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.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — At the moment Jesus yields His spirit, the temple veil tears and the earth quakes. Interpreters place this event immediately after His final cry and before the resurrection of the saints.

The words — καταπέτασμα (katapetasma) names the temple curtain, and ἔσχισται (eschistai) describes its violent tearing. The text presents this rupture as a divine act rather than human intervention.

The thread — Mark 15:38 records the identical tearing of the curtain, while Hebrews 10:19 and Hebrews 6:19 connect the torn veil to Christ’s blood granting believers access to the Most Holy Place.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that Jesus’ death removed the physical barrier separating humanity from God’s presence. Readers must respond by approaching God directly through Christ’s finished work rather than through temple mediation.

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, 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;

Cross-references

Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
Mark 15:38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
Luke 23:45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn down the middle.
Revelation 11:19 Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.
Exodus 26:31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.
Matthew 27:54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
Isaiah 25:7 On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations;
Matthew 28:2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone, and sat on it.
Habakkuk 3:10 The mountains saw You and quaked; torrents of water swept by. The deep roared with its voice and lifted its hands on high.