corban: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Religious, Academic (Biblical Studies)
Quick answer
What does “corban” mean?
An offering or gift dedicated to God in ancient Jewish religious practice, often to the exclusion of other use.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An offering or gift dedicated to God in ancient Jewish religious practice, often to the exclusion of other use.
In modern usage, it occasionally appears as a historical or theological term to denote something solemnly dedicated to religious purposes, often cited in discussions of biblical law and tradition. It may be used metaphorically to imply a resource rendered unavailable for ordinary use by prior commitment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
Solely biblical/historical; no modern colloquial connotations.
Frequency
Effectively zero in general language. Slightly more likely to be encountered in theological writing or bible study materials.
Grammar
How to Use “corban” in a Sentence
Noun as object (dedicate something as corban)Noun as subject (The corban was meant for the temple.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and historical analysis of biblical texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific term in biblical exegesis and Jewish antiquities.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corban”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “corban”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corban”
- Pronouncing it as /kɔːrˈbæn/ (kor-BAN).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to corban something' is very non-standard).
- Assuming it has a general modern meaning.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare word, found almost exclusively in religious or academic texts discussing the Bible or Jewish law.
No, in standard usage it is only a noun. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to corban funds') would be a non-standard neologism.
The term is notably discussed in the Gospel of Mark (7:11), where Jesus criticises the practice of declaring property 'corban' to avoid using it to support one's parents.
A corban is a specific, solemn vow of dedication that makes the object taboo for any secular or personal use, effectively transferring it to the temple's domain, even if physically retained.
An offering or gift dedicated to God in ancient Jewish religious practice, often to the exclusion of other use.
Corban is usually formal, religious, academic (biblical studies) in register.
Corban: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːb(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːrbən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term itself functions as a technical, non-idiomatic unit.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CORe BANk' – but a bank account so dedicated to the core (heart) of religion that it's banned from other uses.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEDICATION IS SETTING APART. A corban is a physical or financial resource metaphorically 'fenced off' for divine use.
Practice
Quiz
In which primary context is the term 'corban' used?