What does Hebrews 10:8 mean?
After quoting Psalm 40:6–8, the writer of Hebrews now begins to explain what it means. The purpose of this passage in Hebrews has been to show that animal sacrifices cannot solve the problem of human sin. They are temporary, can only cover external or ceremonial concerns, and cannot truly change man from the inside (Hebrews 9:8–10). Since the new covenant promised by God is to be in the minds and hearts of each person (Hebrews 8:7–13), this means God did not intend those animal sacrifices to be a permanent solution.In the upcoming verses, the writer will point out that Psalm 40 speaks of God forming a body, and forming it for a purpose. This is in a context contrasting the use of offerings and sacrifices. God is setting aside offerings, and instead performing His will through a human body. This, according to the book of Hebrews, is part of why we know God intended animal sacrifices as a temporary measure—a shadow or symbol—and planned, ultimately, to use the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to solve our problem of sin.