Luke 23:45

And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

And {G2532} the sun {G2246} was darkened {G4654}, and {G2532} the veil {G2665} of the temple {G3485} was rent {G4977} in the midst {G3319}.

the sun did not shine. Also the parokhet in the Temple was split down the middle.

The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.

the sun’s light failing: and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

Context

Luke 23:45 describes two profoundly significant supernatural events that occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This verse immediately follows the account of the supernatural darkness that covered the land from the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3 PM), and precedes Jesus' final cry and death. These events are not random occurrences but divine signs marking the cosmic importance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

Key Events & Significance

  • The Sun was Darkened: This was not a natural solar eclipse, as Passover, when the crucifixion occurred, takes place during a full moon. This extraordinary darkness, lasting for three hours, indicated divine judgment, sorrow, and the gravity of the sin being atoned for. It mirrored Old Testament prophecies of a "day of the Lord" marked by darkness, signifying God's presence and judgment (e.g., Amos 8:9).
  • The Veil of the Temple was Rent in the Midst: This is arguably the most symbolic event mentioned in this verse. The "veil" (Greek: katapetasma) was a massive, thick curtain in the Jerusalem Temple that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies). The Holy of Holies was considered the earthly dwelling place of God's presence, and only the High Priest was permitted to enter it, and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.
    • Symbolism of the Veil: It represented the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, signifying that direct access to God was restricted due to sin.
    • Significance of the Tearing: The fact that it was "rent in the midst" (from top to bottom, according to Matthew 27:51 and Mark 15:38) indicates that it was torn by divine power, not by human hands. This act powerfully symbolizes that through Jesus' death, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, the barrier between God and humanity was removed. It signifies that direct access to God is now open to all believers, no longer mediated solely through the Levitical priesthood or animal sacrifices.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "rent" comes from the Greek term schizō, meaning to tear, split, or cleave. Its usage here emphasizes the sudden, complete, and divinely initiated nature of the veil's tearing, reinforcing that it was an act of God.
  • The "veil" (katapetasma) specifically refers to the inner curtain of the Temple, distinct from the outer curtain. This distinction highlights the profound theological implications related to the Holy of Holies.

Theological Implications & Application

Luke 23:45 communicates profound theological truths:

  • New Covenant Access: The tearing of the veil signifies the inauguration of the New Covenant, where believers can now "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus, through His blood, became the ultimate High Priest and the way to God, rendering the old sacrificial system obsolete.
  • God's Acknowledgment: The cosmic signs—darkness and the torn veil—underscore the divine approval and cosmic significance of Jesus' death, confirming His identity as the Son of God and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
  • Personal Invitation: For believers today, this verse means that our fellowship with God is no longer hindered by a physical barrier or an intermediary priest. We are invited to approach God directly through faith in Jesus Christ, who is our great High Priest. This freedom brings both immense privilege and responsibility to live in holy reverence before Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Hebrews 10:19

    ¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

  • Hebrews 10:22

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Matthew 27:51

    And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

  • Hebrews 9:3

    And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

  • Hebrews 9:8

    ¶ The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

  • Mark 15:38

    And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

  • Ephesians 2:14

    ¶ For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition [between us];

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