Hebrews 10:6

In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

In burnt offerings {G3646} and {G2532} sacrifices for {G4012} sin {G266} thou hast had {G2106} no {G3756} pleasure {G2106}.

No, you have not been pleased
with burnt offerings and sin offerings.

In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight.

In whole burnt offerings andsacrificesfor sin thou hadst no pleasure:

Commentary

Hebrews 10:6 KJV: "In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure."

Context

Hebrews 10:6 is a pivotal verse within the book of Hebrews, where the author meticulously contrasts the Old Covenant sacrificial system with the superior and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This specific verse is a direct quotation from Psalm 40:6 (as found in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament), which the author uses to demonstrate that animal sacrifices were never God's ultimate desire or the true solution for sin. They were merely a temporary provision, a shadow pointing to the perfect reality to come. The context emphasizes that these Old Testament rituals, while divinely ordained for a season, could not truly perfect the worshipper or fully remove the stain of sin.

Key Themes

  • Inefficacy of Animal Sacrifices: The verse powerfully declares that the ritualistic burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin under the Mosaic Law, despite being commanded, did not ultimately bring God "pleasure" in the sense of fully atoning for sin or perfecting the worshipper. They served to cover sins temporarily and remind the people of their need for a true atonement, but they could not truly cleanse the conscience or remove the guilt of sin once and for all.
  • God's Desire for Obedience and Will: By quoting Psalm 40, the author implies that God's true desire was always for an obedient heart and a willing submission to His divine will, rather than mere external rituals. This sets the stage for the introduction of Christ's perfect obedience.
  • Anticipation of Christ's Perfect Sacrifice: This declaration that God had no pleasure in these animal offerings serves as a foundational premise for the argument that a new, perfect sacrifice was necessary. It prepares the reader for the understanding that Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice would fulfill what the Old Covenant rituals could not and would bring true and lasting cleansing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thou hast had no pleasure" translates the Greek ouk eudokēsas (οὐκ εὐδόκησας). This signifies a lack of divine approval or delight in the animal sacrifices themselves, particularly when viewed as an end in themselves or when offered without genuine repentance and a corresponding heart of obedience. It does not mean God disapproved of the sacrifices He commanded under the Law, but rather that they were not the ultimate means of reconciliation or the true desire of His heart for His people in terms of achieving perfect and eternal cleansing from sin.

Practical Application

Hebrews 10:6 profoundly reminds believers today that true reconciliation with God and the forgiveness of sins are found solely in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross, not in human efforts, religious rituals, or outward observances. It encourages a focus on genuine obedience and a heart submitted to God's will, understanding that these are more pleasing to Him than any external act without inner transformation. This verse underscores the sufficiency and finality of Christ's atonement, offering profound assurance and peace to those who trust in Him, liberating them from reliance on imperfect human systems.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 3:17

    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

  • Malachi 1:10

    Who [is there] even among you that would shut the doors [for nought]? neither do ye kindle [fire] on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

  • Leviticus 1:1

    ¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

  • Leviticus 1:6

    And he shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into his pieces.

  • Philippians 4:18

    But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • Psalms 147:11

    The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
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