Bible Strands
Luke 23:45
The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrative records this event during the crucifixion, positioned between the sixth-hour darkness and Jesus’ final breath at the ninth hour.
The words — ἐκλιπὸντος (eklipontos) translates literally as "darkened" or "failed," and ἐσχίσθη (eschisthē) means "was torn" or "split."
The thread — The tearing of the temple veil appears in Matthew 27:51 and Mark 15:38, while Hebrews 10:19 connects the torn curtain to direct entry into the Most Holy Place through Jesus’ blood.
Why it lands — The text reports two simultaneous physical events that signal the termination of the old sanctuary system and frame the moment of Jesus’ death, requiring the reader to note the structural shift without adding external commentary.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
- Matthew 27:51 At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.
- Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
- Hebrews 9:3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,
- Ephesians 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility
- Leviticus 16:12 Then he must take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and take them inside the veil.
- 2 Chronicles 3:14 He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it.
- Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
- Exodus 26:31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.