>) That causes drifting or that is drifted; movable by wind or currents; as, drift currents; drift ice; drift mud.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/3901.htm"><span class="l">3901. pararreo -- to flow by, hence slip away</span></a> <br><b>...</b> hence slip away. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: pararreo Phonetic Spelling:<br> (par-ar-hroo-eh'-o) Short Definition: I am lost, perish, <b>drift</b> away Definition <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3901.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/kingsley/andromeda_and_other_poems/drifting_away_a_fragment.htm"><span class="l">Drifting Away: a Fragment</span></a> <br><b>...</b> DRIFTING AWAY: A FRAGMENT. They <b>drift</b> away. Ah, God! they <b>drift</b> for ever.<br> I watch the stream sweep onward to the sea, Like some <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/drifting away a fragment.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/daily_thoughts_/drifting_away_december_2.htm"><span class="l">Drifting Away. December 2.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> December 2. They <b>drift</b> away"Ah, God! they <b>drift</b> for ever. . . <b>...</b> I watch them<br> <b>drift</b>"the old familiar faces, Till ghosts, not men, fill old beloved places. . <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /drifting away december 2.htm</font><p><a href="/library/haldeman/christ_christianity_and_the_bible/christianity.htm"><span class="l">Christianity</span></a> <br><b>...</b> First: the modern <b>drift</b> in Christianity and its absolute failure. <b>...</b> The modern <b>drift</b><br> is antagonistic to doctrine and repudiates the miraculous. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christianity.htm</font><p><a href="/library/arnot/the_parables_of_our_lord/xi_the_wicked_husbandmen.htm"><span class="l">The Wicked Husbandmen.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Whether in simplicity, as unconscious of the Teacher's <b>drift</b>, or in exasperation<br> as knowing that by this time his <b>drift</b> appeared to the whole company all too <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xi the wicked husbandmen.htm</font><p><a href="/library/taylor/union_and_communion/section_ii_communion_brokenrestoration.htm"><span class="l">Communion Broken --Restoration</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Cant. ii.8-iii.5 "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things<br> that were heard, lest happly we <b>drift</b> away from them.""Hebrews 2:1 (RV). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../taylor/union and communion/section ii communion brokenrestoration.htm</font><p><a href="/library/howard/standards_of_life_and_service/xiv_lost_earnings.htm"><span class="l">Lost Earnings</span></a> <br><b>...</b> If you look in the margin of your Bible, you will see the words, 'run out as leaking<br> vessels', and in the Revised Version the words read, '<b>drift</b> away from them <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../howard/standards of life and service/xiv lost earnings.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cole/trials_and_triumphs_of_faith/chapter_xxii_caring_for_my.htm"><span class="l">Caring for My Aged Mother</span></a> <br><b>...</b> pull through. It would run a little way into the <b>drift</b>, then back up, and<br> again push its way into the <b>drift</b> as far as possible. It <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxii caring for my.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_5_1859/the_necessity_of_the_spirits.htm"><span class="l">The Necessity of the Spirit's Work</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The <b>drift</b> of the gospel is, that man is dead in sin, and t at divine life is God's<br> gift; and you must go contrary to the whole of that <b>drift</b>, before you can <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the necessity of the spirits.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_ephesians_peter/youthful_strength.htm"><span class="l">Youthful Strength</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the reason of the failure of so many lives is simply that people have never fairly<br> looked that question in the face and tried to answer it, but <b>drift</b> and <b>drift</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/youthful strength.htm</font><p><a href="/library/brownlie/hymns_of_the_early_church/let_a_shining_robe_be.htm"><span class="l">Let a Shining Robe be Mine,</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Let a shining robe be mine,. Spotless as the snow <b>drift</b> white,. Thou, who for Thy<br> form Divine,. <b>...</b> Let a shining robe be mine,. Spotless as the snow <b>drift</b> white; <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/let a shining robe be.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/d/drift.htm"><span class="l"><b>Drift</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> by wind or water; as, a <b>drift</b> of snow, of ice, of sand, and the like. <b>...</b> 27.<br> (vt) To enlarge or shape, as a hole, with a <b>drift</b>. 28. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/drift.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/heading.htm"><span class="l">Heading (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> barrels, etc. 5. (n.) A gallery, <b>drift</b>, or adit in a mine; also, the end<br> of a <b>drift</b> or gallery; the vein above a <b>drift</b>. 6. (n.) The <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/heading.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/tenor.htm"><span class="l">Tenor (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (n.) The general tendency or <b>drift</b> that runs through a conversation or writing;<br> also the male voice between bass and alto; course; career. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/tenor.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/person.htm"><span class="l">Person (807 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Method of the Article I. THE TEACHING OF PAUL 1. Philippians 2:5-9 (1) General <b>Drift</b><br> of Passage (2) our Lord's Intrinsic Deity (3) No Examination (4) our <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/person.htm - 49k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/level.htm"><span class="l">Level (31 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> a level; as, to take a level. 8. (n.) A horizontal passage, <b>drift</b>, or adit,<br> in a mine. 9. (a.) Even; flat; having no part higher <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/level.htm - 19k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gallery.htm"><span class="l">Gallery (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> When prepared for defense, it is a defensive gallery. 6. (n.) A working<br><b>drift</b> or level. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GALLERY. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gallery.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wall.htm"><span class="l">Wall (227 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4. (n.) An inclosing part of a receptacle or vessel; as, the walls of a<br> steam-engine cylinder. 5. (n.) The side of a level or <b>drift</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wall.htm - 49k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/intent.htm"><span class="l">Intent (37 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (n.) The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a design; a purpose;<br> intention; meaning; <b>drift</b>; aim. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/intent.htm - 20k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fourth.htm"><span class="l">Fourth (87 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the Babylonians. The <b>drift</b> of these visions is, How can a just and loving<br> God allow His own people to suffer so much? The problem <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fourth.htm - 43k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/face.htm"><span class="l">Face (780 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Scriptural phrases. 15. (n.) The end or wall of the tunnel, <b>drift</b>, or excavation,<br> at which work is progressing or was last done. 16. (n <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/face.htm - 47k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/pangea-theory.html">Is the theory of Pangea possible? Does the Bible say that there was once a Pangea / Pangaea? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/democracy-Christian.html">Is democracy a Christian form of government? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Radical-Reformation.html">What was the Radical Reformation? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/drift.htm">Drift: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Drift (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1</a></span><br />Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we <span class="boldtext">drift</span> away.<br /><span class="source">(WEB WEY ASV NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/d/drift.htm">Drift</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/drift.htm">Drift (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wandered.htm">Wandered (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hazor.htm">Hazor (19 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/drifting.htm">Drifting (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abdon.htm">Abdon (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/empty.htm">Empty (84 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birds.htm">Birds (125 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/papyrus.htm">Papyrus (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/josiah.htm">Josiah (51 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/d/drieth.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Drieth"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Drieth" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/d/drifted.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Drifted"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Drifted" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>