Korbanot (offerings) קורבנות

The word korban comes from karov, "near": not a sacrifice in the sense of loss but an approach. Offerings appear long before the Temple—Kayin and Hevel, Noach after the Flood, the patriarchs. Vayikra establishes the system: the elevation offering, the meal offering, peace offerings, the sin offering for unintentional transgression, and the guilt offering.

The schedule was detailed: a daily offering morning and evening, additional ones on Sabbaths and festivals, and personal offerings by vow or circumstance. Much of it was eaten by the kohanim or by the owners—worship was also a meal.

The prophets warned constantly that an offering without inner work is empty: "I desire kindness, not sacrifice". After the destruction prayer took their place, and studying their laws is reckoned as bringing them.