Hebrews 10:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

In burnt offerings and sin offerings You took no delight.

American Standard Version

In whole burnt offerings andsacrificesfor sin thou hadst no pleasure:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:6, quoting Psalm 40:6, serves as a foundational declaration within the Epistle to the Hebrews, asserting that God never found ultimate pleasure or efficacy in the animal sacrifices and burnt offerings prescribed under the Old Covenant Law for the atonement of sin. This verse highlights the inherent inadequacy of such rituals to truly perfect the worshiper or fully remove guilt, thereby setting the stage for the author's profound argument for the absolute superiority and finality of Jesus Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice as the sole means of genuine reconciliation and purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 10:6 is strategically placed within the author's extended argument (Hebrews 9-10) demonstrating the supremacy of the New Covenant over the Old. Immediately preceding this verse, the author has detailed the limitations of the Old Covenant sacrificial system, explaining how the Mosaic Law, with its repeated sacrifices, could never achieve perfect cleansing or make the worshipers truly "perfect" in their conscience [Hebrews 9:9](/hebrews/9-9 "Hebrews 9:9 - Limitations of the Old Covenant"). The constant repetition of these offerings served as a perpetual reminder of sin, rather than its complete removal [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices"). By quoting Psalm 40:6-8, the author transitions from describing the *failure* of the old system to articulating God's *true desire* for a sacrifice of perfect obedience, which ultimately points to Christ. This verse initiates the climactic presentation of Christ's willing and perfect offering of His body as the fulfillment of God's will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The original audience of the Epistle to the Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution or temptation to revert to Judaism. They were deeply familiar with the Temple cultus, the Levitical priesthood, and the intricate system of sacrifices for sin, burnt offerings, and other rituals that had been central to their religious identity for centuries. These sacrifices were divinely ordained under the Mosaic Law and were understood as the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God. The author's assertion that God had "no pleasure" in these offerings would have been startling, even provocative, to a Jewish audience, challenging their deeply ingrained understanding of atonement. The quotation from Psalm 40:6 is drawn from the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, which was widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians, further grounding the argument in their shared scriptural heritage. The cultural context underscores the radical shift in understanding that the author is advocating: from external ritual to internal transformation and from temporary atonement to eternal redemption through Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **inefficacy of animal sacrifices** to truly cleanse sin and perfect the worshiper, a central argument throughout the book. The repeated nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices demonstrated their inability to achieve a final, complete atonement, as highlighted in [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Inability to Perfect"). Secondly, it reveals **God's true desire for obedience and a willing heart** over mere ritual. By quoting Psalm 40, which speaks of a body prepared and God's will being done, the author subtly introduces the concept that God's ultimate pleasure is found in perfect obedience, not in the blood of animals. This sets the stage for Christ's perfect obedience unto death [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death"). Lastly, and most importantly, it serves as a crucial premise for the theme of the **anticipation and superiority of Christ's perfect sacrifice**. The declaration that the old system did not please God paves the way for the profound truth that Christ's "once for all" offering of His body perfectly fulfills God's will and eternally sanctifies believers [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **holokaútōma (Greek, _holokaútōma'_):** This term, translated "burnt offerings," refers to a "wholly-consumed sacrifice" or "holocaust." In the Old Testament, the *holokaútōma* was an offering entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, typically for general sin or as an act of worship. The author's inclusion of this specific type of sacrifice emphasizes that even the most comprehensive and dedicatory offerings under the Law were insufficient in God's ultimate estimation for perfect and final atonement.
* **hamartía (Greek, _hamartía'_):** Translated "sin," this word properly refers to sin in an abstract sense, encompassing the comprehensive reality of human transgression against God's law and nature. The phrase "sacrifices for sin" points to the specific offerings designed to address the problem of sin and guilt. The verse's assertion that God had "no pleasure" in these offerings for sin highlights their inability to truly resolve the fundamental issue of humanity's fallen state and alienation from God.
* **eudokéō (Greek, _eudokéō'_):** This verb, rendered "thou hast had pleasure," means "to think well of," "to approve," or "to be well pleased." Its negation ("no pleasure") is critical. It does not imply God *disapproved* of the sacrifices He commanded, but rather that they did not bring Him the *ultimate delight* or achieve the *final purpose* of perfect and eternal reconciliation. They were a temporary, preparatory measure, not the ultimate solution that His heart desired for His people's complete cleansing and fellowship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin":** This phrase encompasses the core sacrificial system of the Old Covenant, particularly those offerings designed to atone for sin or express complete devotion. "Burnt offerings" (holocausts) were entirely consumed, symbolizing total dedication, while "sacrifices for sin" (sin offerings) were specifically for expiation. The author is addressing the entire apparatus of the Law's provision for dealing with human sin, emphasizing its comprehensive nature.
* **"thou hast had no pleasure":** This declarative statement, directly from Psalm 40:6 (LXX), is the theological crux of the verse. It signifies God's lack of ultimate delight or satisfaction in these rituals as the final means of atonement. It reveals that while these sacrifices served a pedagogical and provisional purpose, they were never God's ultimate goal for perfecting His people. His true desire was for something more profound, a perfect and willing obedience that would truly deal with the root of sin.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Hebrews 10:6 is **Quotation/Allusion**, as the author directly quotes Psalm 40:6 from the Septuagint. This serves to ground the New Covenant argument in the Old Testament Scriptures, demonstrating that the inadequacy of animal sacrifices was not a new revelation but implicitly understood even within the Old Testament. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast**, setting up the Old Covenant's insufficient sacrifices against the backdrop of the perfect, pleasing sacrifice of Christ that is about to be introduced. The Old Covenant rituals are presented as a **Shadow** or type, pointing to the greater reality (Christ) that was to come, rather than being the ultimate substance themselves. This is a recurring motif in Hebrews, where the earthly tabernacle and its rituals are consistently portrayed as mere copies or shadows of heavenly realities [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:6 is a profound theological statement that reorients our understanding of worship and atonement. It reveals that God's ultimate desire has always been for a perfect, obedient heart and a complete, willing submission to His will, rather than mere external rituals or animal sacrifices. While the Old Covenant sacrifices were divinely instituted for a time, they were never intended to be the final solution for sin or the ultimate expression of God's pleasure. They served as a temporary covering, a constant reminder of sin, and a foreshadowing of the perfect sacrifice to come. This verse underscores the progressive nature of God's revelation and salvation history, culminating in Christ, and highlights the spiritual nature of true worship that transcends outward ceremony.

