Matthew 27:51

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532}, behold {G2400}, the veil {G2665} of the temple {G3485} was rent {G4977} in {G1519} twain {G1417} from {G575} the top {G509} to {G2193} the bottom {G2736}; and {G2532} the earth {G1093} did quake {G4579}, and {G2532} the rocks {G4073} rent {G4977};

Complete Jewish Bible

At that moment the parokhet in the Temple was ripped in two from top to bottom; and there was an earthquake, with rocks splitting apart.

Berean Standard Bible

At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 27:51 records two extraordinary supernatural phenomena immediately following the death of Jesus Christ on the cross: the instantaneous tearing of the temple veil and a profound earthquake accompanied by the splitting of rocks. These events serve as powerful divine declarations, signifying a radical shift in humanity's access to God and underscoring the cosmic magnitude and divine validation of Christ's atoning sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of Matthew's crucifixion narrative, directly following Jesus' final cry and His yielding up of His spirit ([Matthew 27:50](/matthew/27-50 "Matthew 27:50 - Jesus' Death")). The events described here are not mere coincidences but divine responses to the death of the Son of God, immediately preceding the centurion's confession ([Matthew 27:54](/matthew/27-54 "Matthew 27:54 - The Centurion's Confession")) and the burial of Jesus. The tearing of the veil and the earthquake serve as dramatic, tangible signs confirming the profound spiritual significance of Jesus' death, validating His divine identity and the completion of His redemptive work. The narrative flow emphasizes the immediate and widespread impact of this singular event.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "veil of the temple" refers to the massive, thick curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies within the Jerusalem Temple. This inner sanctuary was considered the most sacred space, symbolizing God's immediate dwelling presence on earth. Access to the Holy of Holies was strictly limited to the High Priest, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Rules for the Holy of Holies")), when he entered to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people. The veil thus represented the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. The earthquake, a common biblical sign of divine presence or judgment, would have been understood by Jewish audiences as a powerful manifestation of God's intervention, further emphasizing the momentous nature of Jesus' death.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 27:51 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **fulfillment of prophecy and the inauguration of the New Covenant**, signaling the end of the Old Covenant's sacrificial system and priestly mediation, as foreshadowed in passages like [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy"). Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **direct access to God** through Christ's sacrifice, a theme extensively developed in [the book of Hebrews](/hebrews "The Book of Hebrews - Christ's Superiority"). Thirdly, the cosmic disturbances—the earthquake and splitting rocks—underscore the **universal and cosmic impact of Jesus' death**, demonstrating that creation itself bore witness to the death of its Creator, echoing the darkness that covered the land earlier ([Matthew 27:45](/matthew/27-45 "Matthew 27:45 - The Darkness at Noon")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **veil (Greek, _katapétasma'_):** From a compound of `katá` (down) and a congener of `pétomai` (to fly); something spread thoroughly, i.e. (specially) the door screen (to the Most Holy Place) in the Jewish Temple. This word specifically denotes the inner veil, the most significant barrier in the Temple, separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the sanctuary. Its tearing signifies the removal of this ultimate spiritual barrier.
* **rent (Greek, _schízō'_):** Apparently a primary verb; to split or sever (literally or figuratively). This word emphasizes the forceful, decisive, and complete nature of the tearing. The passive voice ("was rent") indicates a divine, not human, agent. The tearing "from the top to the bottom" further underscores that this was God's act, not a human attempt to tear it from below.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application). In this context, it refers to the physical ground, indicating a widespread, literal earthquake that shook the very foundations of the land.
* **quake (Greek, _seíō'_):** Apparently a primary verb; to rock (vibrate, properly, sideways or to and fro), i.e. (generally) to agitate (in any direction; cause to tremble); figuratively, to throw into a tremor (of fear or concern). This word describes the violent shaking of the earth, a common biblical sign of God's presence, power, or judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom":** This clause describes the first and most profound supernatural event. The "veil of the temple" refers to the thick curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Its tearing "in twain" (into two pieces) and specifically "from the top to the bottom" is critical, indicating that this was not a human act, but a divine intervention. This act symbolically and actually removed the barrier that prevented direct access to God's presence, signifying that Jesus' death had opened a new and living way for humanity to approach God.
* **"and the earth did quake":** This second clause describes a powerful earthquake. The shaking of the earth is a common biblical motif associated with divine revelation, judgment, or significant cosmic events. Here, it underscores the immense, universal, and cosmic significance of Jesus' death, indicating that creation itself reacted to the passing of its Creator. It serves as a divine validation of the monumental event.
* **"and the rocks rent;":** This final clause provides further detail about the earthquake's intensity, specifying that not just the ground, but even solid rocks were split open. This detail amplifies the supernatural nature of the event, emphasizing its severity and the profound impact of Jesus' death on the natural order. It is another tangible sign of God's direct intervention and confirmation of Christ's identity and finished work.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew employs several **literary devices** to convey the profound significance of Jesus' death. The tearing of the temple veil is a powerful **symbolism**, representing the abolition of the old covenant's barriers and the inauguration of direct access to God through Christ. The phrase "from the top to the bottom" emphasizes divine agency, ruling out human intervention and highlighting the **miraculous** nature of the event. The earthquake and splitting rocks serve as **cosmic imagery**, portraying the universal impact of Christ's sacrifice. These natural phenomena are also a form of **pathetic fallacy**, where nature reflects the emotional and spiritual upheaval of the moment. Furthermore, the immediate succession of these events after Jesus' death creates a dramatic **juxtaposition**, underscoring the direct causal link between His sacrifice and these divine manifestations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The tearing of the temple veil and the accompanying cosmic disturbances in Matthew 27:51 are replete with profound theological implications. At its core, this verse proclaims the complete and final efficacy of Jesus' atoning sacrifice. The physical barrier separating humanity from God's most sacred presence was supernaturally removed, signifying that the need for a human high priest and the provisional sacrifices of the Old Covenant had been fully satisfied by Christ's once-for-all offering. This event announces a new era of direct, unhindered access to God for all who believe, a testament to the new and living way inaugurated by Christ's blood. The quaking earth and rending rocks further emphasize that this was not merely a local event, but a cosmic declaration, confirming Jesus' divine identity and the universal scope of His redemptive work.

