The word "Corban" is spelled using the English alphabet, but it is based on a Hebrew word that is spelled differently. In Hebrew, the word is pronounced with a hard "K" sound and is spelled "qorban" (קרבן) using Hebrew characters. The English spelling includes the letter "C" to represent this sound, but the actual pronunciation is still based on the original Hebrew word. The IPA phonetic transcription for "Corban" is /ˈkɔːrbən/, with stress on the first syllable.
Corban is a noun that originates from the biblical and Aramaic language, with its first usage found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible (Mark 7:11). This term refers to a special offering or gift that is dedicated to God. It specifically pertains to a religious practice prevalent in ancient times where individuals would set aside or allocate their possessions, money, or property as an offering to God, typically through the means of a formal religious vow or dedication. The concept of Corban involves an act of devotion and commitment in which the person renounces their own rights to the dedicated item, devoting it solely to the service or honor of God.
Corban carries an implicit spiritual and sacrificial connotation, representing an act of pledging and excluding the item or asset from personal use, often to support religious rituals or charitable causes. In some historical contexts, this dedication may have been temporary, where the item could eventually be redeemed or repurposed, while in other cases, it might have been a permanent offering.
Furthermore, in contemporary usage, the term Corban is sometimes referred to as an individual's offering of time, talents, or resources to a religious or benevolent cause, reflecting a similar sense of dedication and sacrifice. It emphasizes the act of giving generously and selflessly, in alignment with religious or spiritual principles.
Among the anc. Jews, a living offering or sacrifice; an alms-basket; a gift; an alms.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Corban" has its origins in the New Testament of the Bible. Specifically, it appears in the Gospel of Mark and the Gospel of Matthew, describing a religious custom practiced by some Jewish individuals during that time.
In the Gospel of Mark (Mark 7:11), it is written, "But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)—then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother". Similarly, in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 15:5), it is mentioned as, "But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is a gift devoted to God, they are not to 'honor their father or mother' with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition".