King James Version

What Does Psalms 40:7 Mean?

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,”

Context

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. they cannot: or, none can order them unto thee

Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. opened: Heb. digged

Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. within: Heb. in the midst of my bowels

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(7) **Then said I.**—This rendering, which follows the LXX. and Vulg., and is adopted in the Epistle to the Hebrews, must be abandoned. The Hebrew means, *Lo! I come, bringing the book written for me, *which no doubt refers to the Law, which in the person of the poet, Israel here produces as warrant for its conduct. Some see a particular allusion to the discovery of the Book of Deuteronomy in Josiah’s reign. But if the conjecture of Grätz be accepted (see preceding Note), the reference will be rather to the Levitical regulation of sacrifice. “Shouldest thou require burnt-offering and sin-offering, then I say, Lo! I bring the book in which all is prescribed me,” *i.e., *I have duly performed all the rites ordained in the book. The rendering “written *on *me,” *i.e.*, “on my heart and mind,” might suit the *contents *of the *book, *but not the *roll *itself.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Psalms 40:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.