12 Bible Verses About Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about obedience is better than sacrifice

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about obedience is better than sacrifice:

1. 1 Samuel 15:22 – “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
2. Proverbs 21:3 – “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”
3. Hosea 6:6 – “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
4. Matthew 9:13 – “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
5. Mark 12:33 – “And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
6. Hebrews 10:8 – “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;”

7. Psalm 40:6 – “Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.”
8. Micah 6:6-8 – “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
9. Isaiah 1:11-17 – “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.”
10. Jeremiah 7:22-23 – “For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.”
11. Romans 12:1 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
12. 1 Peter 2:5 – “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

What does the bible say about obedience is better than sacrifice?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of obedience over sacrifices.

It teaches that God values a heart that is willing to obey His commands more than outward acts of worship or offerings.

Obedience demonstrates a true commitment to God and His will, showing a desire to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Sacrifices, while important in the Old Testament, are not as meaningful if they are not accompanied by obedience.

The Bible teaches that true worship involves not only offering sacrifices but also living a life that reflects obedience to God’s word.

Ultimately, obedience is a key aspect of a genuine relationship with God and is more pleasing to Him than mere rituals or offerings.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about obedience is better than sacrifice?

1 Samuel 15 – This chapter tells the story of King Saul’s disobedience to God’s command to completely destroy the Amalekites. Despite offering sacrifices to God, Saul’s disobedience ultimately led to his downfall. This chapter highlights the importance of obedience over religious rituals or sacrifices.

Matthew 9 – In this chapter, Jesus challenges the Pharisees who criticized him for eating with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy and compassion over religious rituals and sacrifices. This chapter demonstrates that true obedience to God involves following His commandments and showing love to others.

Hebrews 10 – This chapter discusses the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice over the sacrifices offered in the Old Testament. It emphasizes that obedience to God’s will, as demonstrated by Christ’s sacrifice, is what truly pleases God. This chapter reinforces the idea that obedience is better than sacrifice in the eyes of God.

Ideas and concepts related to obedience is better than sacrifice that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Humility: Humility is a concept emphasized throughout the Bible, teaching individuals to submit themselves to God’s will and authority. Obedience requires humility, as it involves putting aside one’s own desires and submitting to God’s commands. Sacrifice, on the other hand, can sometimes be done out of pride or self-interest.

2. Faithfulness: Faithfulness is another important concept in the Bible, referring to the steadfast commitment to God and His teachings. Obedience requires faithfulness in following God’s commands consistently, while sacrifice can be a one-time act that does not necessarily reflect ongoing commitment.

3. Love: Love is a central theme in the Bible, with the command to love God and others being of utmost importance. Obedience is often seen as an expression of love for God, as it demonstrates a desire to honor and please Him. Sacrifice, while sometimes done out of love, may not always be motivated by genuine love for God.

4. Trust: Trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance is essential for obedience, as it involves believing that His commands are for our ultimate good. Sacrifice, on the other hand, may be done without fully trusting in God’s plan or understanding the reasons behind the act.

Overall, these related concepts in the Bible highlight the importance of obedience as a heartfelt and consistent response to God’s commands, rather than simply performing outward acts of sacrifice. Obedience is better than sacrifice because it requires humility, faithfulness, love, and trust in God, ultimately leading to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him.


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Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.