קׇרְבָּן

something brought near the altar, i.e. a sacrificial present

Definition

The Hebrew word 'qorbân' refers to an offering or gift presented to God, specifically something brought near to the altar. It is the general term for a sacrificial present, encompassing a wide range of ritual gifts, from animal sacrifices (Leviticus 1:2-3) to grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1). In some contexts, particularly in the later books, it can also denote a dedicated gift or contribution for the sanctuary, not necessarily for the altar, such as in the case of the offerings for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:5). The term fundamentally expresses the act of drawing near to God through a tangible presentation.

Biblical Usage

The word is used almost exclusively in the Pentateuch, with Leviticus containing the vast majority of its occurrences, detailing the laws of various offerings (e.g., Leviticus 1-7). It appears in Numbers regarding the dedication of the altar (Numbers 7) and in Ezekiel's vision of the future temple (Ezekiel 20:28, 40:43). Its usage is consistently ritual and cultic, describing the prescribed gifts brought by Israelites to the Lord as part of worship and atonement.

Etymology

Derived from the root verb 'qārav' (H7126), meaning 'to come near, approach.' The noun 'qorbân' literally means 'that which is brought near.' This etymology highlights the core concept of the offering: it is an item presented to draw the worshipper into God's presence. The related Aramaic word with the same spelling is used in the New Testament (Mark 7:11) as 'Corban,' showing the term's significance in Jewish religious practice.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the Old Testament theology of worship and atonement. An offering ('qorbân') was the God-ordained means for a sinful people to approach a holy God. It visually taught the principles of substitution, dedication, and the cost of fellowship with the Divine. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of the New Testament, where Jesus is presented as the ultimate and final 'offering' for sin (Hebrews 10:10, 14), fulfilling and superseding the entire Levitical system of 'qorbân.'

In ancient Israelite culture, bringing a 'qorbân' was a fundamental act of worship, community identity, and covenant relationship. It was not a casual donation but a prescribed ritual act with strict regulations regarding the type, quality, and handling of the gift. This practice stood in contrast to the surrounding pagan cultures, where offerings were often seen as feeding or appeasing capricious gods; Israel's offerings were primarily about obedience, atonement, and thanksgiving to a covenant-keeping God.

minḥâ (H4503) — a gift or tribute, often a grain offering; specific type of 'qorbân'. ʿōlâ (H5930) — the whole burnt offering; a specific 'qorbân' wholly consumed on the altar. ḥaṭṭāʾt (H2403) — the sin offering; a specific 'qorbân' for purification from sin. ʾāšām (H817) — the guilt or trespass offering; a specific 'qorbân' for restitution.

Word Details

Scripture References