κορβᾶν

a gift, offering

Definition

Κορβᾶν (korban) is a Greek transliteration of a Hebrew/Aramaic term meaning 'a gift' or 'offering,' specifically one consecrated to God. In the New Testament, it refers to something dedicated to God, which then becomes unavailable for ordinary use. In Mark 7:11, Jesus critiques the Pharisees' practice of declaring property as 'korban' to avoid using it to support their parents, thus nullifying God's command to honor father and mother. In Matthew 27:6, the chief priests refuse to put the 'korban' (the thirty pieces of silver returned by Judas) into the temple treasury because it is 'blood money,' highlighting its status as a defiled offering.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts criticizing religious hypocrisy. In Mark 7:11, it is central to Jesus' teaching on human tradition versus God's commandment. In Matthew 27:6, it is used by the chief priests to describe Judas's returned money, showing their scruples about temple purity while ignoring greater moral guilt. Both occurrences are in narratives confronting the misuse of religious devotion.

Etymology

The word is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew/Aramaic קָרְבָּן (qorbān), meaning 'offering' or 'that which is brought near.' It entered Greek through the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) and Jewish usage. The root relates to coming near or approaching, hence an offering presented to God.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it exposes the conflict between human religious tradition and God's moral law. Jesus uses it in Mark 7:11 to condemn how pious-sounding vows ('korban') were used to circumvent the Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12). It illustrates the danger of external religiosity that neglects justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23), a key theme in Jesus' teachings against hypocrisy.

In first-century Jewish culture, declaring something 'korban' was a formal vow dedicating it to God, making it irreversibly sacred and thus forbidden for secular use. This practice, based on interpretations of Leviticus and Numbers, could be misused for personal gain, as Jesus highlighted. The modern reader might miss that 'korban' was a powerful, binding religious declaration, not merely a casual term for a gift.

δῶρον (dōron, G1435) — a general term for gift or offering, often used for sacrifices. θυσία (thysia, G2378) — specifically a sacrifice or offering slain on an altar. προσφορά (prosphora, G4376) — an offering or presentation brought to God.

Word Details

Scripture References