Hebrews 10:8 Meaning and Explanation
“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;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The writer reviews the first half of the quotation: God did not desire the sacrifices offered under the law.
What Does Hebrews 10:8 Mean?
The writer now pauses to interpret the Psalm he has quoted. He gathers up its opening words, the catalog of offerings God did not ultimately desire, and notes pointedly that these were the very sacrifices prescribed by the law.
By setting the law's offerings in the column of what God did not finally want, the writer shows that the old system itself anticipated its own passing. Scripture was never content to rest in ritual. The careful listing prepares the reader for the contrast to come, where the will of God in Christ replaces the round of sacrifices the law required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hebrews 10:8
What does Hebrews 10:8 mean?
The writer reviews the first half of the quotation: God did not desire the sacrifices offered under the law.