New Testament
Hebrews 10:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
First he said, "You didn't want sacrifices, offerings, burnt offerings, or sin offerings, and they gave you no pleasure" — even though the law required them.
Compare translations
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;
What Hebrews 10:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Hebrews 10:8, the author emphasizes that God does not desire the traditional sacrifices and offerings that were part of the Old Testament law. These rituals, while required by the law, did not bring God joy or satisfaction. Instead, they were meant to point to a deeper need for a true relationship with Him. The verse highlights that mere external acts of worship are insufficient; what God truly desires is a heart that seeks Him and understands the purpose behind the sacrifices. This sets the stage for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, which fulfills the law and provides a way for believers to connect with God on a deeper level. The passage challenges readers to reflect on their own worship practices and consider whether they are merely going through the motions or genuinely seeking to please God with their lives.
How to apply Hebrews 10:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own worship practices. Are we simply performing rituals, or are we engaging with God sincerely? True worship comes from a heart that seeks to know and please God, rather than just fulfilling obligations.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus (John 1:40–42)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Peter
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Hebrews 10:8
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Hebrews 10:8
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Hebrews
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 10:8 teach about sacrifices?
Hebrews 10:8 teaches that God does not desire the traditional sacrifices and offerings mandated by the Old Testament law. The verse emphasizes that these rituals, while required, do not bring God joy or satisfaction. Instead, they serve to highlight the need for a deeper relationship with Him, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
How can I apply Hebrews 10:8 to my worship?
To apply Hebrews 10:8 to your worship, reflect on whether your worship practices are sincere or merely ritualistic. Consider if you are engaging with God from the heart, seeking to know Him and please Him, rather than just fulfilling religious obligations. Genuine worship comes from a desire for a true relationship with God.
What is the significance of Jesus in relation to Hebrews 10:8?
In relation to Hebrews 10:8, Jesus is significant as the ultimate sacrifice that fulfills the law. While the Old Testament sacrifices were insufficient to truly connect believers with God, Jesus' sacrifice provides a way for believers to have a genuine relationship with God, highlighting the transition from ritual to true worship.
Why does God not take pleasure in sacrifices according to Hebrews 10:8?
According to Hebrews 10:8, God does not take pleasure in sacrifices because they are external acts that do not reflect a true heart seeking Him. The verse indicates that God desires genuine worship and a relationship with His people, rather than mere compliance with rituals that lack sincerity.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.