Definition and Etymology:
The term "Korban" is derived from the Hebrew word "קָרְבָּן" (qorbān), meaning "offering" or "gift dedicated to God." In the context of the Hebrew Bible and Jewish tradition, it refers to something brought near to God, typically as a sacrifice or offering. The concept of Korban is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, where offerings were made to atone for sin, express gratitude, or fulfill vows.

Biblical References:
The concept of Korban is primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers, where various types of offerings are described, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. These offerings were central to the worship practices of the Israelites and were conducted at the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem.

In the New Testament, the term "Korban" is specifically mentioned in the Gospels. In Mark 7:11-13 , Jesus addresses the misuse of Korban by the Pharisees and scribes:
"But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is Corban’ (that is, a gift devoted to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

Here, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for allowing individuals to declare their possessions as Korban, thereby exempting them from using those resources to support their parents. This practice, according to Jesus, undermined the commandment to honor one's father and mother, highlighting a conflict between human traditions and divine commandments.

Theological Significance:
Korban, as a concept, underscores the importance of offerings and sacrifices in the relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, these offerings were a means of maintaining covenantal fellowship with God, expressing devotion, and seeking forgiveness for sins. The sacrificial system pointed to the holiness of God and the need for atonement.

In the New Testament, the critique of Korban practices by Jesus emphasizes the priority of moral obligations over ritualistic traditions. It serves as a reminder that true worship and devotion to God cannot be separated from ethical behavior and love for others. Jesus' teaching on Korban reflects a broader theme in His ministry, where He calls for a heart-oriented faith that transcends mere external compliance with religious norms.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, offerings were an integral part of religious life. The sacrificial system was not only a means of worship but also a way to maintain social and communal harmony. The offerings were often shared with the priests and the community, reinforcing bonds and ensuring the welfare of the religious leaders.

The practice of declaring something as Korban, as critiqued by Jesus, reflects a tension between traditional religious practices and the ethical demands of the Law. It illustrates how religious practices can sometimes be manipulated to serve personal interests rather than the intended purpose of honoring God and serving others.

Conclusion:
The concept of Korban, while rooted in the sacrificial traditions of ancient Israel, carries enduring lessons about the nature of true worship and the ethical demands of faith. It challenges believers to examine their own practices and priorities, ensuring that their devotion to God is reflected in their love and care for others.2878. korban -- an offering
... 2877, 2878. korban. 2878a . ... see HEBREW qorban. (korban) -- 1 Occurrence. (korbanan)
-- 1 Occurrence. 2877, 2878. korban. 2878a . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2878.htm - 6k

2878a. korban -- an offering
... 2878, 2878a. korban. 2878b . an offering. Transliteration: korban Short Definition:
Corban. ... 2878, 2878a. korban. 2878b . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2878a.htm - 5k

The Misfortunes which Overwhelmed the Jews after their Presumption ...
... 9. 4. [320] Heb. qrbn; Greek korban and korbanas. The word denoted originally any
offering to God, especially an offering in fulfillment of a vow. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the misfortunes which overwhelmed.htm

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... [6] Neither of the English words: "sacrifice," "offering," or "gift" quite corresponds
to the Hebrew Korban, derived from a verb which in one mood means to be ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... For example: torah, law, has its counterpart in the Assyrian tertu; the biblical
kipper, atonement, is the Assyrian kuppuru; korban, gift or offering, is the ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... Not only the word Qorban' [Korban], given to God', but any similar expression, such
as Qonakh, or Qonam [3385] (the latter also a Phoenician expression, and ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... The temples and their ministers were supported partly by endowments, partly by
voluntary gifts, sometimes called kurbanni, the Hebrew korban, partly by ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Korban (1 Occurrence)
...Korban (1 Occurrence). Mark 7:11 But *you* say, 'If a man says to his father or
mother, It is a Korban (that is, a thing devoted to God) (WEY YLT). ...
/k/korban.htm - 6k

Kore (4 Occurrences)

/k/kore.htm - 10k

Korazin (2 Occurrences)

/k/korazin.htm - 7k

Otherwise (78 Occurrences)
... Mark 7:11 and ye say, If a man may say to father or to mother, Korban (that is,
a gift), 'is' whatever thou mayest be profited out of mine, (See NIV). ...
/o/otherwise.htm - 30k

Devoted (72 Occurrences)
... Mark 7:11 But *you* say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, It is
a Korban (that is, a thing devoted to God) (WEY NIV). Luke ...
/d/devoted.htm - 29k

Mayest (240 Occurrences)
... Mark 7:11 and ye say, If a man may say to father or to mother, Korban (that is,
a gift), 'is' whatever thou mayest be profited out of mine, (YLT). ...
/m/mayest.htm - 36k

Says (1491 Occurrences)
... Mark 7:11 But *you* say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, It is a
Korban (that is, a thing devoted to God) (WEY BBE NAS NIV). ...
/s/says.htm - 34k

What does Corban mean in Mark 7:11? | GotQuestions.org

Questions about Mark | GotQuestions.org

What is the Jewish Targum? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus