Hebrews 10:8
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;
Original Language Analysis
ἀνώτερον
Above
G511
ἀνώτερον
Above
Strong's:
G511
Word #:
1 of 20
upper, i.e., (neuter as adverb) to a more conspicuous place, in a former part of the book
λέγων
when he said
G3004
λέγων
when he said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
θυσίαν
Sacrifice
G2378
θυσίαν
Sacrifice
Strong's:
G2378
Word #:
4 of 20
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 20
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 #:
6 of 20
presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁλοκαυτώματα
burnt offerings
G3646
ὁλοκαυτώματα
burnt offerings
Strong's:
G3646
Word #:
8 of 20
a wholly-consumed sacrifice ("holocaust")
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περὶ
offering for
G4012
περὶ
offering for
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
ἠθέλησας
thou wouldest
G2309
ἠθέλησας
thou wouldest
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
13 of 20
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
εὐδόκησας
hadst pleasure
G2106
εὐδόκησας
hadst pleasure
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
15 of 20
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
αἵτινες
therein which
G3748
αἵτινες
therein which
Strong's:
G3748
Word #:
16 of 20
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
κατὰ
by
G2596
κατὰ
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
17 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τόν
G3588
τόν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 10:5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:Mark 12:33And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How could God command sacrifices yet have no ultimate pleasure in them?
- What does this teach about the relationship between the Old Testament law and Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.