The Veil in the Temple was Torn
The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus’ death is one of the most dramatic and symbolically rich events recorded in the New Testament. This occurrence, described in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), is laden with theological meaning and draws upon the deep traditions of the Old Testament. The event not only marks a pivotal moment in salvation history but also invites reflection on the nature of access to God, the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, and the transformation of worship for followers of Jesus.
The Temple Veil in the Old Testament Context
To understand the significance of the veil’s tearing, it is essential to appreciate its role in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The veil, or curtain, was not a mere decorative feature but a central element in the architecture of Israel’s worship. According to Exodus, God instructed Moses to construct a tabernacle with a veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the “Holy of Holies”), where the ark of the covenant resided (Exodus 26:31-33). The veil was made of “blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen” and was to be hung on four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold.
The function of the veil was to serve as a barrier between God’s immediate presence and the people. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, to offer blood for his own sins and the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-3, 15-17). This restriction emphasized both the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. The veil, therefore, was a powerful symbol of separation caused by sin.
The Tearing of the Veil in the New Testament
The Synoptic Gospels record the tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus’ death. Matthew writes: “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.” (Matthew 27:50-51)
Mark and Luke provide similar accounts (Mark 15:37-38; Luke 23:45). All three emphasize that the veil was torn “from top to bottom,” a detail that is both literal and symbolic.
Theological Significance of the Tearing of the Veil
The tearing of the veil is rich in theological meaning, signaling a profound shift in the relationship between God and humanity.
Removal of the Barrier Between God and Humanity
The most immediate significance is the removal of the barrier that separated people from the presence of God. The author of Hebrews interprets the work of Jesus in precisely these terms: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh…” (Hebrews 10:19-20)
Here, the “curtain” is explicitly connected to the body of Jesus. His sacrificial death is seen as the means by which access to God is granted, not just to the high priest, but to all who trust in him. The torn veil thus symbolizes the end of the old covenant system and the inauguration of a new covenant in which believers have direct access to God.
Fulfillment of the Sacrificial System
The tearing of the veil also marks the fulfillment and obsolescence of the temple sacrificial system. The sacrifices offered in the temple were always provisional, pointing forward to a greater atonement. Hebrews again makes this point: “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come… he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12)
With Jesus’ death and victory, the need for repeated sacrifices and the mediation of human priests is abolished. The way into the presence of God is now open through the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.
Divine Initiative and the Direction of the Tearing
The detail that the veil was torn “from top to bottom” is significant. This suggests that the act was initiated by God, not by human hands. The direction of the tearing underscores that it was God who removed the barrier, not humanity reaching up to God, but God reaching down to humanity. This is consistent with the biblical theme of salvation as a work of divine grace.
Symbolism of Judgment and New Creation
Some scholars note that the tearing of the veil also symbolizes judgment upon the temple and its system. Jesus had predicted the destruction of the temple (Matthew 24:1-2), and the tearing of the veil can be seen as a foreshadowing of this judgment. At the same time, the event signals the beginning of a new creation, where the presence of God is no longer confined to a physical building but is accessible to all who are in Christ.
Was the Temple Veil Ever Repaired?
The New Testament does not record whether the veil was repaired after it was torn. Jewish historical sources, such as the writings of Josephus, do not mention the event directly, and there is no clear evidence that the veil was restored before the temple’s destruction in 70 AD. Some traditions suggest that temple authorities may have attempted to repair or replace the veil, but the theological point made by the Gospels is that the barrier had been decisively removed by God’s action in Christ. Even if a physical repair was attempted, the spiritual reality inaugurated by Jesus’ death could not be undone.
What Does “The Veil Has Been Broken” Mean?
The phrase “the veil has been broken” is a way of expressing the profound truth that the separation between God and humanity has been overcome. In Christ, believers are invited to approach God with confidence: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
The “breaking” of the veil means that the old restrictions are gone, and the way to God is open to all who come through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It also means that the presence of God is no longer localized in a building but is available to all believers, who are themselves described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
The Veil Torn from Top to Bottom
The Gospel writers are unanimous in noting that the veil was torn “from top to bottom.” This detail is not incidental. It emphasizes that the act was supernatural and initiated by God. The veil in Herod’s temple was a massive curtain, some sources suggest it was up to 60 feet high and several inches thick. For such a veil to be torn from the top down would have been impossible for any human to accomplish, especially at the moment of Jesus’ death. This underscores the divine origin of the event and its significance as a sign from God.
Conclusion
The veil in the Temple was torn at the death of Jesus. This is a theologically rich event that marks the culmination of the old covenant and the inauguration of the new. It signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, and the opening of access to God for all who trust in Christ. The detail that the veil was torn from top to bottom highlights the divine initiative in salvation. While the physical fate of the veil after the event is uncertain, the spiritual reality it represents is clear and enduring: through Jesus, the way to God is open. The “veil has been broken,” and all are invited to draw near to God in faith, assured of his grace and presence.