Matthew 27:51 - Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.

Generated Verse: Matthew 27:51

What does "Matthew 27:51" mean?


The verse Matthew 27:51, "Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split," is a powerful and symbolic statement about the significance of Jesus' death. Let's break down the meaning of each part:

"Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom."
The Veil: The veil was a thick, heavy curtain that separated the Holy of Holies (the inner sanctuary 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, after making sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people. This separation symbolized the barrier between humanity and God due to sin.
Torn in Two: The tearing of the veil signifies that this barrier has been removed. Because Jesus, the Son of God, had paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity, access to God was now open to all who believe in Him.
From Top to Bottom: The fact that the veil was torn from top to bottom is crucial. It indicates that the tearing was an act of God, not of humans. God himself was signifying the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new one through Jesus Christ.

"The earth quaked and the rocks were split."
Earthquake and Split Rocks: These are signs of divine power and judgment. Earthquakes in the Bible often accompany significant events or the manifestation of God's presence. The splitting of the rocks underscores the dramatic and earth-shattering nature of what was happening.
Symbolic Significance: These events are interpreted as signs of God's grief and power being unleashed at the death of His Son. They represent the breaking of the old order and the ushering in of a new era.

In summary, the verse Matthew 27:51 conveys the following key meanings:

Access to God: Jesus' sacrifice has made a way for all people to have direct access to God, removing the need for intermediaries like priests or temple rituals.
New Covenant: The old system of atonement through animal sacrifices is fulfilled and replaced by the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Divine Approval: God himself has validated Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant through the tearing of the veil and the earthquake.
The End of an Era: The death of Jesus marked the end of the old way of relating to God and the beginning of a new way based on grace and faith.

The verse is a powerful declaration of the transformative impact of Jesus' death and resurrection on humanity's relationship with God. It is a cornerstone of Christian theology and a testament to the significance of the Gospel message.

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