King James Version

What Does Hebrews 10:8 Mean?

Hebrews 10:8 in the King James Version says “Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst ple...” — study this verse from Hebrews chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

Hebrews 10:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

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;

9

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

10

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Read Hebrews 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The author summarizes the quotation: Christ said, 'Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them' (which are offered according to the law). This emphasizes that even law-commanded sacrifices weren't God's ultimate pleasure or purpose. They were temporary provisions pointing to Christ. The parenthetical note 'offered according to the law' shows these weren't human innovations but divinely ordained - yet still not the final answer.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The sacrificial system detailed in Leviticus was comprehensive and divinely mandated, yet the psalms and prophets repeatedly emphasized its insufficiency. This internal Old Testament critique prepared for Christ's supersession of the system.

Reflection Questions

  1. How could God command sacrifices yet have no ultimate pleasure in them?
  2. What does this teach about the relationship between the Old Testament law and Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἀνώτερον1 of 20

“Above”

G511

upper, i.e., (neuter as adverb) to a more conspicuous place, in a former part of the book

λέγων2 of 20

“when he said”

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

ὅτι3 of 20
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

θυσίαν4 of 20

“Sacrifice”

G2378

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

καὶ5 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

προσφορὰν6 of 20

“offering”

G4376

presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice

καὶ7 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

ὁλοκαυτώματα8 of 20

“burnt offerings”

G3646

a wholly-consumed sacrifice ("holocaust")

καὶ9 of 20

“and”

G2532

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

περὶ10 of 20

“offering for”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ἁμαρτίας11 of 20

“sin”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

οὐκ12 of 20

“not”

G3756

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

ἠθέλησας13 of 20

“thou wouldest”

G2309

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

οὐδὲ14 of 20

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

εὐδόκησας15 of 20

“hadst pleasure”

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

αἵτινες16 of 20

“therein which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

κατὰ17 of 20

“by”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τόν18 of 20
G3588

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

νόμον19 of 20

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

προσφέρονται20 of 20

“are offered”

G4374

to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

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 10:8 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 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:5Mark 12:33

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