Psalms 40:7 Meaning: The Scroll That Tells of Christ
Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Then said I, Lo, I am come; In the roll of the book it is written of me:
Then said I, `Lo, I have come,' In the roll of the book it is written of me,
Then said I, Behold, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me —
Meaning in one sentence
What is the scroll of the book in Psalm 40:7? Discover how this verse points to Christ's willing obedience as the fulfillment of Scripture.
Context
Psalm 40 begins with David waiting patiently for deliverance and receiving a new song of praise. But around verse 6 the tone shifts. The psalmist declares that God does not desire mere animal sacrifices, what He wants is an open ear and a willing heart. Verse 7 follows: a speaker steps forward and says, 'Behold, I have come.' The surrounding verses speak of delighting in God's will and proclaiming His righteousness to the great assembly. The apostle Paul, writing to the Hebrews, quotes this passage and applies it directly to Christ entering the world. So while David wrote these words, the full meaning reaches forward to the One who perfectly obeyed where sacrifices could not. The scroll mentioned is almost certainly the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses, where God's plan of redemption through a coming Deliverer is woven into the law and the prophets.
Key Words
The phrase translated 'Behold, I have come' is a Hebrew expression of present readiness, like a servant answering a master's summons. It carries the force of a voluntary offering of oneself, not a reluctant arrival. The word for 'scroll' comes from the Hebrew megillah, a roll of parchment or leather, the form in which ancient books were kept. The Cambridge Bible notes that the phrase 'it is written of me' can also be read as 'it is prescribed to me,' suggesting a divine commission set down in writing before the speaker acted. Together these words portray someone who sees God's plan recorded in Scripture and willingly steps into that role. The law had spoken of a coming Redeemer from Genesis onward, and now the speaker identifies himself as the one the scroll was always about.
How Christians Read This Verse
The early church and Reformed theologians such as Calvin and Matthew Henry saw this as David speaking prophetically in the person of Christ. Wesley's Notes say the words 'literally and truly belong to Christ.' Roman Catholic teaching also recognizes the messianic sense through the use in Hebrews. Some Protestant commentators, like Barnes, argue the verse is in no sense applicable to David but fully to the Messiah. Other scholars, including Keil and Delitzsch, view David as a type whose expression of ideal obedience points forward to the perfect obedience of Christ. Across traditions, Christians agree that Jesus is the ultimate speaker, coming to do the Father's will and offer himself as the sacrifice God truly desired.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is to think this verse describes only David's personal commitment to obey God's law. In fact, the context of sacrifices and the direct quotation in Hebrews 10:7 show that this is a messianic prophecy. The speaker is Christ, declaring His willingness to enter the world and offer Himself as the sacrifice that animal offerings could never provide.
Living This Out
Consider where you might be going through religious motions without offering your heart. The psalmist heard that God desired obedience more than sacrifice and responded with complete availability. This week, instead of adding another duty, ask yourself: Where is God calling me to simply show up and say, 'Here I am'? The scroll of Scripture still testifies of Christ, and your life can echo His words: 'I delight to do Your will.'
Main takeaway: Christ willingly came to do what no animal could, offer complete obedience, fulfilling the ancient scroll that spoke of Him.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
This verse says, 'I have come.' Jesus said that when He came to earth. He came to do what God wanted, even when it was hard. You can say to God, 'Here I am' too, when you are ready to listen and obey.
For ages 9, 12
Psalm 40:7 is like Jesus saying, 'I'm here to do what the Bible says about Me.' For hundreds of years, God's people read the Scriptures waiting for a Savior. Jesus knew those Scriptures and stepped into the story. When you read your Bible, remember it all points to Him and His willingness to follow God's plan.
Questions People Ask
Who is speaking in Psalm 40:7?
The psalmist originally wrote these words, but the New Testament applies them directly to Christ. Most Christians understand this as a messianic prophecy, Jesus declaring His willingness to come into the world.
What is the 'scroll of the book'?
It most likely refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses, which were written on a rolled scroll. That scroll contains the law, prophecies, and types that point forward to Christ.
Why did Jesus need to say 'I have come'?
Because animal sacrifices could never take away sin. Jesus came to offer the perfect sacrifice of His own life, doing God's will completely and fulfilling what the law could only hint at.
How does Hebrews 10 use this verse?
Hebrews 10:5, 7 quotes Psalm 40:6, 8 to show that Christ's body was prepared as the offering God desired. He came to do God's will, replacing the old covenant sacrifices with His once-for-all obedience.
Does this verse mean David was predicting his own descendant?
David was both a king and a prophet. The Spirit led him to write words that reached beyond his own experience, pointing to the greater King, Jesus, who would fulfill the hope of Israel.
For pastors & researchers
Hebrew interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study