Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse subtly reframes generosity not just as an act of kindness, but as a "sacrifice" pleasing to God. It highlights that the sharing of our resources, like a sacred offering, is what truly brings joy to the divine heart, not just thankful words.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author is wrapping up his letter with practical exhortations, urging believers to live out their faith through genuine love and hospitality. Following a call to remember their leaders and pray for them, he now emphasizes that the most acceptable "sacrifices" to God aren't animal offerings from the Old Testament, but acts of selfless kindness and sharing with others in need. This is the final practical instruction before concluding the letter with a blessing.
You might think of sacrifices as something ancient, involving animals and altars. But what if God is still calling for sacrifices from us today?
Hebrews 13:16 calls believers to offer "sacrifices" of doing good and sharing. This isn't about earning favor through ritual, but about expressing our faith through active love.
We're called to 'do good' and 'communicate.' What does that second part, 'communicate,' really mean in our lives today?
The word 'communicate' here (koinonia in the original language) points to a deep sense of fellowship and sharing. It's not just about giving money; it's about having things in common and sharing our lives and resources.
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Understand the original words
eupoïia · Greek Noun
Refers to deeds that align with God’s moral character and will, often contrasted with evil or sin. In a New Testament context, it is the practical expression of faith and love toward others.
koinōnia · Greek Noun/Verb
The act of distributing or contributing to the needs of others; it signifies a fellowship or partnership in which resources are shared for the common good of the body of Christ.
thysia · Greek Noun
An act of worship or surrender offered to God, historically involving the shedding of blood, but in the New Testament, frequently applied to the offering of one's life, praise, or good works as a spiritual service.
Jesus teaches that true hospitality involves inviting the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, highlighting that such acts will bring a reward because the hosts 'cannot repay you,' mirroring the idea that God is pleased with selfless giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7This passage emphasizes giving 'each one as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver,' directly aligning with the sentiment of Hebrews 13:16 that God is pleased with willing generosity.
Philippians 4:18Here, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' support, calling their gift 'a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God,' which directly echoes the concept of good deeds being sacrifices that please God.
1 Timothy 6:17-19This passage instructs the wealthy not to be haughty or to trust in riches, but to 'do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,' reinforcing the theme of sharing wealth as a form of pleasing sacrifice.
barnesHebrews 13:16: "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
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 dange…
pulpitHebrews 13:16: "But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."
Verse 16. - But to do good and to communicate forget not (τῆς δὲ εὐποιι'ας καὶ κοινωνίας μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε: where εὐποιι'ας means "doing good to others" (cf. Mark 14:7); while κοινωνίας expresses the sense of Christian fellowship evinced by communicating to others a share of what we have; cf. Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 9:13): for With such sacrifices God is well pleased.
This verse subtly reframes generosity not just as an act of kindness, but as a "sacrifice" pleasing to God. It highlights that the sharing of our resources, like a sacred offering, is what truly brings joy to the divine heart, not just thankful words.
The author is wrapping up his letter with practical exhortations, urging believers to live out their faith through genuine love and hospitality. Following a call to remember their leaders and pray for them, he now emphasizes that the most acceptable "sacrifices" to God aren't animal offerings from the Old Testament, but acts of selfless kindness and sharing with others in need. This is the final practical instruction before concluding the letter with a blessing.
The author is wrapping up his letter with practical exhortations, urging believers to live out their faith through genuine love and hospitality. Following a call to remember their leaders and pray for them, he now emphasizes that the most acceptable "sacrifices" to God aren't animal offerings from the Old Testament, but acts of selfless kindness and sharing with others in need. This is the final practical instruction before concluding the letter with a blessing.
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." — This verse subtly reframes generosity not just as an act of kindness, but as a "sacrifice" pleasing to God. It highlights that the sharing of our resources, like a sacred offering, is what truly br…
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Last reviewed October 2026