Corban is a Hebrew word that means “a gift or offering dedicated to God; not to be used for secular purposes”. The root of the word is “to be brought near”, as in how we offer ourselves to be brought near to God.
The word comes from Mark 7:11, where Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for using man-made rules to nullify the Word of God.
9 And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ 11 But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.” (Mark 7:9-13)
This will be an ongoing reminder to Corban of God’s command (God’s Word) to honor your father and mother!
12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. (Exodus 20:12)
6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
