or קֻרְבָּן; from קָרַב; something brought near the altar, i.e. a sacrificial present; oblation, that is offered, offering.
Transliteration:qorbân
Pronunciation:kor-bawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term qorbân (`{{H7133}}`) originates from the verbal root קָרַב (qārab, `{{H7126}}`), which fundamentally means "to draw near," "to approach," or "to come close." Therefore, the core meaning of qorbân is "something brought near" or "something presented." In its biblical context, this invariably refers to something brought near to God, specifically to the altar or the sacred precincts of the Tabernacle/Temple.
Its semantic range primarily encompasses:
* **Sacrificial Present:** The most common usage, denoting any offering or gift brought to God as an act of worship, dedication, or atonement.
* **Oblation:** A broader term for something offered to a deity.
* **Offering:** A general term for any item presented in a religious context.
It functions as a general category for various types of offerings, rather than a specific type itself, emphasizing the act of presentation and the object presented to the divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word qorbân appears 82 times in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, which detail the sacrificial system. It also appears in Ezekiel and Nehemiah, and its Greek transliteration, κορβαν (`{{G2878}}`), is found in the New Testament.
In Leviticus and Numbers, qorbân serves as an overarching term for all types of offerings brought to the Lord. It can encompass burnt offerings (עֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`), grain offerings (מִנְחָה, `{{H4503}}`), peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, `{{H8002}}`), sin offerings (חַטָּאת, `{{H2403}}`), and guilt offerings (אָשָׁם, `{{H817}}`).
* [[Leviticus 1:2]] states, "When any man of you brings an offering (qorbân) to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of livestock from the herd or from the flock." This verse immediately establishes qorbân as the comprehensive term for sacrificial gifts.
* [[Leviticus 2:1]] begins, "When anyone brings a grain offering (minchah) as an offering (qorbân) to the Lord..." Here, qorbân functions as the broader category under which minchah is a specific type.
* The extensive list of tribal offerings in [[Numbers 7]] repeatedly uses qorbân to describe the diverse animals and materials presented at the dedication of the Tabernacle, highlighting the voluntary and comprehensive nature of these dedications.
In Ezekiel, qorbân appears in the context of the visionary temple, referring to the offerings that will be brought there (e.g., [[Ezekiel 20:28]]). Nehemiah mentions "the wood offering" (qorbân of wood) for the temple service ([[Nehemiah 10:34]] [MT 10:35]), indicating its use for dedicated temple provisions.
The New Testament usage in [[Mark 7:11]] is particularly illuminating. Jesus addresses the practice where individuals would declare their property "Corban" (κορβαν), meaning "dedicated to God," thereby absolving themselves of their responsibility to care for their parents. This demonstrates that qorbân was understood as something irrevocably dedicated and set apart for God's use, highlighting a perversion of a sacred concept for selfish ends.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **קָרַב (qārab, `{{H7126}}`):** The root verb, "to draw near," is foundational. The qorbân is the *means* by which one draws near to God, emphasizing accessibility and the worshiper's initiative in approaching the divine.
* **Specific Offering Types:** qorbân is distinct from, yet encompasses, specific offerings like עֹלָה (ʿōlāh, `{{H5930}}`, "burnt offering"), מִנְחָה (minchah, `{{H4503}}`, "grain offering"), and זֶבַח (zevach, `{{H2077}}`, "sacrifice," often involving animal slaughter). While these are specific types, qorbân is the general term for "an offering."
* **נֶדֶר (neder, `{{H5088}}`) and נְדָבָה (nedavah, `{{H5071}}`):** "Vow" and "freewill offering." These terms describe the *motivation* or *condition* under which an offering is made. A qorbân could be a fulfillment of a neder or a nedavah.
* **תְּרוּמָה (terumah, `{{H8641}}`):** "Contribution" or "heave offering." While also brought to God, terumah often refers to a portion set aside for priestly support or temple construction rather than a direct sacrificial act on the altar like a typical qorbân.
* **Proximity to God:** The entire system of qorbân underscores the theological concept of drawing near to God. The Tabernacle and Temple were designed as the unique places of God's manifest presence, and the qorbân provided the divinely sanctioned means for humanity to approach Him in a ritually acceptable manner.
### Theological Significance
The concept of qorbân carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Provision for Access:** The institution of qorbân demonstrates God's gracious provision for sinful humanity to approach His holy presence. Despite the inherent separation due to sin, God established a way for reconciliation and communion.
* **Atonement and Reconciliation:** Many qorbân types, particularly the sin and guilt offerings, were explicitly for atonement, highlighting the gravity of sin and the necessity of a substitute to bridge the gap between God and humanity. The shedding of blood in animal qorbân pointed to the cost of sin and the principle of life for life.
* **Worship and Devotion:** Beyond expiation, qorbân served as tangible expressions of worship, thanksgiving, and dedication. They were acts of obedience and devotion, demonstrating the worshiper's faith, gratitude, and commitment to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The requirement to offer the "best" ([[Leviticus 1:3]]) underscored the reverence and value placed on God.
* **Covenant Maintenance:** The qorbân system was integral to the Mosaic Covenant, providing the framework for Israel to maintain its relationship with God, addressing both corporate and individual sin, and celebrating divine blessings.
* **Anticipation of Christ:** The Old Testament qorbân system, with its repeated sacrifices, served as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect offering of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is the supreme qorbân, fulfilling and superseding all previous offerings. Through His singular sacrifice, humanity is truly able to "draw near" to God, as the author of Hebrews articulates, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body" ([[Hebrews 10:19-20]]). The misuse of Corban in [[Mark 7:11]] ironically highlights the sacred, irrevocable nature that Christ's sacrifice truly embodied.
### Summary
The Hebrew word qorbân (`{{H7133}}`), derived from qārab (`{{H7126}}`) meaning "to draw near," fundamentally signifies "something brought near" or "presented" to God as an offering. It serves as a comprehensive term for various types of sacrifices and gifts within the Mosaic Law, primarily detailed in Leviticus and Numbers. The qorbân system was divinely ordained to enable Israel to approach a holy God, facilitating atonement, expressing worship, and maintaining the covenant relationship. Theologically, qorbân underscores God's provision for human access, the necessity of reconciliation for sin, and the tangible expression of devotion. Ultimately, the entire system of qorbân pointed forward to the perfect and all-sufficient qorbân of Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross fulfills and transcends all Old Testament offerings, providing the definitive means for humanity to draw near to God.
TRV