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;

HEBREWS 10:8KJV
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Hebrews 10:8 (KJV)

What does Hebrews 10:8 mean?

Hebrews 10:8 says that God did not truly desire or take pleasure in sacrifices and offerings, even though these were required by the law. The verse highlights that the outward rituals of sacrifice were not the ultimate goal; God was looking for something deeper than just following the rules.

The writer of Hebrews is quoting from earlier Scripture (mainly Psalm 40) and is explaining to Jewish believers that the old system of animal sacrifices was never the final answer for dealing with sin. The verse sets up the idea that God’s real desire is not just ritual obedience, but a deeper relationship and true obedience from the heart.

The Greek behind Hebrews 10:8

  • "θυσία" (thysia, G2378) means "sacrifice." This word covers the general offerings made to God, showing that even these, central as they were, were not what God ultimately wanted.
  • "προσφορά" (prosphora, G4376) means "offering." This term refers to gifts or offerings brought to God, again stressing that ritual giving alone was not enough.
  • "περὶ ἁμαρτίας" (peri hamartias, G4012 + G266) means "for sin." This phrase points to offerings specifically meant to address sin, underlining that even these did not satisfy God’s deepest desire.
  • "οὐκ εὐδόκησας" (ouk eudokēsas, G3756 + G2106) means "you did not have pleasure." The Greek here emphasizes not just a lack of desire, but an absence of approval or delight, clarifying that God was not satisfied with sacrifices alone.

Why Hebrews 10:8 matters

  • Hebrews 10:8 clears up the misunderstanding that simply following religious rituals is enough to please God; it stresses that God wants more than outward actions.
  • The verse connects to the wider argument in Hebrews that Jesus’ sacrifice replaces the old system, showing that the law’s sacrifices were always meant to point beyond themselves.
  • This verse helps readers see the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, showing that even in the Psalms, God’s true desire was for a deeper, heartfelt obedience, not just ritual compliance.

Where else these words appear

“Above” Greek G511 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.

“offerings” Greek G3646 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 12:33 And 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.
  • Hebrews 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

“offering” Greek G4376 · used in 9 verses

  • Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
  • Romans 15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
  • Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

“pleasure” Greek G2106 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
  • Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
  • Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;