Hebrews 10:8

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀνώτερον
Above
upper, i.e., (neuter as adverb) to a more conspicuous place, in a former part of the book
#2
λέγων
when he said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#4
θυσίαν
Sacrifice
sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
#5
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
προσφορὰν
offering
presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice
#7
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ὁλοκαυτώματα
burnt offerings
a wholly-consumed sacrifice ("holocaust")
#9
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#10
περὶ
offering for
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#11
ἁμαρτίας
sin
a sin (properly abstract)
#12
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
ἠθέλησας
thou wouldest
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
#14
οὐδὲ
neither
not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even
#15
εὐδόκησας
hadst pleasure
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
#16
αἵτινες
therein which
which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same
#17
κατὰ
by
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#18
τόν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
νόμον
the law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#20
προσφέρονται
are offered
to bear towards, i.e., lead to, tender (especially to god), treat

Analysis

Within the broader context of Hebrews, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Hebrews.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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