Offering
קָרְבָּן (Qorban)
A gift presented to God as an act of worship, thanksgiving, or atonement
An offering (qorban, from 'qarab' meaning 'to draw near') is a gift presented to God. The Old Testament prescribes various offerings — burnt, grain, peace, sin, and guilt — each teaching a different aspect of approaching a holy God.
"If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD." — Leviticus 1:3 (KJV)
Key Verses
Leviticus 1:3
“If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.”Read in context
Hebrews 10:10
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”Read in context
Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”Read in context
The Meaning of Qorban
The Hebrew 'qorban' comes from the root 'qarab,' meaning 'to draw near' or 'to approach.' This reveals the deepest purpose of every offering: it was a means of drawing near to God. An offering was not a payment to earn God's favor but an expression of worship, gratitude, or repentance that restored or deepened the relationship between the worshipper and God. Every offering said, 'I want to be closer to You.'
The Five Main Offerings
Leviticus describes five categories of offerings: the burnt offering (complete dedication — the entire animal was consumed), the grain/meal offering (gratitude and devotion), the peace/fellowship offering (communion with God, shared as a meal), the sin offering (atonement for unintentional sins), and the guilt/trespass offering (restitution for specific offenses). Together they formed a comprehensive system for maintaining relationship with a holy God.
Christ: The Final Offering
The book of Hebrews declares that all Old Testament offerings were shadows pointing to Christ. 'We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all' (Hebrews 10:10). Where animals could only cover sin temporarily, Christ's offering permanently removed it. He is simultaneously the perfect burnt offering (total devotion to the Father), the sin offering (bearing our guilt), and the peace offering (restoring fellowship between God and humanity).
Living Offerings Today
Since Christ has fulfilled the sacrificial system, believers no longer offer animals but present themselves. Romans 12:1 calls us to be 'living sacrifices' — offering our bodies, time, talents, and resources to God. Hebrews 13:16 says, 'To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.' Our acts of love, generosity, service, and praise are the offerings of the New Covenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God require animal sacrifice?
Animal sacrifice served multiple purposes: it demonstrated the seriousness of sin (sin causes death), it provided a substitute (the animal died in place of the sinner), and it foreshadowed Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The animal's blood was not magic — it was a God-appointed means of atonement that pointed forward to the cross.
What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
A tithe is a required tenth of one's income, given as a baseline of faithfulness. An offering is a voluntary gift given above and beyond the tithe, motivated by gratitude, worship, or a specific purpose. In the Old Testament, the tithe was obligatory; offerings were additional expressions of devotion.
Do Christians still need to bring offerings?
While animal sacrifices are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of giving offerings remains. Christians are called to give generously, cheerfully, and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 9:7). Financial giving, acts of service, praise, and the offering of our entire lives are the sacrifices of the New Covenant.
What is the Hebrew word for "Offering" in the Bible?
קָרְבָּן (Qorban), pronounced "kor-BAHN." It means a gift presented to god as an act of worship, thanksgiving, or atonement. It is the word behind "Offering" in both Testaments, for example in Leviticus 1:3.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Offering (קָרְבָּן (Qorban))
A gift presented to God as an act of worship, thanksgiving, or atonement
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Prayer & Worship
What Is the Meaning of Communion?
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Priest (כֹּהֵן (kohen))
A mediator between God and people, offering sacrifices and interceding.
Strong's H4196 — Altar
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Biblical Meaning of Snakes in a Dream (KJV)
Deception, hidden enemies, and spiritual attack.
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