Hebrews 10:8

KJV

Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law;

KJV (with Strong's)

Above {G511} when he said {G3004},{G3754} Sacrifice {G2378} and {G2532} offering {G4376} and {G2532} burnt offerings {G3646} and {G2532} offering for {G4012} sin {G266} thou wouldest {G2309} not {G3756}, neither {G3761} hadst pleasure {G2106} therein; which {G3748} are offered {G4374} by {G2596} the law {G3551};

Complete Jewish Bible

In saying first, “You neither willed nor were pleased with animal sacrifices, meal offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings,” things which are offered in accordance with the Torah;

Berean Standard Bible

In the passage above He says, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor did You delight in them” (although they are offered according to the law).

American Standard Version

Saying above, Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings andsacrificesfor sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein (the which are offered according to the law),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:8 is a profound declaration from the author, quoting Psalm 40:6, which asserts God's ultimate disinterest in the continuation of the Old Covenant sacrificial system. This verse serves as a foundational premise for the argument that animal sacrifices, though divinely prescribed for a time, were never God's final or perfect solution for sin. Instead, they were a temporary measure, unable to truly cleanse the conscience or fully satisfy divine justice, thereby paving the way for the superior, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Hebrews 10:8 is deeply embedded within the author's sustained argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Levitical system. Beginning in [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow"), the author establishes that the Law, with its repeated sacrifices, was merely a "shadow of the good things to come, and not the very form of those things." The inability of these sacrifices to make the worshipers perfect or to truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Insufficiency of Animal Sacrifices")) necessitates a new, more effective provision. The immediate preceding verses, [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Incarnation and Obedience"), introduce the quotation from Psalm 40:6-8, attributing it to Christ upon His entry into the world. Thus, [Hebrews 10:8](/hebrews/10-8 "Hebrews 10:8 - God's Displeasure with Sacrifices") reiterates the first part of this prophetic utterance, emphasizing God's rejection of the old sacrifices to set the stage for Christ's obedient offering of Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The audience of the book of Hebrews was primarily Jewish Christians who were tempted to revert to the familiar rituals and security of Judaism, possibly due to persecution or a misunderstanding of the New Covenant's implications. The Old Covenant sacrificial system, meticulously detailed in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Purity"), was central to Jewish worship and identity. It involved daily, weekly, and annual offerings for various purposes, including atonement for sin, thanksgiving, and fellowship. The temple in Jerusalem, where these sacrifices were performed, was the focal point of Jewish religious life. The author's argument directly challenges the perceived efficacy and necessity of these deeply ingrained practices, asserting that their purpose has been fulfilled and superseded by Christ. Understanding this background is crucial to grasping the radical nature of the author's claims and the comfort he offers in Christ alone.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Hebrews. Firstly, it underscores the **insufficiency and temporary nature of the Old Covenant sacrifices**. By declaring that God "wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein," the author highlights that these rituals, while commanded, were never the ultimate solution for sin or the final expression of God's will. Secondly, it emphasizes the **supremacy of God's will and obedience over ritualistic observance**. The contrast between God's disinterest in animal sacrifices and His delight in Christ's perfect obedience ([Hebrews 10:9](/hebrews/10-9 "Hebrews 10:9 - Christ's Obedience and the New Covenant")) is central. This theme resonates with Old Testament prophetic critiques of ritualism without true heart transformation (e.g., [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Displeasure with Empty Rituals") or [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Just Sacrifices")). Finally, Hebrews 10:8 serves as a critical bridge to the theme of **Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice**, which is the true and effective means of atonement and sanctification ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - The Efficacy of Christ's Sacrifice")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sacrifice (Greek, _thysía'_):** (G2378) This term refers to an offering, specifically a sacrifice, which could be an act or the victim itself, used literally or figuratively. In Hebrews 10:8, it encompasses the various animal offerings prescribed under the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the general category of blood sacrifices. The author uses this term to represent the entire system of atonement through the shedding of animal blood.
* **wouldest not (Greek, _thélō'_):** (G2309) This verb signifies a determination or choice based on an active option from subjective impulse; to wish, be inclined to, or delight in. Coupled with the negative particle "not" (G3756 _ou_), it strongly conveys God's deliberate and decisive disinclination or unwillingness concerning the continuation of these sacrifices. It's not a mere lack of preference, but an active rejection of them as the ultimate means of dealing with sin.
* **hadst pleasure (Greek, _eudokéō'_):** (G2106) Derived from "well" (eu) and "to think" (dokéō), this word means to think well of, approve, or be well pleased with. When the text states God "neither hadst pleasure therein," it reinforces the previous "wouldest not." It signifies God's lack of approval or delight in the animal sacrifices as a final solution, highlighting that they did not achieve His ultimate purpose for humanity's redemption and relationship with Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin":** This clause introduces the direct quotation from Psalm 40:6-8, which the author of Hebrews attributes to Christ. The phrase "Above when he said" refers to the preceding verses in Hebrews 10, specifically [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Entry into the World"). The list "Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin" comprehensively names the major categories of animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law. "Sacrifice" (thysía) is a general term, "offering" (prosphorá) can refer to grain offerings or other presentations, "burnt offerings" (holokaútōma) were wholly consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication, and "offering for sin" (hamartía with perí) specifically addressed sin and guilt. This comprehensive list underscores that God's disfavor was not limited to one type but extended to the entire system.
* **"thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein];":** This is the core declaration of God's disposition towards the Old Covenant sacrifices. The repetition of negative expressions ("wouldest not," "neither hadst pleasure") creates a strong emphasis, unequivocally stating that these rituals did not fulfill God's ultimate desire or bring Him satisfaction as a permanent solution. It implies that while these sacrifices were commanded for a time, they were never the end goal; they were a means to point to something greater. God's will was not ultimately for the continuation of these shadows.
* **"which are offered by the law;":** This final clause clarifies the origin and context of the sacrifices being discussed. They are "offered by the law," referring to the Mosaic Law, which prescribed and regulated these rituals. This statement explicitly links the rejected sacrifices to the Old Covenant system, providing the theological basis for its obsolescence. It sets the stage for the argument that since God did not ultimately desire these legal offerings, a new and better way, not "by the law," must be established.

#### Literary Devices
The author of Hebrews employs several literary devices in this verse to powerfully convey his theological argument. **Quotation** is central, as the verse directly cites [Psalm 40:6](/psalm/40-6 "Psalm 40:6 - The Original Prophecy of Obedience"). This use of Scripture lends authority and prophetic weight to the argument, presenting God's long-standing disposition towards sacrifices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition and parallelism of the negative statements: "thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein." This double negation strongly underscores God's active disinclination, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding His ultimate will concerning the old sacrificial system. Furthermore, the comprehensive list of sacrificial types ("Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin") functions as a form of **merism**, encompassing the totality of the Levitical offerings to demonstrate that God's disfavor applies to the entire system, not just a part of it. This sets up a profound **contrast** between the temporary, ineffective sacrifices of the Old Covenant and the perfect, effective sacrifice of Christ, which is the ultimate subject of the surrounding passage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:8 is a pivotal theological statement, asserting that God's ultimate design for atonement and fellowship was never found in the endless cycle of animal sacrifices prescribed by the Mosaic Law. While these sacrifices served a pedagogical and provisional purpose, pointing to the gravity of sin and the need for a substitute, they were inherently limited in their ability to truly cleanse the conscience or perfectly reconcile humanity to God. This verse reveals God's deeper desire for perfect obedience and a complete, once-for-all offering that could genuinely deal with sin. It establishes the theological necessity for Christ's incarnation and His unique, voluntary sacrifice, which truly fulfills God's will and brings about eternal redemption. The inadequacy of the Old Covenant system, highlighted here, magnifies the infinite value and efficacy of the New Covenant established through Christ's blood.

* [Psalm 40:6](/psalm/40-6 "Psalm 40:6 - The Original Prophecy of Obedience")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Cleansing")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Inability to Perfect")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:8 profoundly challenges us to examine the nature of our worship and obedience. It reminds us that God is not ultimately pleased by mere ritualistic performance or external religious duties if they are disconnected from a heart of genuine faith and submission to His will. Just as the animal sacrifices were insufficient to perfect the worshiper, so too are our own efforts, good works, or religious observances if they are not rooted in Christ's finished work. This verse calls us to move beyond a superficial understanding of faith to embrace the transformative power of Christ's perfect sacrifice, which has provided full and permanent access to God. It encourages us to live lives of heartfelt obedience, not out of a desire to earn God's favor, but as a grateful response to the immeasurable grace we have received through Christ. Our "sacrifice" now is to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). This means living out our faith in practical ways, seeking to do God's will in every aspect of our lives, knowing that in Christ, we are already perfectly accepted and cleansed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be relying on religious rituals or external observances rather than a deep, heartfelt obedience to God's will?**
* **How does understanding God's disinterest in the Old Covenant sacrifices deepen my appreciation for Christ's once-for-all sacrifice?**
* **What does it mean for me, practically, to offer myself as a "living sacrifice" in light of Christ's perfect offering?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command sacrifices in the Old Testament if He "wouldest not" have pleasure in them?**

Answer: God commanded the Old Testament sacrifices not because they were His ultimate desire or the perfect solution for sin, but because they served a crucial pedagogical and provisional role within the Old Covenant. They were a temporary means to address sin, maintain fellowship, and teach His people about the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the principle of substitutionary death. These rituals were designed to point forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As [Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow") states, the Law was "a shadow of the good things to come," not the reality itself. God's "displeasure" in Hebrews 10:8 refers to their inability to achieve ultimate perfection or permanently remove sin, not that they were inherently bad or disobedient at the time they were commanded. They were a necessary step in God's redemptive plan, preparing the way for the true Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:8 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's true pleasure and ultimate will. The Old Covenant sacrifices, explicitly declared as not pleasing to God in their ultimate efficacy, served as types and shadows pointing to the perfect reality found in Christ. While bulls and goats could not truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Insufficiency of Animal Blood")), Jesus, by His singular act of obedience and self-offering, perfectly accomplished what the Law could not. He is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the High Priest who offered Himself once for all ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). His incarnation was for the very purpose of fulfilling God's will, as [Hebrews 10:9](/hebrews/10-9 "Hebrews 10:9 - Christ's Obedience and the New Covenant") immediately follows, stating, "Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God." Thus, Christ's perfect life, obedient death, and glorious resurrection are the ultimate expression of God's pleasure, establishing a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way")) for all who believe, forever perfecting those who are sanctified by His one sacrifice ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ Perfects Those He Sanctifies")).

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

Hebrews 10:5

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

Mark 12:33

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.