The veil of the Temple was a thick curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Jewish temple. It symbolized the barrier between God and man due to sin. According to Exodus 26:33, the veil was to divide the holy space, and only the high priest could enter beyond it once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the people’s sins (Leviticus 16:2).
This veil represented restricted access to God’s presence. But at the moment of Christ’s death, something extraordinary happened. Matthew 27:51 says, “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”
This tearing was not by human hands. From top to bottom signifies that God Himself removed the barrier. Through the atoning death of Jesus, access to the Father was now made open. Hebrews 10:19-20 explains, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.”
The torn veil signifies that the way into God’s presence is no longer restricted to a single high priest once a year but is open to all who come through Christ. He is the true and living way, the great High Priest who offered Himself once for all.
The veil’s rending is a declaration: the sacrifice is complete, the separation is ended, and through Jesus, believers may now draw near to God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
