King James Version

What Does Hebrews 6:10 Mean?

Hebrews 6:10 in the King James Version says “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have... — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Hebrews 6:10 · KJV


Context

8

But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

9

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

10

For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

11

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After the severe warning, comfort follows. 'God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love' assures believers that genuine faith produces observable fruit that God notices. Works done 'toward his name' in serving the saints demonstrate authentic love for God. God's righteousness guarantees He will reward faithful service. This verse distinguishes true believers (who serve) from false professors (who fall away).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The recipients had suffered persecution and helped fellow believers (10:32-34). Their sacrificial love evidenced genuine conversion, encouraging the author about their spiritual state despite his warnings.

Reflection Questions

  1. What labor of love have you shown toward fellow believers that evidences your faith?
  2. How does God's promise to remember your service motivate continued faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
οὐ1 of 25

is not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γὰρ2 of 25

For

G1063

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

ἄδικος3 of 25

unrighteous

G94

unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen

4 of 25
G3588

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

θεὸς5 of 25

God

G2316

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

ἐπιλαθέσθαι6 of 25

to forget

G1950

to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect

τοῦ7 of 25
G3588

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

ἔργου8 of 25

work

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ὑμῶν9 of 25

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καὶ10 of 25

and

G2532

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

τοῦ11 of 25
G3588

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

κόπου12 of 25

labour

G2873

a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains

τῆς13 of 25
G3588

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

ἀγάπης14 of 25

of love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἡς15 of 25

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐνεδείξασθε16 of 25

ye have shewed

G1731

to indicate (by word or act)

εἰς17 of 25

toward

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ18 of 25
G3588

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

ὄνομα19 of 25

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

αὐτοῦ20 of 25

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

διακονοῦντες21 of 25

do minister

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

τοῖς22 of 25
G3588

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

ἁγίοις23 of 25

to the saints

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ24 of 25

and

G2532

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

διακονοῦντες25 of 25

do minister

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon


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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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