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

HEBREWS 13:16KJV
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Hebrews 13:16 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 13:16 mean?

Hebrews 13:16 urges readers not to neglect doing good and sharing with others, explaining that such actions are sacrifices that please God. The verse highlights that acts of kindness and generosity are valued by God just as much as formal religious offerings.

The writer of Hebrews is addressing a community of Jewish Christians, encouraging them to live out their faith in practical ways. In the context of the letter’s closing instructions, this verse shifts focus from ritual sacrifices to everyday acts of care and generosity, reminding believers that God delights in these tangible expressions of love.

The Greek behind Hebrews 13:16

  • The word "communicate" comes from the Greek κοινωνία (koinōnia), which is often understood as "sharing," "fellowship," or "partnership." Here, it emphasizes sharing resources or support with others, not just verbal communication.
  • The word "sacrifices" is θυσίαι (thysiai), which refers to offerings made to God. The verse uses this word to show that doing good and sharing are spiritual offerings, not just ritual acts.
  • The word "pleased" is εὐαρεστεῖται (euaresteitai), meaning "well pleased" or "delighted." This stresses that God finds joy and approval in these everyday acts, not just in formal worship.

Why Hebrews 13:16 matters

  • Hebrews 13:16 clarifies that God values practical kindness and generosity as genuine worship, not just ritual or ceremonial acts.
  • The verse helps correct the idea that only formal sacrifices or religious rituals are pleasing to God, showing that everyday goodness is just as important.
  • This instruction fits into the broader message of Hebrews, which encourages believers to live out their faith in community and to support one another, especially in challenging times.

Where else these words appear

“pleased” Greek G2100 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
  • Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

“forget” Greek G1950 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
  • Luke 12:6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
  • Hebrews 6:10 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.

“communicate” Greek G2842 · used in 18 verses

  • Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
  • Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

“sacrifices” Greek G2378 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
  • Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.