Devine Scripture

Hebrews 13:16

What does Hebrews 13:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Hebrews 13:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Hebrews 13:16 means

Doing good and sharing with others are sacrifices that please God. Worship cannot be reduced to words; it must take the form of generosity, mercy, and practical help. When believers give of their goods and themselves, they echo the grace they have received. Such acts cost something—time, comfort, resources—and that cost is part of their sacrificial fragrance. God delights in this, not because he needs our gifts, but because they display his character in his people. The verse guards against a privatized faith and anchors community life in concrete charity that glorifies God as surely as songs and prayers do.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But go on doing good and giving to others, because God is well-pleased with such offerings.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and of doing good, and of fellowship, be not forgetful, for with such sacrifices God is well-pleased.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And do not forget to do good and to impart: for by such sacrifices God's favour is obtained.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But of doing good and communicating [of your substance] be not forgetful, for with such sacrificesGod is well pleased.

Context

Verse 16 completes the picture of new-covenant sacrifice begun in verse 15. Praise and generosity together define worship that pleases God. With this foundation, the author turns again to church leadership (v.17), calling for obedient, cooperative relationships that enable shepherds to care joyfully. From there he moves to personal requests for prayer and restoration (vv.18–19) and then to a soaring benediction (vv.20–21).

v.15Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.

v.16This passage

v.17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 12:13

    communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.

  • 3 John 1:11

    Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

  • Luke 6:35

    But love your enemies, and do them good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

  • Matthew 25:35

    for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;

  • Hebrews 13:1

    Let love of the brethren continue.

  • 2 Corinthians 9:12

    For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

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