So, using my BibleWorks computer Bible, I did a search for take heed. Right away I discovered that this warning occurs in the Old Testament as well, so I restricted myself, for now, to the New Testament. I looked at every occurrence and studied the context to gain a better understanding of each warning. This is a very brief summary of what I found.
First, take heed is a translation of different Greek words. There are two main words, two occasional words, and some really interesting combinations. I have not done the word studies yet.
Second, take heed occurs more often in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, never in John) than the rest of the New Testament combined.
Third, there are a lot of pertinent warnings here! But here are the most interesting to me:
Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
This one I expected. This next one, however, really surprised me
And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Not only how I listen to the truth, but what I listen to! This has big ramifications
Take heed to yourselves
This occurred a few times. Apparently, I can be my own worst enemy
Take heed and beware
This seems like an especially serious warning and occurs more than once. It is noteworthy what the Lord says to beware of
Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
This one struck me as the most intense. Three imperatives in a row, piled one on top of another. An especially serious warning.
As I said above, I still have the word study to do and the Old Testament to go through, but it seems that watchful care is in order.
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