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.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἄδικος
unrighteous
G94
ἄδικος
unrighteous
Strong's:
G94
Word #:
3 of 25
unjust; by extension wicked; by implication, treacherous; specially, heathen
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπιλαθέσθαι
to forget
G1950
ἐπιλαθέσθαι
to forget
Strong's:
G1950
Word #:
6 of 25
to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργου
work
G2041
ἔργου
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
8 of 25
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόπου
labour
G2873
κόπου
labour
Strong's:
G2873
Word #:
12 of 25
a cut, i.e., (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication, pains
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπης
of love
G26
ἀγάπης
of love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
14 of 25
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
ἡς
which
G3739
ἡς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἰς
toward
G1519
εἰς
toward
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομα
name
G3686
ὄνομα
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
19 of 25
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
διακονοῦντες
do minister
G1247
διακονοῦντες
do minister
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
21 of 25
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίοις
to the saints
G40
ἁγίοις
to the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
23 of 25
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Matthew 10:42And 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 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.Acts 10:4And 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 1:3Remembering 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;Proverbs 14:31He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Mark 9:41For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.1 Timothy 6:18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;Acts 11:29Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
Historical Context
The recipients had suffered persecution and helped fellow believers (10:32-34). Their sacrificial love evidenced genuine conversion, encouraging the author about their spiritual state despite his warnings.
Questions for Reflection
- What labor of love have you shown toward fellow believers that evidences your faith?
- How does God's promise to remember your service motivate continued faithfulness?
Analysis & Commentary
After the severe warning, comfort follows. 'God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love' assures believers that genuine faith produces observable fruit that God notices. Works done 'toward his name' in serving the saints demonstrate authentic love for God. God's righteousness guarantees He will reward faithful service. This verse distinguishes true believers (who serve) from false professors (who fall away).