Offering

Occurrences in Scripture

In the New Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Gaejeong), the word yemul refers both to what is brought and presented to God and to gifts sent to other people. The term heonmul is also used with the same meaning.

• Sacrificial law: The regulations for Old Testament sacrifices in Leviticus 1–7 call everything presented, including burnt offerings and grain offerings, "an offering unto the LORD" (Leviticus 1:2).
• Building the tabernacle: God commands Moses to receive the offerings that the people give willingly and to build the tabernacle (Exodus 25:2).
• Gifts between people: Before meeting his brother Esau, Jacob sends him herds of livestock as a present (Genesis 32).
• New Testament: The Magi present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Jesus teaches that before offering a gift at the altar, one must first be reconciled to one's brother (Matthew 5:23-24). Hebrews 5:1 describes the high priest as one who offers "both gifts and sacrifices."

Original Languages

• Qorban: Derived from a verb meaning "to bring near," this term denotes anything presented as a sacrifice. Mark 7:11 transliterates the word directly: "It is Corban, that is to say, a gift."
• Minchah: Meaning a gift or tribute, this word in sacrificial usage refers to the grain offering (the "meat offering" of the KJV). The present Jacob sent to Esau is also designated by this term.
• Terumah: Meaning a portion set apart from the whole and dedicated, this term is used for the offerings given for building the tabernacle.
• Dōron: A Greek word meaning "gift," used in the New Testament for gifts offered at the altar.

Meaning Across Scripture

The psalmists and prophets of the Old Testament criticized offerings that were not accompanied by a corresponding heart and life (Psalm 51:16-17, Micah 6:6-8). Jesus likewise rebuked the practice of using a Corban vow as a pretext for avoiding the support of one's parents (Mark 7:9-13). Hebrews holds that Christ, by offering His own body once for all, brought the atoning sacrifice to completion (Hebrews 10). Thereafter, it says, what believers offer are the sacrifices of praise, doing good, and sharing (Hebrews 13:15-16).

Interpretation and Debated Issues

• Relationship to present-day giving: Protestants generally hold that atoning sacrifice has come to an end in Christ. They therefore understand today's offerings as a response of gratitude and devotion to grace. The Catholic Church presents bread and wine as offerings at Mass. It also understands the Mass as the occasion in which Christ's sacrifice is made sacramentally present, a point on which Protestants differ.
• Offerings and blessing: Proponents of prosperity theology read the saying "he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully" as a promise of material return in proportion to what one gives. Many denominations and theologians criticize this reading, holding that the emphasis of the passage lies on a willing heart and on sharing (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
• Ideas not found in the text: It is commonly said that Cain's offering was rejected because it was bloodless, but Genesis 4 does not state the reason. Hebrews 11:4 says only that Abel offered "by faith." The interpretation of the Magi's three gifts as symbols of kingship, divinity, and death comes from church tradition, as does the notion that there were three Magi.

In the Korean Church

Many Korean churches call the offertory in the Sunday worship service the "presentation of offerings" (yemul bongheon) or "offering our gifts." Offertory prayers also commonly include expressions such as "Receive the offerings we present." The "exchange of gifts" (yemul gyohwan) in a wedding service reflects the general Korean usage of the word and differs in meaning from the biblical offering.