* [Mark 15:38](/mark/15-38 "Mark 15:38 - The Veil Torn")
* [Luke 23:45](/luke/23-45 "Luke 23:45 - The Veil Torn")
* [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 27:51 offers believers an incredibly rich foundation for their faith and daily walk. The tearing of the veil means that the greatest barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity has been removed by Christ's sacrifice. We no longer need to approach God through intermediaries, elaborate rituals, or a system of animal sacrifices. Instead, we are invited into His presence with confidence and boldness, knowing that the way has been fully cleared by the blood of Jesus. This truth should transform our prayer lives, fostering intimacy and freedom rather than fear or hesitation. It assures us of the completeness of our forgiveness and the depth of God's desire for relationship with us. Living in light of the torn veil means embracing our identity as those who have direct access to the Father, empowered to live under His grace and in His presence, no longer bound by the limitations of the old covenant. The cosmic signs remind us that our salvation is not a small, private affair, but an event of universal significance, validated by God Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing that the veil was torn "from the top to the bottom" deepen your understanding of God's initiative in salvation?**
* **In what ways might you still be approaching God as if the veil were intact, relying on your own efforts or merits rather than Christ's finished work?**
* **How does the concept of direct access to God through Christ impact your prayer life and your sense of intimacy with Him?**
* **What practical implications does the removal of the barrier to God's presence have for your daily walk as a believer?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the temple veil being torn "from the top to the bottom"?**

Answer: The tearing of the temple veil "from the top to the bottom" is profoundly significant because it indicates that the act was not done by human hands, but by divine power. Had it been torn from the bottom, it might suggest human rebellion or an attempt to force entry. However, its tearing from the top demonstrates that God Himself initiated the removal of the barrier. This signifies that the Old Covenant system, with its limited access to God through the High Priest and sacrificial rituals, was now superseded by the New Covenant established through Christ's death. It proclaims that God Himself has opened the way for all people to have direct access to His presence through the sacrifice of His Son.

**Why did the earth quake and the rocks split at Jesus' death?**

Answer: The earthquake and splitting rocks were not random occurrences but powerful supernatural signs accompanying Jesus' death, underscoring its cosmic and divine significance. Earthquakes in the Bible often signal God's presence, judgment, or the inauguration of a new era. In this context, they serve as divine validation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the monumental nature of His atoning work. Nature itself reacted to the death of its Creator, mirroring the spiritual upheaval and confirming that this was an event of universal consequence, not merely the execution of a man. It further emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecies and the dawning of a new spiritual reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 27:51 stands as a monumental declaration of Christ's completed work and the inauguration of the New Covenant. The tearing of the temple veil, a physical manifestation of the spiritual barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, directly fulfills the purpose of Jesus' sacrificial death. As the perfect Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), Jesus' offering on the cross abolished the need for the provisional sacrifices of the Old Testament system, which could never truly take away sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Sacrifices Cannot Take Away Sins")). His body, broken on the cross, became the "new and living way" through the torn veil of His flesh ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")), granting all believers direct, unhindered access to the Father's presence. The accompanying cosmic disturbances—the quaking earth and rending rocks—further testify to Christ's divine authority and the universal impact of His redemptive act, echoing the very moment when the Son of God laid down His life to reconcile the world to Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World")). Thus, this verse powerfully proclaims that Christ's death fully accomplished atonement, opened the path to God, and ushered in an era of grace where God's presence is accessible to all who believe in His Son.

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 10:22

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.

Mark 15:38

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

Hebrews 6:19

Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

Luke 23:45

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

Revelation 11:19

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Exodus 26:31

¶ And thou shalt make a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: