THE HEBREW MEANING OF OFFERING

THE HEBREW MEANING OF OFFERING

By Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg

The Hebrew word often translated “offering” is קָרְבָּן (pronounced: korban). It is a fascinating word, full of rich meaning. There are many words in Hebrew with this root קרב (karav). For example, the verb “to offer” or “to sacrifice” is להקריב (pronounced: lehakriv), while the verb to “draw near” or to “come close” is להתקרב (pronounced: lehitkarev).

One can imagine that an “offering” is a symbolic way of “coming closer”. Considering the Hebrew meaning, an “offering” קָרְבָּן (korban) should be thought of as something people use to get near towards God.

This includes our finances, our worship and our time!