Mark 15:38

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the veil {G2665} of the temple {G3485} was rent {G4977} in {G1519} twain {G1417} from {G575} the top {G509} to {G2193} the bottom {G2736}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And the parokhet in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Berean Standard Bible

And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 15:38 records a pivotal event immediately following the death of Jesus Christ on the cross: the dramatic tearing of the temple veil. This massive curtain, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) in the Jerusalem Temple, was supernaturally ripped in two from top to bottom. This miraculous occurrence served as a profound divine declaration, signifying the abolition of the old covenant system, the opening of direct access to God for all humanity through Christ's atoning sacrifice, and the fulfillment of the sacrificial law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed by Mark immediately after Jesus' final breath and cry, "It is finished" (though Mark doesn't record the words, only the loud cry), and before the Roman centurion's confession of Jesus as the Son of God. The tearing of the veil is presented as a direct, supernatural consequence of Christ's death, linking His sacrifice on the cross to a fundamental shift in humanity's relationship with God. It parallels the cosmic darkness that covered the land from noon until three o'clock, indicating a profound, divinely orchestrated moment of cosmic and spiritual significance. Both Matthew and Luke also record this event, underscoring its importance in the Synoptic tradition (cf. [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Veil Torn") and [Luke 23:45](/luke/23-45 "Luke 23:45 - The Veil Torn")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jerusalem Temple was the center of Jewish worship, meticulously designed according to divine instructions (first for the tabernacle, then the temple). The "veil" (Hebrew: _parokhet_) was a thick, heavy curtain that separated the Holy Place, where priests performed daily rituals, from the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary. This sacred space housed the Ark of the Covenant and was considered the dwelling place of God's presence. Only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and then only once a year on the [Day of Atonement](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement"), to offer blood sacrifices for the sins of the people ([Leviticus 16:34](/leviticus/16-34 "Leviticus 16:34 - Day of Atonement Rituals")). The veil thus served as a physical and symbolic barrier, representing the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, highlighting humanity's inability to approach God directly due to sin.
* **Key Themes:** The tearing of the veil contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Intervention** and the **Sovereignty of God**, as the tearing was clearly a supernatural act, not human. It also powerfully underscores the theme of **Fulfillment of the Old Covenant**, demonstrating that the sacrificial system and temple rituals, which pointed to a greater reality, had now met their ultimate purpose in Christ's perfect sacrifice. Consequently, the tearing signifies the **Opening of Direct Access to God**, removing the barrier of sin and mediation, and ushering in the **New Covenant**, where believers can now approach God directly through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **veil (Greek, _katapétasma'_):** This word specifically refers to the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Jewish Temple. It was a massive, thick barrier, signifying the profound separation between God's holy presence and humanity, due to sin. Its tearing indicates the removal of this barrier.
* **rent (Greek, _schízō'_):** This primary verb means "to split or sever," implying a violent, decisive, and irreversible tearing. It suggests a powerful, supernatural force at work, not a gradual fraying or human action. The use of this strong verb emphasizes the finality and divine authority of the event.
* **from the top to the bottom (Greek, _ánōthen'_ and _kátō'_):** The phrase "from the top" (ánōthen) means "from above," and "to the bottom" (kátō) means "downwards." This precise detail is crucial, as it emphasizes that the tearing was an act initiated by God from heaven, not by human hands from below. It underscores the divine origin and complete nature of this monumental event, signifying God's direct involvement in opening the way.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the veil of the temple":** This clause identifies the specific object involved in the miraculous event. The "veil" was the sacred curtain within the Jerusalem Temple that physically and symbolically separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary where God's presence was believed to dwell.
* **"was rent in twain":** This describes the action that occurred to the veil. "Rent" (from _schízō_) signifies a forceful, decisive, and complete tearing, while "in twain" (from _dýo_) clarifies that it was split into two distinct pieces. This immediate and violent rupture indicates a supernatural intervention, not a natural decay or human effort.
* **"from the top to the bottom":** This crucial detail specifies the direction of the tearing. The fact that it tore from the top downwards powerfully communicates that this was an act initiated by God Himself, from heaven, rather than an attempt by humans to breach the sacred space from below. It underscores the divine authority and intentionality behind the removal of the barrier.

#### Literary Devices
Mark's concise description of the veil tearing is rich in literary and theological significance. The primary device is **Symbolism**: the veil itself is a powerful symbol of the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. Its tearing symbolizes the removal of this barrier, signifying that direct access to God is now possible. The specific direction, **"from the top to the bottom,"** functions as a form of **Divine Action** or **Theophany**, emphasizing that this was a supernatural act initiated by God, not by human hands. This detail highlights God's sovereignty and His acceptance of Christ's sacrifice. Furthermore, the event serves as a profound **Fulfillment** of the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, indicating that its purpose has been met in Christ, and it also acts as **Foreshadowing** for the new and living way that Christ has opened for believers to enter God's presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death is one of the most profound theological statements in the New Testament. It declares unequivocally that the old covenant system of animal sacrifices, priestly mediation, and restricted access to God's presence has been superseded and fulfilled by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death removed the ultimate barrier—sin—that separated humanity from a holy God. The way into the Most Holy Place, symbolizing direct access to God Himself, was now opened for all who believe, not through human effort or ritual, but through the blood of Christ. This event marks the transition from a covenant based on law and ritual to one based on grace and intimate relationship, making every believer a priest with direct access to the Father.

* [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")
* [Ephesians 2:13-18](/ephesians/2-13-18 "Ephesians 2:13-18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")
* [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Veil Torn in Matthew's Account")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tearing of the temple veil is not merely a historical curiosity but a living truth with profound implications for every believer today. It assures us that through Christ, the chasm of sin that once separated us from God has been bridged, and the way into His very presence is now wide open. We no longer need intermediaries, elaborate rituals, or special days to approach the Divine. This truth should empower us to live with a boldness and confidence in our relationship with God, knowing that we are invited to draw near to His throne of grace at any time, with any need, and with full assurance of His loving welcome. It calls us to abandon any sense of unworthiness that keeps us distant from Him and to embrace the intimacy and freedom that Christ's sacrifice has secured. Our worship, prayer, and daily lives should reflect this direct access, living in constant communion with the God who has torn down every barrier for our sake.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the tearing of the temple veil redefine your understanding of access to God?**
* **What barriers, real or perceived, might still prevent you from approaching God with boldness, despite the veil being torn?**
* **How does the "from top to bottom" detail impact your faith in God's sovereignty and the completeness of Christ's work?**
* **In what practical ways can you live out the reality of direct access to God in your daily life and spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the temple veil in Jewish worship?**

Answer: The temple veil was a massive, thick curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) within the Jerusalem Temple. The Holy of Holies was considered the most sacred space, symbolizing God's immediate presence on earth. 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 ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). The veil visually represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, signifying that humanity was barred from direct access to God's presence due to sin.

**Why is it important that the veil tore "from the top to the bottom"?**

Answer: This detail is crucial because it emphasizes that the tearing was not a human act, nor was it accidental or a result of natural wear. It was a supernatural, divine act, initiated by God Himself from above. If a human had attempted to tear it, they would most likely have started from the bottom. The "from the top to the bottom" detail underscores God's sovereignty, His acceptance of Christ's sacrifice, and His intentional declaration that the way to His presence was now opened by His own power, not by human effort ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Christ's death is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and typology. Jesus, as the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin, rendering the animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete. He is not merely the one who enables access; He *is* the new and living way through the torn veil of His own flesh ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way")). As our great [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Our Great High Priest"), Jesus has entered the true Holy of Holies—heaven itself—with His own blood, securing eternal redemption and opening a direct path for all believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). The torn veil is a vivid symbol of Christ's completed work, signifying that in Him, the separation between God and humanity has been fully overcome, and a new era of intimate communion has begun.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 10:19

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

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)

Luke 23:45

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

Hebrews 9:3

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

Hebrews 9:12

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].

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;

Matthew 27:53

And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.