What does Hebrews 10:7 mean?

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Hebrews 10:7

Explanation

Hebrews 10:7 captures a declaration attributed to Christ as He prepares to enter the world and fulfill the Scriptures that spoke of Him. This verse conveys the willingness and readiness of Christ to do the will of God, highlighting obedience as a central feature of His earthly mission. It reflects the understanding that the coming of Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament and that He saw His life and work as the fulfillment of those prophecies. There is also a deeper meaning in terms of Christ’s role in salvation history – His coming signifies the transition from the old covenant, with its sacrifices and offerings, to a new covenant premised on His perfect sacrifice.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the epistle to the Hebrews, a letter to Jewish Christians written before the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 A.D. It presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest and His sacrifice as superior to the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament. In the broader context (Hebrews 10:1-10), the author argues that the sacrifices prescribed by the Mosaic Law were insufficient for the removal of sins and were ultimately replaced by the sacrifice of Jesus. The quote comes from Psalm 40:6-8, which is interpreted as a Messianic prophecy in this New Testament context.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, Hebrews 10:7 emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice as a one-time act that does away with the need for the continual sacrifices under the old covenant. It illustrates the concept of Jesus’s active obedience, wherein He not only suffered for humanity’s sins but also positively fulfilled the law’s requirements on behalf of believers.

Theologically, different denominations might emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy (Evangelical), the supremacy of Christ’s priesthood (Catholic), or the transformative power of Christ’s incarnation and obedience (Orthodox). Liberation theologians might focus on this verse as an expression of Jesus’s radical commitment to God’s will, embodying a life of service and sacrifice.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Hebrews 10:7 can inspire believers to reflect on their own willingness to follow God’s will, even when it means setting aside personal desires or convenience. It can serve as a reminder to trust in the completed work of Christ for salvation rather than one’s own accomplishments. Moreover, it challenges individuals to seek out what is written of them in the ‘volume of the book,’ or to discern their purpose and calling as part of God’s greater plan.

Cross-References

• Psalm 40:6-8 (KJV): “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”
• Hebrews 10:9 (KJV): “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”
• John 4:34 (KJV): “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, there are a few key phrases in Hebrews 10:7 worth examining:

• “Lo, I come” (Greek: “ἰδοὺ ἥκω”): An expression of arrival and present readiness.
• “Volume of the book” (Greek: “κεφαλῖδι βιβλίου”): Literally ‘the head or title of the book,’ signifying the entirety of the Scriptures.
• “It is written of me” (Greek: “περὶ ἐμοῦ γέγραπται”): Indicates the prophecies previously recorded about Christ.
• “To do thy will” (Greek: “ποιῆσαι τὸ θέλημά σου”): Highlights the action of fulfilling God’s desire or command.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing other ancient myths and religions, messianic figures or agents of divine will are common themes. In Greco-Roman mythology, heroes like Hercules often fulfill destinies written by the gods. In Judaism, the concept of a Messiah who will fulfill the prophecies and accomplish God’s will is central, though traditional Jewish interpretations do not recognize Jesus as this figure. However, the Christian narrative is unique in centralizing the idea of a divine being willingly becoming human to fulfill a salvific purpose.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific perspective on this verse, as it does not pertain to empirical claims or scientific facts but rather to religious belief and the fulfillment of prophecy as understood in Christianity. However, modern psychology might examine the human experience of feeling called to a purpose or destiny, and cognitive science might explore how narratives of fulfillment affect belief systems and individual behavior.

Commentaries

Commentators from different traditions offer varied insights on Hebrews 10:7:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the willingness of Christ as the Psalmist prefigured and sees His obedience as the foundation of the new covenant.
• The MacArthur Bible Commentary notes the significance of Jesus fulfilling the Old Testament Scriptures and His perfect obedience as the basis for salvation.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament discusses the interpretive move the author of Hebrews makes in applying Psalm 40 to Christ, focusing on the theological implications of Christ’s sacrifice and priesthood.