Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

PSALMS 40:6KJV
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Psalms 40:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 40:6 mean?

Psalms 40:6 says that God does not ultimately want sacrifices or offerings, but instead desires a willing and attentive heart. The verse uses the image of God opening the psalmist’s ears, suggesting that listening and obedience are more important to God than ritual acts.

King David is speaking to God, reflecting on what truly pleases the Lord. In the context of ancient Israel, sacrifices and offerings were a central part of worship, but David recognizes that God values a relationship marked by listening and responsiveness over mere outward rituals. This verse shifts the focus from external religious actions to an internal attitude of hearing and obeying God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 40:6

  • "Sacrifice" (זֶבַח, zevach) and "offering" (מִנְחָה, minchah) both refer to ritual gifts brought to God, but the verse says God did not "desire" (חָפֵץ, chafetz) them, highlighting that God’s primary interest is not in ritual alone.
  • "Ears" (אָזֶן, ozen) and "opened" (כָּרָה, karah): The phrase "mine ears hast thou opened" uses a Hebrew expression that often means making someone receptive or obedient. It can even suggest the idea of digging out or uncovering ears, picturing God enabling a person to truly listen.
  • "Burnt offering" (עֹלָה, olah) and "sin offering" (חַטָּאָה, chatta’ah) are specific types of sacrifices, but the verse says God has not "required" (שָׁאַל, shaal) them, reinforcing that God’s commands go deeper than ritual requirements.

Why Psalms 40:6 matters

  • Psalms 40:6 corrects the misunderstanding that God is satisfied with ritual alone, emphasizing that God wants genuine attention and obedience.
  • The verse highlights a key biblical theme: God’s desire for relationship and heartfelt response, not just outward compliance.
  • This verse connects to the broader message of the psalm, where David expresses trust in God and a willingness to do God’s will, showing that true worship involves the whole person, not just external acts.

Where else these words appear

“offering” Hebrew H2401 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.
  • Exodus 32:30 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the LORD; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.
  • 2 Kings 17:21 For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin.

“opened” Hebrew H3738 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 26:25 And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.
  • Job 6:27 Yea, ye overwhelm the fatherless, and ye dig a pit for your friend.
  • Psalms 119:85 The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.

“desire” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 13:3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.