Definition: 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;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 10:8. It’s a really important one about how we should approach our relationship with God and even with religious practices. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we shouldn't be focusing on rituals and sacrifices to get a reward or feeling good when we do them. It’s urging us to shift our attention from doing these things to being in a closer, more genuine relationship with God. Let’s break it down word by word: “Above when he said…” : This refers back to the Old Testament – specifically to Moses and his giving of the Law. It's about a time before Jesus Christ came. “…Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering]…” : This is listing all the things we used to do – animal sacrifices, prayers offered as gifts, etc. - to appease God and earn His favor. These were seen as ways to get a reward or feeling good. “for sin thou wouldest not…” : This is the crucial part! It means we shouldn't be seeking these things out because we’re feeling bad. It’s about not focusing on the act of offering itself. It's saying, "Don't do this; it doesn't bring happiness." “…which are offered by the law…” : This refers back to the Old Testament laws and rituals. These were seen as a way for people to show their devotion and receive God’s favor. So, what does it mean in simpler terms? It means we should: Focus on who you are: Instead of focusing on what you're doing (the rituals), concentrate on your relationship with God – being sincere, faithful, and loving Him. Be authentic: Don’t try to earn God's favor through outward actions or sacrifices. Genuine love and devotion are much more important. Why is this important? The verse speaks to the idea that religious practices alone aren’t enough to build a relationship with God. True faith comes from a heart filled with love, humility, and obedience to God's will – not just performing rituals. It’s about being in a way that reflects our true selves. In short: It's a call to shift our focus away from the doing of religious practices and towards the being of a relationship with God, which is far more important. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in another way? Give you examples of how to practice this principle in your own life?