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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hebrews 10:9 serves as a profound interpretive statement on Christ's incarnation and redemptive work, declaring that Jesus' willing obedience to God the Father's will fundamentally abrogates the Old Covenant's temporary sacrificial system and definitively establishes the New Covenant through His perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. This verse encapsulates the core argument of the Epistle to the Hebrews: the absolute supremacy and finality of Christ's work in providing true atonement and access to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal interpretive commentary within the author's extended argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood and sacrifice over the Levitical system. The preceding verses, [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1-4 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Law's Inability to Perfect"), meticulously detail the inadequacy of animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law to truly cleanse sins or perfect the worshiper. Following this, [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Prophetic Declaration") quotes or paraphrases [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalm/40-6-8 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Sacrifice and Obedience"), attributing these prophetic words to Christ Himself as He enters the world. [Hebrews 10:8](/hebrews/10-8 "Hebrews 10:8 - God's Displeasure with Sacrifices") then interprets the Psalm, emphasizing God's ultimate disinterest in mere burnt offerings and sin offerings. Verse 9, therefore, functions as the inspired theological conclusion and explanation of Christ's prophetic utterance, revealing its profound implications for God's redemptive plan—the definitive end of the old and the inauguration of the new. It sets the stage for the declaration of believers' sanctification in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Will") and the once-for-all nature of Christ's sacrifice in [Hebrews 10:11-14](/hebrews/10-11-14 "Hebrews 10:11-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians, likely facing persecution and social pressure to revert to the familiar traditions of Judaism, including its Temple rituals and sacrificial system. This audience possessed an intimate understanding of the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priesthood, and the daily, weekly, and annual sacrifices performed in the Temple. The author's systematic argument for Christ's supremacy was designed to prevent apostasy by demonstrating that the Old Covenant, though divinely ordained, was merely a shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus. The concept of "will" (Greek: _thélēma_) would resonate deeply with their understanding of divine decree and covenant, while the contrast between "the first" and "the second" would clearly signify the transition from the Old Covenant to the New, providing a theological framework for understanding the profound shift in God's redemptive economy.
* **Key Themes:** Hebrews 10:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the epistle. Foremost is the **Supremacy of Christ**, showcasing Jesus not merely as a prophet or priest, but as the ultimate fulfillment and superior reality to all Old Covenant institutions. His perfect obedience, as highlighted by "Lo, I come to do thy will, O God," underscores the theme of **Christ's Perfect Obedience**, which stands in stark contrast to the repeated, imperfect sacrifices of the Old Covenant. This obedience is the foundation of His saving work, establishing a new and living way to God. Furthermore, the verse explicitly articulates the **Abolition of the Old and Establishment of the New Covenant**, emphasizing that the Mosaic Law's sacrificial system, which was temporary and symbolic, has been definitively "taken away" to make way for the permanent, effective, and superior New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. This transition brings about **Perfection and Sanctification** for believers, a state unattainable under the old system, as noted throughout the book, particularly in [Hebrews 7:19](/hebrews/7-19 "Hebrews 7:19 - The Law Made Nothing Perfect").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **will (Greek, _thélēma_):** (G2307) From the prolonged form of _thélō_, meaning a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination. In this context, _thélēma_ emphasizes that Jesus' mission was not accidental or reactive, but the predetermined, active intention and sovereign decree of God. It signifies the divine purpose and deliberate plan that Christ came to fulfill.
* **taketh away (Greek, _anairéō_):** (G337) From _aná_ and the active of _hairéomai_; to take up, or by implication, to take away violently, i.e., abolish, murder. This word denotes a definitive and decisive removal, an abrogation, rather than merely a temporary suspension or a gradual fading. It highlights the complete and authoritative end of the old sacrificial system, signifying its obsolescence in light of Christ's work.
* **establish (Greek, _hístēmi_):** (G2476) A prolonged form of a primary verb; to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications, including to appoint, make firm, set up, or establish. This term signifies the permanent, unshakeable, and divinely ordained nature of the New Covenant. It implies that what Christ establishes is not temporary or imperfect, but enduring and fully effective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God."**: This clause presents Christ's solemn declaration, drawn from the Septuagint version of [Psalm 40:6-8](/psalm/40-6-8 "Psalm 40:6-8 - Obedience Over Sacrifice"), interpreted as His words upon entering the world (His incarnation). It reveals His perfect and willing submission to the Father's redemptive plan. His entire earthly ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death, is portrayed as an act of profound obedience to God's pre-ordained and sovereign will.
* **"He taketh away the first,"**: "The first" refers to the Old Covenant's sacrificial system and, by extension, the Law of Moses, which was incapable of perfecting the worshiper or truly removing sin. Through Christ's coming and His perfect obedience, God effectively annuls, abolishes, or renders obsolete these temporary provisions. The old system, being a shadow of the reality to come, has now been definitively superseded by the substance found in Christ.
* **"that he may establish the second."**: "The second" refers to the New Covenant, which is inaugurated and made permanent by Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. The purpose of God's removal of the old system was precisely to make way for the superior, effective, and eternal new covenant. This new covenant provides true cleansing, complete forgiveness, and direct access to God, founded on Christ's single act of perfect obedience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Hebrews 10:9 is **Contrast**, specifically between "the first" and "the second." This stark juxtaposition highlights the radical and definitive shift from the Old Covenant's temporary and inadequate sacrificial system to the New Covenant's permanent and perfect provision through Christ. This contrast underscores the obsolescence of the former and the eternal efficacy of the latter. Additionally, the verse utilizes **Quotation/Allusion** by building directly upon the prophetic words of Psalm 40:6-8, attributing them to Christ. This demonstrates the seamless continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament prophecies to their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Finally, the phrase "that he may establish the second" employs **Teleological Language**, emphasizing divine purpose and intentionality. Christ's coming and His actions were not random but precisely aimed at fulfilling God's predetermined will to establish a superior covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hebrews 10:9 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's ultimate will for humanity's redemption was never fully realized through the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant, which merely served as a temporary, foreshadowing system. Instead, His perfect will was for a perfect, obedient Son to offer Himself as the definitive sacrifice. This verse therefore underscores Christ's unique role as the obedient Son who perfectly fulfills God's redemptive purpose, thereby rendering the old system obsolete and inaugurating a new, superior covenant. It highlights that true cleansing and access to God come not through repeated rituals, but through Christ's singular, willing act of obedience.

* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") – Explains how Christ's blood, unlike animal blood, provides eternal redemption and cleanses the conscience.
* [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - Prophecy of the New Covenant") – The foundational Old Testament prophecy detailing the characteristics of the New Covenant, which Hebrews argues is fulfilled in Christ.
* [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - What the Law Could Not Do") – Describes how God achieved what the Law, weakened by the flesh, could not: sending His own Son to condemn sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hebrews 10:9 offers immense assurance and clarity for believers today, reminding us that we live under the New Covenant, freed from the burden of repeated sacrifices and the limitations of the old Law. Christ's single act of perfect obedience has accomplished what no human effort or animal sacrifice ever could: true and lasting forgiveness, and direct access to God. This truth invites us to rest deeply in Christ's finished work, understanding that our salvation is secure not in our performance, but in His perfect obedience and sacrifice. It liberates us from any lingering sense of needing to earn God's favor or appease Him through ritual. Consequently, our response to such a profound gift should be a life characterized by grateful obedience to God's revealed will, not out of compulsion or fear, but out of love and appreciation for the radical grace extended to us. We are called to embrace the profound blessings of the New Covenant, living with a cleansed conscience and confident access to the Father through Jesus, the one who perfectly fulfilled God's will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's perfect obedience in Hebrews 10:9 deepen your appreciation for your salvation and the security you have in Him?**
* **In what ways might we, even as New Covenant believers, be tempted to revert to "the first" (our own efforts, rituals, or performance) rather than fully embracing "the second" (Christ's finished work and grace)?**
* **How does the permanence of the New Covenant, established by Christ's singular act of obedience, provide security and peace in your faith journey, especially during times of doubt or struggle?**

### FAQ
**What does "the first" and "the second" refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Hebrews 10:9, "the first" refers to the Old Covenant, specifically its system of animal sacrifices and the Law of Moses, which served as a temporary and symbolic means of dealing with sin. "The second" refers to the New Covenant, inaugurated by Jesus Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice and His complete obedience to God's will. The author of Hebrews argues that the Old Covenant was imperfect and temporary, designed to point forward to Christ, while the New Covenant is superior, effective, and eternal, providing true cleansing and access to God. This distinction is crucial to understanding the book's argument for Christ's supremacy.

**Why did God "take away" the first covenant if He established it?**

Answer: God established the Old Covenant not as an end in itself, but as a preparatory stage within His unfolding redemptive plan. It served to reveal the holiness of God, expose humanity's sin, and foreshadow the ultimate solution through a perfect sacrifice. The animal sacrifices were a "shadow" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")) of the true sacrifice to come. God "took away" the first not because it was flawed in its original purpose, but because it was incomplete and had fulfilled its role. It was superseded by the perfect reality found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and offered the definitive sacrifice for sins, thereby making the old system obsolete. This aligns with the idea that the Law was a "guardian until Christ came" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian")), leading humanity to faith in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hebrews 10:9 stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's central role in God's redemptive history. The "he" who comes to do God's will is none other than Jesus, the incarnate Son, whose entire mission was an act of perfect obedience to the Father. This verse reveals that Christ's "coming" – His incarnation, earthly life, and sacrificial death – was the divinely appointed means by which God would "take away the first" (the Old Covenant's temporary and insufficient sacrificial system) and "establish the second" (the New Covenant, founded on His own perfect and eternal sacrifice). Jesus' willing submission to God's will, even to the point of death on the cross, provided the once-for-all atonement that animal blood could never achieve. His obedience, as highlighted in [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ"), reversed the disobedience of Adam, inaugurating a new humanity reconciled to God. Through this singular act of perfect obedience, Christ became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), securing an eternal redemption and perfect access to God for all who believe, as emphasized in [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption through Christ's Blood"). Thus, Hebrews 10:9 powerfully articulates the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan in Christ, making Him the pivot point of salvation history.

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 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?