Hebrews 13:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} to do good {G2140} and {G2532} to communicate {G2842} forget {G1950} not {G3361}: for {G1063} with such {G5108} sacrifices {G2378} God {G2316} is well pleased {G2100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But don’t forget doing good and sharing with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Berean Standard Bible

And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 13:16 serves as a powerful exhortation for believers, articulating that practical acts of kindness, beneficence, and generous sharing are not merely good deeds but constitute a profound form of worship that is profoundly pleasing to God. This verse encapsulates a core New Covenant principle, shifting the focus from ritualistic animal offerings to the spiritual sacrifices of a life lived in active love and communal generosity, demonstrating true faith and devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 13:16 is situated within the concluding chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, which transitions from the letter's profound theological exposition on the supremacy of Christ and the New Covenant to practical, ethical admonitions for daily Christian living. The preceding verses in chapter 13 offer a series of specific instructions, including exhortations to hospitality, remembering prisoners, honoring marriage, and cultivating contentment. Importantly, this verse immediately follows the call in [Hebrews 13:13-14](/hebrews/13-13-14 "Hebrews 13:13-14 - Going Outside the Camp") to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach," signifying identification with Christ's suffering and separation from the old system. It also directly builds upon [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise"), which commands believers to offer "the sacrifice of praise to God continually." In this flow, "doing good" and "communicating" (sharing) are presented as tangible, practical expressions of this ongoing spiritual worship, complementing the sacrifice of praise and embodying the New Covenant's ethical demands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was likely a community of Jewish Christians, possibly in Rome, who were facing various pressures, including potential persecution, social ostracism, and the temptation to revert to the perceived security and familiarity of Old Covenant Judaism. In this context, the author emphasizes the superiority and finality of Christ's sacrifice, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete. Culturally, acts of benevolence and mutual support were crucial for the survival and flourishing of early Christian communities, especially as they often existed as a minority group. The concept of "sacrifice" was deeply ingrained in their understanding of worship, and the author redefines it, showing how everyday acts of love and generosity become the acceptable "sacrifices" in the new era, replacing the animal offerings that were central to their heritage. This redefinition provided a framework for understanding their Christian identity and responsibilities in a way that resonated with their past while pointing them toward a new, Christ-centered way of life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Hebrews and the broader New Testament. It underscores the theme of **New Covenant Worship**, demonstrating that acceptable worship under Christ is not primarily ritualistic but ethical and relational, flowing from a transformed heart. It highlights **Practical Piety**, emphasizing that genuine faith must manifest in tangible acts of love and service, moving beyond mere intellectual assent or private devotion. The theme of **Communal Responsibility** is also prominent, as "to communicate" strongly implies sharing resources and fostering fellowship within the body of Christ and beyond, reflecting the early church's emphasis on [mutual care and support](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Early Church's Sharing"). Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Pleasure**, assuring believers that these acts of self-giving and generosity are not just human efforts but are profoundly pleasing to God, affirming their value as true spiritual offerings. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God delights in mercy and justice more than mere ritual, as seen in passages like [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love, Not Sacrifice") and [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **do good (Greek, _eupoiḯa'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "well" and "to make or do," this term signifies "well-doing" or "beneficence." It refers to active, positive acts of kindness, generosity, and moral uprightness. It's not merely refraining from evil but actively pursuing and implementing good for others, reflecting a proactive and benevolent disposition.
* **communicate (Greek, _koinōnía'_):** This rich theological term denotes "partnership," "participation," "sharing," "fellowship," or "contribution." In this context, it specifically points to the tangible sharing of resources, material possessions, or support with others, especially those in need. It implies a deep sense of communal solidarity and mutual responsibility, where believers actively contribute to the well-being of the community and beyond.
* **sacrifices (Greek, _thysía'_):** This word refers to an offering, either the act of sacrificing or the victim itself, and can be used literally or figuratively. Here, it is used figuratively to describe the acts of "doing good" and "communicating." The author intentionally uses this term to draw a parallel with the Old Testament sacrificial system, but crucially redefines what constitutes an acceptable offering to God under the New Covenant, emphasizing spiritual and ethical offerings over animal rituals.
* **well pleased (Greek, _euarestéō'_):** Meaning "to gratify entirely" or "to be well-pleasing," this term conveys God's deep satisfaction and approval. It signifies that these acts of beneficence and sharing are not just tolerated or accepted by God, but they genuinely delight Him, indicating their profound spiritual value and alignment with His character and will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to do good":** This clause serves as a direct exhortation to active, intentional benevolence. It calls believers to a life characterized by positive, beneficial actions towards others, reflecting God's own goodness. This is not passive virtue but an active pursuit of the welfare and flourishing of those around them.
* **"and to communicate forget not":** This is a negative command, emphasizing the critical importance of remembering and practicing "communication" or sharing. The verb "forget not" (G1950, _epilanthánomai_) implies a potential for neglect, urging the audience to actively remember and engage in sharing their resources, time, and fellowship. This highlights the communal aspect of Christian living and the responsibility to support one another.
* **"for with such sacrifices":** This phrase explains the reason for the exhortation. The acts of "doing good" and "communicating" are explicitly labeled as "sacrifices." This is a profound theological statement, reinterpreting the concept of sacrifice from the physical, ritualistic offerings of the Old Covenant to the spiritual, ethical offerings of the New Covenant. These are the new forms of worship acceptable to God.
* **"God is well pleased":** This concluding affirmation provides the divine motivation and validation for these actions. It assures believers that their practical acts of love and generosity are not merely human efforts but are deeply satisfying and delightful to God, indicating His approval and favor. This transforms everyday acts of kindness into profound expressions of worship.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. Primarily, there is a significant use of **Metaphor**, where "sacrifices" are not literal animal offerings but metaphorical representations of "doing good" and "communicating." This metaphor serves to redefine worship in the New Covenant, shifting from external ritual to internal transformation expressed through outward action. The verse also functions as a direct **Exhortation**, using imperative language ("forget not") to urge the audience towards specific behaviors. There is an implicit **Contrast** with the Old Testament sacrificial system, which the author has systematically shown to be superseded by Christ's singular sacrifice. By labeling acts of charity and sharing as "sacrifices," the author elevates these practical deeds to the highest form of spiritual offering, directly contrasting them with the now obsolete animal sacrifices. Furthermore, the phrase "God is well pleased" serves as a powerful **Affirmation** and **Motivation**, assuring the readers of divine approval for their benevolent actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 13:16 profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of worship, demonstrating that true devotion extends beyond formal religious rites into the sphere of daily life and interpersonal relationships. It redefines "sacrifice" not as a bloody offering, but as a living, active expression of love and generosity, made possible and acceptable through the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. This verse underscores that our practical acts of compassion and sharing are not merely humanitarian efforts but are deeply spiritual acts, flowing from a heart transformed by God's grace and offered back to Him as worship. It aligns with the New Testament emphasis on faith being demonstrated through works, and love for God being inseparable from love for neighbor.

* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 13:16 calls believers to a radical reorientation of their understanding of worship and service. It challenges us to see every act of kindness, every shared resource, and every moment of genuine fellowship as a sacred offering to God. This means that our faith is not confined to the walls of a church building or to moments of prayer, but permeates our daily interactions, our financial decisions, and our compassion for the marginalized. When we "do good" and "communicate" (share), we are not merely performing good deeds; we are actively participating in the divine economy of love, reflecting God's character to a watching world, and bringing Him profound pleasure. This verse encourages us to be intentional in seeking opportunities to serve, to open our hands and our hearts, and to recognize that these tangible expressions of love are as vital to our spiritual walk as praise and prayer. It transforms our understanding of "sacrifice" from something we give up to something we live out, daily and joyfully.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific, practical ways can I "do good" (show beneficence) to those around me this week, both within and outside my immediate community?**
* **How does my current practice of "communicating" (sharing resources, time, or fellowship) reflect the spiritual sacrifice God is pleased with? Where might I grow in generosity?**
* **How does viewing acts of kindness and sharing as "sacrifices" that please God change my motivation and perspective on these actions?**
* **What barriers (e.g., fear, selfishness, apathy) prevent me from consistently offering these spiritual sacrifices, and how can I overcome them?**

### FAQ
**What does "to communicate" mean in the context of Hebrews 13:16?**

Answer: In Hebrews 13:16, the King James Version's "to communicate" translates the Greek word _koinōnía_ (κοινωνία). While "communicate" in modern English often refers solely to verbal interaction, here it carries a much richer meaning. _Koinōnía_ encompasses concepts of "fellowship," "partnership," "sharing," and "contribution." In this verse, it specifically refers to the tangible sharing of material possessions, financial resources, or practical support with others, especially those in need within the community. It implies active participation in the welfare of others, fostering a deep sense of mutual support and communal responsibility. Therefore, "to communicate" means to share generously and actively participate in the well-being of others, demonstrating practical love and solidarity. This is distinct from the "sacrifice of praise" mentioned in [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise"), which refers to verbal worship.

**How are the "sacrifices" mentioned in Hebrews 13:16 different from the sacrifices of the Old Testament?**

Answer: The "sacrifices" in Hebrews 13:16 are fundamentally different from the animal and grain offerings prescribed under the Old Testament Law. The entire Epistle to the Hebrews argues for the superiority and finality of Jesus Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, which perfectly atoned for sin and rendered the Levitical sacrificial system obsolete (see [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")). In the New Covenant, believers are no longer required to offer animal sacrifices. Instead, the "sacrifices" God now desires are "spiritual sacrifices" – acts of worship that flow from a transformed heart and are expressed through practical obedience and love. These include the "sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")), and as stated in this verse, "doing good" and "communicating" (sharing). These are ethical, relational, and volitional offerings of one's life, resources, and actions, which are "well pleased" to God because they reflect the character of Christ and the essence of His new covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 13:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of "doing good," as [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry") declares that He "went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him." His entire earthly ministry was an embodiment of beneficence, compassion, and active love. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly exemplified "to communicate" or sharing, not merely by sharing His earthly resources, but by ultimately [giving Himself for us](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ's Self-Sacrifice") as the ultimate sacrifice. His life was a complete outpouring, culminating in His death on the cross, where He shared in our humanity, our suffering, and our sin, so that we might share in His divine life and righteousness. The "sacrifices" we are called to offer in Hebrews 13:16 are only possible and acceptable because of His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, which inaugurated the New Covenant and made us a "holy priesthood" capable of offering "spiritual sacrifices" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices")). Our acts of doing good and sharing are therefore not attempts to earn God's favor, but rather a grateful response to Christ's immeasurable love and a reflection of His character, embodying the very nature of the One who [loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:5 - Christ's Sacrificial Love").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Thessalonians 3:13

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

Romans 12:13

Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

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.

Hebrews 13:1

¶ Let brotherly love continue.

Hebrews 13:2

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

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;