Hebrews 6:10

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does Hebrews 6:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Hebrews 6:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Hebrews 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10for 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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For God is not unrighteous, etc..] He is just and true, righteous in all his ways and works; there is no unrighteousness nor unfaithfulness in him; and this the apostle makes a reason of his strong persuasion of better things concerning the believing Hebrews; because he was well satisfied of the good work upon them, and he was assured that God was not unrighteous and unfaithful: to forget your work: which is not to be understood of any good work done by them, for these are generally expressed in the plural number; and besides, these, if at all, are designed in the next clause; moreover, external good works, or such as appear to men to be so, are performed by hypocrites; nor can they be said…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“not unrighteous--not unfaithful to His own gracious promise. Not that we have any inherent right to claim reward; for (1) a servant has no merit, as he only does that which is his bounden duty; (2) our best performances bear no proportion to what we leave undone; (3) all strength comes from God; but God has promised of His own grace to reward the good works of His people (already accepted through faith in Christ); it is His promise, not our merits, which would make it unrighteous were He not to reward His people's works. God will be no man's debtor. your work--your whole Christian life of active obedience. labour of love--The oldest manuscripts omit "labor of," which probably crept in from…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For God is not unrighteous - God will do no wrong. He will not forget or fail to reward the endeavors of his people to promote his glory, and to do good. The meaning here is, that by their kindness in ministering to the wants of the saints, they had given full evidence of true piety. If God should forget that, it would be “unrighteous: (1)Because there was a propriety that it should be remembered; and, (2)Because it is expressly promised that it shall not fail of reward; Matthew 10:42. Your work - Particularly in ministering to the wants of the saints. Labour of love - Deeds of benevolence when there was no hope of recompense, or when love was the motive in doing it. Which ye have showed…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For - Ye give plain proof of your faith and love, which the righteous God will surely reward. Hebrews 6:11”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:10 He will not forget how hard you have worked: In showing that they love God and his people, their works bear witness to their true relationship with God (Rom 2:6-7; 1 Cor 3:13-15; Jas 2:14-20). God remembers (Exod 2:24; 1 Chr 16:15; Ps 106:45) and acknowledges those who are truly his.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“For: Pro 14:31; Mat 10:42, Mat 25:40; Joh 13:20 God: Deu 32:4; Rom 3:4, Rom 3:5; Th2 1:6, Th2 1:7; Ti2 4:8; Jo1 1:9 to forget: Neh 5:19, Neh 13:22, Neh 13:31; Psa 20:3; Jer 2:2, Jer 2:3, Jer 18:20; Act 10:4, Act 10:31 work: Co1 13:4-7; Gal 5:6, Gal 5:13; Th1 1:3; Jo1 3:17, Jo1 3:18 which: Heb 13:16; Pro 14:31; Mat 10:42, Mat 25:35-40; Mar 9:41; Act 2:44, Act 2:45, Act 4:34, Act 4:35; Act 9:36-39, Act 11:29; Rom 12:13, Rom 15:25-27; Co1 16:1-3; Co2 8:1-9, Co2 9:1; Co2 9:11-15; Gal 6:10; Phi 4:16-18; Col 3:17; Ti1 6:18; Ti2 1:17, Ti2 1:18; Plm 1:5-7; Jam 2:15-17; Jo1 3:14-17 Hebrews 6:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification