Hebrews 6:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} God {G2316} is not {G3756} unrighteous {G94} to forget {G1950} your {G5216} work {G2041} and {G2532} labour {G2873} of love {G26}, which {G3739} ye have shewed {G1731}{G1731} toward {G1519} his {G846} name {G3686}, in that ye have ministered {G1247} to the saints {G40}, and {G2532} do minister {G1247}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For God is not so unfair as to forget your work and the love you showed for him in your past service to his people — and in your present service too.

Berean Standard Bible

For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.

American Standard Version

for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Offers profound assurance to believers, affirming God's unwavering righteousness and faithfulness to acknowledge and reward the sincere efforts and sacrificial love demonstrated by His people. It specifically highlights their diligent service and benevolent actions directed towards His name, practically expressed through their consistent ministry to fellow saints within the Christian community, assuring them that such devotion is neither overlooked nor forgotten by the just and loving God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition within the Epistle to the Hebrews. Immediately preceding it, the author delivers a stern warning against apostasy and spiritual stagnation, describing the dire consequences for those who "fall away" after having tasted the blessings of salvation, likening them to ground that produces thorns and thistles and is "nigh unto cursing" [Hebrews 6:4-8](/hebrews/6-4-8 "Warning Against Apostasy"). However, in [Hebrews 6:9](/hebrews/6-9 "A More Hopeful Outlook"), the author shifts tone, expressing a confident hope that his readers, despite the warning, possess "better things, and things that accompany salvation." [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Remembers Your Work and Love") then provides the theological basis for this confident expectation, asserting God's righteous character as a guarantee that their past and ongoing faithful service will not be forgotten. It contrasts their fruitful "work and labour of love" with the unfruitful ground previously described, thereby encouraging perseverance and reminding them that their efforts are seen and valued by God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians facing intense persecution and social ostracism for their faith. Many were tempted to revert to Judaism, which offered a sense of security and familiarity, or to simply grow apathetic in their commitment. This context explains the author's frequent warnings against drifting away and his strong exhortations to persevere. The "saints" referred to in the verse would have been fellow believers, likely struggling with similar pressures, perhaps even facing economic hardship or imprisonment. Ministering to them ("diakonéō") would have involved practical support, hospitality, and compassionate care, which was a vital expression of Christian fellowship in the early church, often requiring personal sacrifice. The emphasis on "his name" (God's name) reflects a deeply rooted Old Testament concept where the name represents the very character and presence of God.

* **Key Themes:** [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Remembers Your Work and Love") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it underscores **God's unwavering faithfulness and justice**, a foundational attribute that assures believers their efforts are not in vain, contrasting with the unrighteousness of humans. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of perseverance in faith and good works**, especially in the face of trials, echoing the call to "run with endurance the race that is set before us" found later in [Hebrews 12:1](/hebrews/12-1 "Run with Endurance"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **practical Christian love and service** as tangible evidence of genuine faith, connecting faith not merely to belief but to active expression, particularly in the context of community care. This aligns with the book's broader call to mature in faith, moving beyond elementary teachings to a robust and active demonstration of commitment, as discussed in [Hebrews 5:11-14](/hebrews/5-11-14 "The Need for Spiritual Maturity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unrighteous (Greek, _ádikos'_):** From G94. This word signifies "unjust," "unfair," or "wicked." The phrase "God is not unrighteous" is a powerful **litotes** (a figure of speech where an affirmative is expressed by the negation of its opposite), emphatically affirming God's perfect justice, impartiality, and integrity. It assures the readers that God will not act unfairly by forgetting or failing to acknowledge their genuine service and love. His character guarantees a just response.
* **work (Greek, _érgon'_):** From G2041. This refers to "toil" as an effort or occupation, and by implication, an "act" or "deed." In this context, it denotes the active, practical efforts believers put forth. It's not merely passive belief but tangible actions resulting from their faith, particularly those directed towards ministering to others.
* **ministered (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** From G1247. This verb means "to be an attendant," "to wait upon," or "to serve," whether menially, as a host, or as a Christian deacon. It implies active, often humble, service to others. The use of both past ("have ministered") and present ("do minister") tenses emphasizes the consistent and ongoing nature of their service to the saints, indicating a pattern of life, not just isolated acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God is not unrighteous":** This opening clause establishes the foundational theological premise. It asserts God's inherent, unchangeable character as perfectly just and fair. This statement serves as a strong assurance, countering any potential doubt that God might overlook or disregard the faithful actions of His people. It implies that His righteousness compels Him to remember and acknowledge.
* **"to forget your work and labour of love":** This phrase specifies what God will not forget. "Work" (érgon) refers to their practical deeds and efforts, while "labour" (kópos) often implies strenuous, perhaps even tiresome, effort. The crucial qualifier "of love" (agápē) defines the motive and quality of this work and labour. It's not begrudging duty but service flowing from genuine, self-sacrificial affection. God's righteousness guarantees He will remember the *quality* and *motive* of their service.
* **"which ye have shewed toward his name":** This clause clarifies the ultimate recipient and orientation of their "work and labour of love." Their actions were not merely for human recognition but were directed "toward his name," meaning they were done out of reverence, devotion, and honor for God Himself. To show love toward God's name is to demonstrate love for His character, His reputation, and His very being.
* **"in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.":** This final clause provides the concrete, practical demonstration of their love and work "toward his name." Their service to God is tangibly expressed through their past and ongoing "ministering to the saints" – fellow believers. This highlights that genuine love for God is inseparable from practical, active love and care for His people, emphasizing the communal aspect of Christian devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The author employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and emphasis. The phrase "God is not unrighteous" is a powerful example of **Litotes**, a rhetorical device that affirms a point by negating its opposite. Instead of simply stating "God is righteous," the double negative intensifies the assertion, making it a stronger, more emphatic declaration of God's perfect justice and integrity. This also subtly contrasts with the potential for human unrighteousness or forgetfulness. The concept of "his name" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire person, character, and reputation of God. It signifies that their work and love were not merely directed to a concept but to the very essence of God's being. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** with the preceding verses [Hebrews 6:7-8](/hebrews/6-7-8 "The Unfruitful Ground"), where unfruitful ground is cursed. Here, the "work and labour of love" represents fruitful ground, assuring the readers that their positive actions will be remembered and rewarded, not forgotten or condemned. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Assurance** and **Encouragement**, designed to bolster the readers' confidence and motivate their continued perseverance in faith and service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 6:10 articulates a profound truth about the character of God and the nature of genuine faith. It underscores the theological principle that God is not indifferent to the actions of His people; rather, His inherent righteousness ensures that every act of love and service, especially that rendered to fellow believers, is seen, remembered, and valued by Him. This is not a transactional relationship where good works earn salvation, but rather a testament to the fruit of a transformed life, where love for God naturally overflows into love for His people. It provides a divine perspective on human effort, shifting the focus from seeking earthly recognition to finding assurance in divine acknowledgement, thereby encouraging steadfastness even when service feels unnoticed or difficult.

* [1 Thessalonians 1:3](/1_thessalonians/1-3 "Remembering Your Work of Faith, Labour of Love, and Patience of Hope")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Serving the Least of These")
* [Revelation 14:13](/revelation/14-13 "Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 6:10 offers immense comfort and motivation for every believer. In a world that often measures worth by visible success or immediate returns, this verse reminds us that our true value and the significance of our efforts are ultimately determined by God's righteous gaze. It challenges us to examine the *motive* behind our service: is it truly "labour of love" shown "toward his name," or is it for human applause or personal gain? When we feel weary or unnoticed in our ministry to others, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, assuring us that every seemingly small act of kindness, every sacrifice made, and every moment of care given to a fellow saint is not only seen by God but is also remembered by His perfect justice. This should empower us to persevere, knowing that our "labour in the Lord is not in vain" [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "Your Labour in the Lord is Not in Vain"). It calls us to a life of consistent, selfless service within the body of Christ, recognizing that in ministering to others, we are, in essence, ministering to God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates your service and "labour of love" in the church or community? Is it primarily for God's name, or for other reasons?**
* **How does the assurance that God "is not unrighteous to forget" your work impact your willingness to persevere in difficult or unappreciated ministry?**
* **In what practical ways can you "minister to the saints" in your current context, demonstrating love towards God's name?**
* **How can this verse encourage you when you feel your efforts are small or insignificant in the grand scheme of God's kingdom?**

### FAQ

**Does Hebrews 6:10 imply that our works earn us salvation or God's favor?**

Answer: No, Hebrews 6:10 does not teach that works earn salvation. The context of Hebrews, and indeed the entire New Testament, consistently affirms that salvation is by grace through faith [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Instead, this verse highlights that genuine faith, which is the foundation of salvation, *produces* good works and love as its natural fruit. God's righteousness means He will not ignore or forget the *evidence* of a transformed heart—the "work and labour of love" that flows from a true relationship with Him. These works are a demonstration of a living faith, not a means to acquire it. The author is assuring believers that their sincere efforts, motivated by love for God, are recognized and will be acknowledged by a just God, providing encouragement for perseverance in their Christian walk.

**What does it mean to "shew toward his name"?**

Answer: To "shew toward his name" means to demonstrate or direct one's actions and love in a way that honors, glorifies, and reflects the character and reputation of God. In biblical thought, a "name" often represents the very essence, authority, and character of a person. Therefore, when believers "shew toward his name," their "work and labour of love" is not merely for human benefit or recognition, but it is ultimately an act of worship and devotion that acknowledges God's holiness, goodness, and sovereignty. It means living in a way that brings glory to God and represents Him well to the world, particularly through acts of selfless service and love within the community of faith, as the verse specifies through "ministering to the saints." This concept resonates with Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Let Your Light Shine"), "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 6:10, while directly addressing the believers' works, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of "work and labour of love" shown "toward his name." His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His death on the cross, was the ultimate act of "ministering to the saints" (and indeed, to all humanity) out of perfect love for the Father's name. The author of Hebrews consistently presents Jesus as the faithful Son who perfectly accomplished the Father's will [Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Jesus Greater Than Moses"). His sacrifice on Calvary was the unparalleled "labour of love" [John 15:13](/john/15-13 "Greater Love Has No One Than This") that took away the sin of the world, a work that God the Father truly "did not forget" but rather vindicated through the resurrection and exaltation of Christ [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "God Exalted Him"). Furthermore, Christ continues to "minister to the saints" today as our great High Priest, interceding for us at the right hand of God [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "He Always Lives to Make Intercession"). Thus, our "work and labour of love" is not only remembered by God because of His righteousness, but it is also made acceptable and effective through our union with Christ, whose perfect work covers our imperfect efforts and whose example inspires our ongoing service.

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

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Hebrews 13:16

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

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.

Acts 10:4

And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

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;

Matthew 25:35

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.