King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:5 Mean?

Hebrews 10:5 in the King James Version says “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepar...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Hebrews 10:5 · KJV

Context

3

But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

4

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

5

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

6

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

7

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

Read Hebrews 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Quoting Psalm 40:6-8 (LXX), Christ says to the Father: 'Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me.' This reveals God's ultimate purpose - not endless animal sacrifices but the incarnation. The body prepared is Christ's human nature, fitted for obedience and sacrifice. Reformed Christology emphasizes the incarnation's necessity - Christ needed genuine humanity to obey as our representative and die as our substitute.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 40 originally expressed David's commitment to obedience over mere ritual. The apostolic interpretation sees David's words as ultimately Christ's, who perfectly fulfills what David only partially expressed. The LXX's 'body' (Hebrew: 'ears opened') fits the incarnational reading.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did God prepare a body for Christ, and what does this teach about the purpose of the incarnation?
  2. How does God's desire for obedience over sacrifice challenge mere religious performance in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Διὸ1 of 15

“Wherefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

εἰσερχόμενος2 of 15

“when he cometh”

G1525

to enter (literally or figuratively)

εἰς3 of 15

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν4 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμον5 of 15

“the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

λέγει6 of 15

“he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Θυσίαν7 of 15

“Sacrifice”

G2378

sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 15

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσφορὰν9 of 15

“offering”

G4376

presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice

οὐκ10 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἠθέλησας11 of 15

“thou wouldest”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

σῶμα12 of 15

“a body”

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

δὲ13 of 15

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

κατηρτίσω14 of 15

“hast thou prepared”

G2675

to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust

μοι·15 of 15

“me”

G3427

to me

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Hebrews. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Hebrews 10:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Hebrews 10:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 40:6-8Isaiah 1:11Isaiah 7:141 Peter 2:24Matthew 1:20-23Galatians 4:4

Test Your Knowledge

Hebrews 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterHebrews Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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