* [Psalm 51:16-17](/psalms/51-16-17 "Psalm 51:16-17 - God Desires a Broken Spirit")
* [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Displeasure with Empty Rituals")
* [Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:6 offers profound comfort and liberation for believers today. It assures us that our standing with God is not dependent on our own imperfect efforts, religious rituals, or repeated acts of penance, but solely on the finished, perfect work of Jesus Christ. This truth frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor or sufficiently atone for our sins through our own means. Instead, it calls us to a life of genuine faith and heartfelt obedience, understanding that these are the true expressions of worship that God desires. Our worship, then, should not be a perfunctory performance, but a joyful response to the complete and final redemption accomplished by Christ, prompting us to live in alignment with His will out of gratitude and love. This verse encourages us to rest in the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, knowing that through Him, we have perfect and eternal access to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on my own efforts or religious "sacrifices" rather than fully trusting in Christ's finished work?**
* **How does understanding God's "no pleasure" in animal sacrifices deepen my appreciation for the perfect and pleasing sacrifice of Jesus?**
* **What does it mean for my daily life and worship to offer God a "heart of obedience" rather than mere external rituals?**

### FAQ

**Did God disapprove of the animal sacrifices He commanded in the Old Testament?**

Answer: No, God did not disapprove of the sacrifices He commanded. The sacrifices under the Old Covenant were divinely instituted and served a crucial, temporary purpose: to cover sins, to remind the people of the seriousness of sin, and to foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The phrase "thou hast had no pleasure" in [Hebrews 10:6](/hebrews/10-6 "Hebrews 10:6 - God's Displeasure with Old Covenant Sacrifices") (quoting Psalm 40:6) indicates that these sacrifices were not God's *ultimate* desire or the *final* solution for sin. They could not perfectly cleanse the conscience or provide eternal redemption. God's "no pleasure" refers to their inherent inability to achieve what only Christ could: a complete, once-for-all atonement that truly perfects the worshiper and fully reconciles humanity to God. It highlights their provisional nature, not their invalidity for their intended purpose in the Old Covenant.

**If God had no pleasure in them, what was the purpose of the Old Testament sacrificial system?**

Answer: The Old Testament sacrificial system served multiple vital purposes, even if it wasn't God's ultimate pleasure or final solution for sin. Firstly, it provided a divinely ordained means for people to approach a holy God and receive temporary atonement for their sins, demonstrating God's mercy and provision [Leviticus 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - The Sin Offering"). Secondly, it served as a constant reminder of the gravity of sin and the necessity of shedding blood for forgiveness [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood"). Thirdly, and most importantly, the entire system acted as a **shadow** or **type** pointing forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. Every sacrifice, priest, and ritual foreshadowed the perfect High Priest and the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who would truly take away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, while not the ultimate end, the Old Covenant system was an indispensable part of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:6, by declaring God's ultimate lack of pleasure in animal sacrifices, profoundly elevates the person and work of Jesus Christ as the singular fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The "no pleasure" in the old system directly foreshadows and necessitates the "perfect pleasure" found in Christ's offering. Where the blood of bulls and goats could not truly take away sins [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inability of Animal Blood"), Christ, in perfect obedience to the Father's will, offered His own body "once for all" [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctification Through Christ's Sacrifice"). This fulfillment is not merely a replacement but a divine culmination, as Christ Himself embodies the perfect sacrifice, the perfect priest, and the perfect obedience that God truly desired. His willing submission, as articulated in the verses immediately following, "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God" [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Willing Obedience"), is the ultimate expression of God's pleasure, providing eternal redemption and perfecting those who are sanctified by His offering [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption"). In Christ, the temporary shadows give way to the eternal reality, and God's true pleasure in a perfect, complete atonement is fully realized.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.