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 6:10KJV
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Hebrews 6:10 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 6:10 mean?

Hebrews 6:10 assures readers that God is fair and will not overlook the loving work and service they have shown to other believers in His name. The verse emphasizes that God remembers and values every act of kindness and support given to fellow Christians.

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging believers who may feel weary or unnoticed in their efforts to help others. Speaking to a community facing challenges and discouragement, the author reminds them that their ongoing service to “the saints” (other Christians) is seen by God and will not be forgotten. This reassurance is meant to strengthen their resolve to continue doing good.

The Greek behind Hebrews 6:10

  • ἀδικος (adikos, G94): This word is translated as “unrighteous.” In this context, it means that God is not unjust or unfair; He will not act in a way that ignores what is right.
  • ἐπιλαθέσθαι (epilathesthai, G1950): This word means “to forget.” The Greek here carries the sense of completely overlooking or neglecting something, which the verse says God will not do regarding their good deeds.
  • διακονέω (diakoneō, G1247): Translated as “ministered” and “do minister,” this word means to serve or attend to others’ needs. It highlights practical, ongoing acts of care for fellow believers, not just one-time actions.
  • ἀγάπη (agapē, G26): This is the word for “love,” often understood as selfless, active care for others. The verse connects their service directly to this kind of love, showing that their actions are rooted in genuine concern.

Why Hebrews 6:10 matters

  • Hebrews 6:10 clears up the fear that God might overlook unnoticed or humble acts of service, assuring believers that every act done in love is remembered by God.
  • The verse emphasizes that serving others is not just a duty but an expression of love connected to God’s own character and name.
  • In the wider context, this verse encourages perseverance and faithfulness, especially when believers feel tired or discouraged, by grounding their hope in God’s justice and attentiveness.

Where else these words appear

“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 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

“unrighteous” Greek G94 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
  • Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

“shewed” Greek G1731 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
  • 2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
  • 2 Timothy 4:14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

“labour” Greek G2873 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 26:10 When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;