The Hebrew word qorbân, represented by H7133, refers to something brought near the altar, specifically a sacrificial present or offering. Derived from the root word H7126 qârab, meaning to approach or bring near, it appears 82 times across 78 unique verses. It serves as a general term for various sacrifices and oblations presented to God as an act of worship.
In biblical law, H7133 is the central term for the sacrificial system detailed in Leviticus and Numbers. It is used to introduce different categories of sacrifice, such as the burnt sacrifice Leviticus 1:3, the meat offering Leviticus 2:1, the peace offering Leviticus 3:1, and the sin offering Leviticus 5:11. The regulations specify the type and condition of the offering, whether an animal from the herd or flock Leviticus 1:2 or fine flour Leviticus 2:1. Failure to bring an offering at the appointed time or in the prescribed manner could result in being cut off from the people Numbers 9:13.
In biblical law, H7133 is the central term for the sacrificial system detailed in Leviticus and Numbers. It is used to introduce different categories of sacrifice, such as the burnt sacrifice Leviticus 1:3, the meat offering Leviticus 2:1, the peace offering Leviticus 3:1, and the sin offering Leviticus 5:11. The regulations specify the type and condition of the offering, whether an animal from the herd or flock Leviticus 1:2 or fine flour Leviticus 2:1. Failure to bring an offering at the appointed time or in the prescribed manner could result in being cut off from the people Numbers 9:13.
Beyond the core animal and grain sacrifices, H7133 also encompasses more specific and sometimes unexpected items. For instance, the dedication of the altar by the princes in Numbers 7 extensively uses H7133 to describe not only animals for peace offerings but also elaborate silver chargers and bowls filled with fine flour and oil for meat offerings Numbers 7:13, illustrating the variety of valuable possessions that could constitute a sacred gift. Furthermore, Nehemiah records the "wood offering" Nehemiah 10:34, a H7133 dedicated to maintaining the altar fire, and even "jewels of gold" are brought as an H7133 for atonement in Numbers 31:50, demonstrating the breadth of what could be consecrated to the LORD as a tangible expression of devotion or expiation.
The context of H7133 also reveals instances of its improper application or misuse, as seen in prophetic critique. Ezekiel condemns Israel for offering their qorbân on "every high hill, and all the thick trees," thereby presenting "the provocation of their offering" to the LORD Ezekiel 20:28. This illustrates that while the term H7133 denotes a sacred offering, its efficacy and acceptability are entirely dependent upon adherence to divine instruction regarding location, manner, and the heart of the offerer, highlighting a critical distinction between ritual act and genuine worship.
Several related words clarify the different types and purposes of a qorbân:
- H7126 qârab (to approach, bring near): This is the root verb from which qorbân is derived, emphasizing the action of bringing a gift into God's presence. It is used in the command to offer a sacrifice Leviticus 1:3.
- H5930 ʻôlâh (burnt offering): This describes a holocaust, an offering that ascends in smoke. It is one of the primary types of qorbân mentioned in scripture Leviticus 1:10.
- H4503 minchâh (meat offering): This term specifies a donation, typically a bloodless and voluntary sacrificial offering of grain or flour Leviticus 2:4.
- H8002 shelem (peace offering): This refers to a voluntary sacrifice given in thanks, a form of oblation that establishes peace and communion Leviticus 3:6.
- H2403 chaṭṭâʼâh (sin offering): This denotes an offering specifically for an offence or sin. A person who sins brings a qorbân as their sin offering Leviticus 4:28.
Several related words clarify the different types and purposes of a qorbân:
- H7126 qârab (to approach, bring near): This is the root verb from which qorbân is derived, emphasizing the action of bringing a gift into God's presence. It is used in the command to offer a sacrifice Leviticus 1:3.
- H5930 ʻôlâh (burnt offering): This describes a holocaust, an offering that ascends in smoke. It is one of the primary types of qorbân mentioned in scripture Leviticus 1:10.
- H4503 minchâh (meat offering): This term specifies a donation, typically a bloodless and voluntary sacrificial offering of grain or flour Leviticus 2:4.
- H8002 shelem (peace offering): This refers to a voluntary sacrifice given in thanks, a form of oblation that establishes peace and communion Leviticus 3:6.
- H2403 chaṭṭâʼâh (sin offering): This denotes an offering specifically for an offence or sin. A person who sins brings a qorbân as their sin offering Leviticus 4:28.
- H7138 qârôwb (near, close): This adjective, derived from the same root as qorbân, describes the state of proximity or closeness. It underscores the ultimate goal of the offering: to enable the offerer to draw near to God and to facilitate God's presence among His people.
