King James Version

What Does Hebrews 13:16 Mean?

Hebrews 13:16 in the King James Version says “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Hebrews 13:16 · KJV

Context

14

For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.

15

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. giving: Gr. confessing to

16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. have: or, guide

18

Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. This verse adds to worship's definition, moving from verbal praise to practical service. 'To do good' (eupoiias, εὐποιΐας, 'beneficence' or 'doing well') encompasses all loving action toward others. 'To communicate' (koinōnias, κοινωνίας) means 'sharing' or 'fellowship,' specifically sharing material resources with those in need. Genuine worship includes generous, practical care for others.

'Forget not' (mē epilanthanesthe, μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε) warns against neglecting these duties amid focus on spiritual activities. We can become so focused on 'religious' acts that we neglect practical love. James similarly warns that faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17). The phrase 'with such sacrifices God is well pleased' (toiautais gar thysiais euaresteitai ho theos) identifies practical love as sacrifice God values highly—equal to or exceeding verbal praise.

This corrects false dichotomy between 'spiritual' worship (prayer, praise) and 'secular' service (helping others). Reformed theology emphasizes all of life as worship when done for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sharing resources—these are sacrifices pleasing to God. Our worship's authenticity is tested by practical love. Vertical praise to God and horizontal service to people are inseparable. True religion that God values includes caring for widows, orphans, and vulnerable (James 1:27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christian communities practiced radical generosity and resource-sharing. Acts 2:44-45 describes believers selling possessions to help those in need. Acts 4:32-35 records 'neither said any that ought of the things which he possessed was his own.' Paul's collection for Jerusalem saints (Romans 15:25-27; 2 Corinthians 8-9) exemplified this Christian duty. Greco-Roman culture valued patronage and benefaction but primarily toward social equals or superiors for honor and reciprocity. Christian generosity was countercultural—giving to poor, weak, and marginalized without expectation of return, motivated by love not glory. This practical care contributed to Christianity's growth—pagan observers noted Christians' care for widows, orphans, sick, and poor, making the gospel attractive through demonstrated love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your practical generosity and service to others match your verbal worship and religious activities?
  2. What opportunities to 'do good and communicate' (share resources) are you neglecting despite God's command?
  3. In what ways can you view practical service and generous giving as worship—sacrifices pleasing to God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
τῆς1 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εὐποιΐας3 of 13

“to do good”

G2140

well-doing, i.e., beneficence

καὶ4 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κοινωνίας5 of 13

“to communicate”

G2842

partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction

μὴ6 of 13

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπιλανθάνεσθε·7 of 13

“forget”

G1950

to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect

τοιαύταις8 of 13

“with such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

γὰρ9 of 13

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

θυσίαις10 of 13

“sacrifices”

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

εὐαρεστεῖται11 of 13

“is well pleased”

G2100

to gratify entirely

ὁ12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεός13 of 13

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 13:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 13:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Thessalonians 3:13Galatians 6:10Romans 12:13Hebrews 6:10Hebrews 13:1-21 Timothy 6:18

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