Karban

Karban, often transliterated korban, is the Hebrew term קרבן meaning “offering” or “that which brings one near.” In biblical and rabbinic Judaism, a karban was an offering brought to God as part of temple worship—typically to gain atonement, express gratitude, fulfill a vow, or dedicate oneself to God. The concept derives from the root karav, “to draw near,” and signifies an act by which worshipers sought closeness to the divine presence within the sanctuary in Jerusalem.

Several categories existed: olah (burnt offering); mincha (grain offering); shelamim (peace offering); chatat (sin offering); and asham (guilt offering). Some were communal, others individual. A temple priest (kohen) led most rites. The ritual typically involved presenting the offering, a prescribed act of slaughter or preparation, the handling of blood and fats following priestly instruction, and the burning of portions on the altar or their consumption in sanctioned cases. Each type served a purpose—atonement for sin, gratitude for deliverance, fulfillment of a vow, or dedication to God.

With the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, korbanot ceased as a practical practice in Judaism. Rabbinic Judaism reframed atonement through prayer, repentance, ethical conduct, and Torah study. The term persists in scripture, law, and liturgy as a historical and theological concept, and is used in discussions of biblical duties. In contemporary practice, some groups advocate reviving sacrifices in a rebuilt Temple, but such views are not part of mainstream Judaism.