
Temple sacrifice, also known as korban (קורבן) in Hebrew, refers to the religious practice of offering animals, grains, or other items to a deity in a temple or sacred space. This practice was central to the worship of many ancient cultures, including the Israelites, Greeks, and Romans. In the context of ancient Israelite religion, temple sacrifices were conducted at the Tabernacle and later at the Temple in Jerusalem. These sacrifices served multiple purposes, including atonement for sins, expression of gratitude, and fulfillment of vows. The Hebrew Bible, particularly the books of Leviticus and Numbers, provides detailed instructions on the types of sacrifices and the procedures to be followed. The Greek term for sacrifice is thusía (θυσία), and in Latin, it is referred to as sacrificium. The practice of temple sacrifice was not limited to ancient times; it has been observed in various forms by different religious traditions throughout history.