Mark 15:38 - The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.

Generated Verse: Mark 15:38

What does "Mark 15:38" mean?


The verse "The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom" (Mark 15:38) is a powerful and symbolic statement associated with the death of Jesus on the cross. It holds significant theological meaning for Christians. Here's a breakdown of its key interpretations:

Access to God: The veil separated the Holy of Holies (the innermost sanctuary of the Temple where God's presence was believed to dwell) from the rest of the Temple. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. The tearing of the veil symbolized that, through Jesus' sacrifice, the way to God was now open to all people, not just a select few. Direct access to God was now possible through faith in Jesus.

End of the Old Covenant: The Temple was the center of the Old Covenant between God and the Israelites, with its system of sacrifices and rituals. The tearing of the veil signaled the end of this old system, which was seen as being fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant established through Jesus' blood. The Old Covenant was seen as pointing towards Jesus, and now that he had come and offered the ultimate sacrifice, the need for the Temple sacrifices was over.

God's Wrath and Judgment: Some interpretations suggest that the tearing of the veil was an act of God's judgment on the Jewish leadership who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. It was a sign that God was abandoning the Temple, which had become corrupted and focused on outward rituals rather than genuine worship.

Divinity of Jesus: The tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death is often seen as a divine act, confirming Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. The fact that it was torn "from top to bottom" suggests that it was not a human act, but rather an act of God.

New Creation: Jesus' death and the tearing of the veil can be seen as ushering in a new creation. The old order of things was passing away, and a new era of grace and access to God was dawning.

Reconciliation: The tearing of the veil represents the reconciliation between God and humanity that Jesus accomplished through his death. The barrier that sin had created between God and people was now removed.

In summary, the tearing of the veil of the Temple is a powerful symbol that represents the opening of access to God through Jesus, the end of the Old Covenant, God's judgment, the divinity of Jesus, the beginning of a new creation, and the reconciliation between God and humanity. It is a central event in Christian theology that highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on the relationship between God and humankind.