- H7130 qereb (inward part, midst): Also stemming from the root H7126, this noun often refers to the inner part or the middle of something. In the context of qorbân, it can implicitly point to the sacred space "in the midst" of the tabernacle or temple where the offering is presented, or even symbolically to the inner disposition of the heart from which a true offering should arise.
The theological weight of H7133 is foundational to understanding Old Testament worship and atonement.
- Atonement: The offering is the means by which a person or the community can make an atonement H3722 for sin. The priests offer the people's offering to make atonement for them as commanded by the LORD Leviticus 9:7.
- Divine Provision: The LORD refers to the sacrifices as "My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire" Numbers 28:2, indicating that these acts of worship are a provision from God for His people to approach Him.
- Vows and Freewill Offerings: Beyond mandatory sacrifices, a qorbân could be given to fulfill vows H5088 or as freewill offerings H5071, demonstrating personal devotion and thanksgiving Leviticus 22:18.
- Consecration: The presentation of an offering is part of the dedication of sacred items, such as when the princes presented their offering for the dedicating of the altar Numbers 7:10.
The theological weight of H7133 is foundational to understanding Old Testament worship and atonement.
- Atonement: The offering is the means by which a person or the community can make an atonement H3722 for sin. The priests offer the people's offering to make atonement for them as commanded by the LORD Leviticus 9:7.
- Divine Provision: The LORD refers to the sacrifices as "My offering, and my bread for my sacrifices made by fire" Numbers 28:2, indicating that these acts of worship are a provision from God for His people to approach Him.
- Vows and Freewill Offerings: Beyond mandatory sacrifices, a qorbân could be given to fulfill vows H5088 or as freewill offerings H5071, demonstrating personal devotion and thanksgiving Leviticus 22:18.
- Consecration: The presentation of an offering is part of the dedication of sacred items, such as when the princes presented their offering for the dedicating of the altar Numbers 7:10.
- Remembrance and Memorial: A H7133 could serve as a powerful reminder before the LORD, bringing to mind either the offerer's state or a specific event. For instance, the "offering of jealousy" is explicitly called "an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance" Numbers 5:15, emphasizing its role in activating divine attention or recollection.
- Acceptability and Holiness: The efficacy of a H7133 was tied to its being "without blemish" and offered according to divine command, making it "holy" to the LORD Leviticus 22:27, Leviticus 27:9. Conversely, an offering presented in an improper manner or context, such as on high hills, could become a "provocation" to God, demonstrating that not all qorbân were inherently acceptable Ezekiel 20:28.
The Hebrew term H7133 qorbân functions as a foundational and comprehensive designation for any item brought near to God as an offering or sacrifice. Rooted in H7126 qârab, meaning "to approach" or "bring near," the term itself emphasizes the tangible object—the "thing brought near"—highlighting its material reality and its role as a present or tribute from humanity to the divine. This impersonal focus underscores the requirement for the offering to meet specific divine criteria regarding its nature and form, regardless of the offerer.
While H7133 broadly encompasses the well-known categories of burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings, its application extends to a remarkable variety of consecrated items. From animals and fine flour to precious metals like gold and silver vessels for tabernacle service Numbers 7:13, and even "wood offering" for the altar Nehemiah 10:34, qorbân signifies any valuable possession set apart for the LORD. The act of bringing a qorbân was not merely a ritual; it was a means for the offerer to draw H7138 qârôwb (near) to God, bringing their gift into the sacred H7130 qereb (midst) of His presence.
The theological significance of H7133 is profound, shaping Old Testament worship and the covenant relationship. It served as the primary means for atonement, divine provision, fulfilling vows, and consecrating sacred spaces and individuals. Beyond these, a qorbân could function as a powerful "memorial" Numbers 5:15, bringing the offerer or their situation to God's remembrance. Crucially, the acceptability of a qorbân was paramount; it had to be "without blemish" and presented according to precise divine instructions to be considered holy and pleasing to the LORD Leviticus 22:27. Offering a qorbân improperly or in forbidden contexts, as seen in Ezekiel's critique of "the provocation of their offering" Ezekiel 20:28, rendered it unacceptable and even offensive.
Thus, H7133 qorbân represents more than just a sacrificial act; it embodies a divinely ordained system for humanity to engage with a holy God. It is through these tangible gifts, brought near with proper intent and adherence to divine law, that sin could be addressed, devotion expressed, and the sacred relationship between God and His people maintained and affirmed.
In summary, H7133 qorbân is a comprehensive term for a sacrificial present brought near to God. It is not limited to a single type of sacrifice but encompasses everything from burnt offerings for atonement to grain offerings of thanksgiving. The word's root, "to bring near," captures the essence of the sacrificial system: a divinely established protocol for humanity to approach a holy God, deal with sin, and express devotion.
TRV