What does "Corban" mean?

I. Introduction

Corban is an ancient term found in the New Testament that appears in specific discussions surrounding vows, offerings, and obligations. Understanding what “Corban” means is crucial for interpreting certain biblical passages—particularly Jesus’ teaching on religious traditions versus God’s commandments. This entry examines the etymology, scriptural context, cultural background, and theological implications of Corban.

II. Definition and Etymology

“Corban” (Hebrew: קָרְבָּן, qorbān) denotes something “brought near” or “offered” to God. This word connotes a gift or dedication, especially in the sense of a vow given to God’s service. In Mark 7, the gospel writer preserves the Aramaic term and clarifies its meaning as a gift devoted to God.

Within the Hebrew Bible, “qorbān” frequently refers to sacrifices or offerings (see Leviticus 1:2, 2:1). The New Testament usage highlights a specific practice among first-century Jewish communities in which a person could designate personal property or funds for the temple, rendering them “off-limits” for other uses—even caring for parents.

III. Biblical Usage and Context

Jesus addresses Corban directly in Mark 7:11, critiquing the misuse of this practice. The Berean Standard Bible quotes:

“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).”

(Mark 7:11)

At issue was not the dedication itself—devoting finances or resources to God was considered honorable—but the skewed application that undermined the command to honor one’s father and mother (Exodus 20:12).

Matthew 15:3–6 highlights the same situation, underscoring that some used the Corban vow to avoid supporting their families, effectively nullifying God’s command through a tradition.

IV. Historical and Cultural Background

The concept of dedicating possessions to the divine was integral not only in Israel but also in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures. Within Judaism, the Mishnah (particularly in the tractate Nedarim) elucidates the legal intricacies of such vows, discussing how once an item was declared Corban, its use was restricted for temple purposes.

Where the Exodus and Levitical systems intended offerings to be acts of true worship, certain interpretive traditions in Jesus’ day evolved into a mechanism to sidestep familial obligations. This distortion is precisely what Jesus condemns in Mark 7.

V. Corban in Mark 7 and Matthew 15

The Gospels point out a broader principle: God’s moral commands must hold priority over any human tradition. In Mark 7:10–13, Jesus reminds His audience of the command, “Honor your father and your mother.” Then He indicts those who say, “Whatever you would have received from me is Corban,” thus freeing themselves from providing for parents. Jesus concludes they are “nullifying the word of God by [their] tradition” (v. 13).

Likewise, Matthew 15 emphasizes that devoting belongings to God in a way that breaks the essential moral command to care for one’s family is a misguided use of religious practice. Rather than an indictment on vows or temple offerings themselves, these passages illustrate how any tradition can become an excuse to neglect foundational commandments when sincerity and true fidelity to God’s law are lacking.

VI. The Teachings of Jesus

Jesus’ words in Mark 7 and Matthew 15 serve as a clear statement that love for God must not contradict His direct commands regarding family and community responsibilities. Christ’s message consistently underscores genuine obedience flowing from love (Matthew 22:37–40) rather than ritual adherence that bypasses moral obligations.

Through this lens, “Corban” becomes an object lesson: all spiritual vows or gifts must align with the heart of God’s law rather than undermine it. True worship involves integrity toward both God and fellow humans.

VII. Practical Significance

1. Integrity Over Legalism

The Corban principle challenges readers to examine any traditions, personal or institutional, that might overshadow the spirit of genuine godliness.

2. Honor for Family

The emphasis on “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12; Mark 7:10) carries through all Scripture, showcasing the high value placed on familial responsibility. Any vow or religious action should never serve as a loophole to ignore that duty.

3. Worship and Offerings

Although Corban signifies an offering truly dedicated to God, it must never become a substitute for authentic heart devotion. True offerings stem from gratitude and reverence—never as a tool to circumvent moral obligations.

4. Holistic Application

This concept serves as a safeguard, reminding believers to examine how practices—including charitable giving, tithes, or service—fit into one’s broader calling to love and honor God’s commands faithfully.

VIII. Conclusion

Corban, ultimately meaning a gift or vow dedicated to God, sheds light on how a well-intentioned religious tradition can devolve into a harmful loophole that dishonors the heart of divine law. Mark 7 and Matthew 15 reveal Jesus’ steadfast insistence that true devotion always resonates with God’s commands for love, justice, and family obligations.

As the biblical record attests, the consistent and coherent teaching on Corban underscores that God desires mercy, responsibility, and sincerity of worship. Any practice, no matter how pious it appears, must never override foundational commandments to love God and care for those He has placed in our lives.