Hebrews 10:9

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Then {G5119} said he {G2046}, Lo {G2400}, I come {G2240} to do {G4160} thy {G4675} will {G2307}, O God {G2316}. He taketh away {G337} the first {G4413}, that {G2443} he may establish {G2476} the second {G1208}.

and then, “Look, I have come to do your will”; he takes away the first system in order to set up the second.

Then He adds, “Here I am, I have come to do Your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second.

then hath he said, Lo, I am come to do thy will. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

Hebrews 10:9 (KJV): "Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second."

Context of Hebrews 10:9

This verse is a pivotal statement within the Epistle to the Hebrews, which systematically argues for the supremacy of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant and its sacrificial system. The author has spent considerable time detailing the inadequacy of animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law to truly cleanse sins or perfect the worshiper (Hebrews 10:1-4). In Hebrews 10:5-7, the author quotes or paraphrases Psalm 40:6-8, attributing these words to Christ Himself as He enters the world. Verse 9 then serves as the inspired commentary on that prophetic utterance, explaining its profound implications for God's redemptive plan.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Christ's Perfect Obedience: The phrase "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God" highlights Jesus' ultimate purpose and perfect submission to the Father's plan. Unlike the Old Covenant's animal sacrifices, which were external rituals, Christ's offering was an act of profound, internal obedience, fulfilling God's true desire for a perfect offering (John 6:38). This obedience is central to His saving work.
  • Abolition of the Old, Establishment of the New: The core message of this verse is the radical shift from the Old Covenant to the New. "He taketh away the first" refers to the abrogation of the Mosaic Law's sacrificial system, which was temporary and symbolic. "That he may establish the second" signifies the inauguration of the New Covenant, founded on Christ's once-for-all, perfect sacrifice. This new covenant brings true and lasting forgiveness and access to God.
  • Divine Purpose and Fulfillment: God's will was always for a perfect, ultimate sacrifice that would truly deal with sin. The animal sacrifices were merely a shadow; Christ's coming to do God's will was the substance and fulfillment of that divine purpose (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "will" here is thelēma (θέλημα), which denotes a deliberate, fixed purpose or desire. It emphasizes that Jesus' mission was not accidental or reactive, but the predetermined, active intention of God. The contrast between "the first" (τὸ πρῶτον, to prōton) and "the second" (τὸ δεύτερον, to deuteron) clearly marks a definitive end to one system and the beginning of another, highlighting the definitive nature of Christ's work.

Practical Application

Hebrews 10:9 offers immense assurance and clarity for believers today. We live under the New Covenant, freed from the burden of repeated sacrifices because Christ's single act of obedience has perfected us. This verse calls us to:

  • Rest in Christ's Finished Work: We don't need to perform rituals or offer sacrifices for forgiveness; Jesus has already done it perfectly. Our salvation is secure in His obedience.
  • Live in Obedience: Just as Christ came to do God's will, our response to His sacrifice should be a life characterized by obedience to God's revealed will, not out of compulsion but out of love and gratitude.
  • Embrace the New Covenant: Understand and appreciate the profound blessings of the New Covenant, which offers direct access to God and a cleansed conscience through faith in Jesus. This singular act of obedience, fulfilling God's will, leads to our sanctification, as stated in the very next verse.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 7:18

    For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

  • Hebrews 7:19

    For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

  • Hebrews 12:27

    And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

  • Hebrews 12:28

    Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

  • Hebrews 10:7

    ¶ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

  • Hebrews 9:11

    But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

  • Hebrews 9:14

    How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

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