Hebrews 10:5
Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
the world
G2889
κόσμον
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
5 of 15
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Θυσίαν
Sacrifice
G2378
Θυσίαν
Sacrifice
Strong's:
G2378
Word #:
7 of 15
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσφορὰν
offering
G4376
προσφορὰν
offering
Strong's:
G4376
Word #:
9 of 15
presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice
ἠθέλησας
thou wouldest
G2309
ἠθέλησας
thou wouldest
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
11 of 15
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
σῶμα
a body
G4983
σῶμα
a body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
12 of 15
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
Cross References
Isaiah 1:11To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.Hebrews 1:6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.Hebrews 2:14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;Hebrews 10:7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.Hebrews 10:10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.Galatians 4:4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,Hebrews 8:3For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.Jeremiah 6:20To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God prepare a body for Christ, and what does this teach about the purpose of the incarnation?
- How does God's desire for obedience over sacrifice challenge mere religious performance in your life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.