Hebrews 13:16
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
American King James Version (AKJV)
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
American Standard Version (ASV)
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
But go on doing good and giving to others, because God is well-pleased with such offerings.
Webster's Revision
But to do good, and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
World English Bible
But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
English Revised Version (ERV)
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
Definitions for Hebrews 13:16
Clarke's Hebrews 13:16 Bible Commentary
But to do good and to communicate - These are continual sacrifices which God requires, and which will spring from a sense of God's love in Christ Jesus. Praise to God for his unspeakable gift, and acts of kindness to men for God's sake. No reliance, even on the infinitely meritorious sacrifice of Christ, can be acceptable in the sight of God if a man have not love and charity towards his neighbor. Praise, prayer, and thanksgiving to God, with works of charity and mercy to man, are the sacrifices which every genuine follower of Christ must offer: and they are the proofs that a man belongs to Christ; and he who does not bear these fruits gives full evidence, whatever his creed may be, that he is no Christian.
Barnes's Hebrews 13:16 Bible Commentary
But to do good, and to communicate, forget not - To communicate or impart to others; that is, to share with them what we have. The Greek word means having in common with others. The meaning is, that they were to show liberality to those who were in want, and were to take special pains not to forget this duty. We are prone to think constantly of our own interests, and there is great danger of forgetting the duty which we owe to the poor and the needy. On the duty here enjoined, see the notes on Galatians 6:10.
For with such sacrifices God is well pleased - He is pleased with the sacrifices of prayer and of praise; with the offerings of a broken and a contrite heart: but he is especially pleased with the religion which leads us to do good to others. This was eminently the religion of his Son, the Lord Jesus; and to this all true religion prompts. The word "sacrifices" here is not taken in a strict sense, as denoting what is offered as an expiation for sin, or in the sense that we are by doing good to attempt to make atonement for our transgressions, but in the general sense of an offering made to God. God is pleased with this:
(1) because it shows in us a right state of heart;
(2) because it accords with his own nature. He does good continually, and he is pleased with all who evince the same spirit.