And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

MARK 15:38KJV
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Mark 15:38 (KJV)

What does Mark 15:38 mean?

Mark 15:38 describes how, at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This event is presented as a dramatic sign, showing that something significant has changed in the relationship between God and people.

The verse is part of Mark’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion. The “veil of the temple” was a large curtain that separated the most sacred part of the Jewish temple (the Holy of Holies) from the rest. The tearing of the veil is described as happening from the top down, which suggests it was not done by human hands. The detail is meant to show that Jesus’ death had a profound impact, marking a turning point in the story.

The Greek behind Mark 15:38

  • “veil” (καταπέτασμα, katapetasma): This word refers specifically to the inner curtain in the temple, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the sanctuary. Its tearing would have been shocking to anyone familiar with temple worship.
  • “rent” (σχίζω, schizō): This verb means to split or tear apart. The use of this word emphasizes a sudden, forceful action, not a gradual or accidental event.
  • “from the top (ἄνωθεν, anōthen) to the bottom (κάτω, katō)”: The Greek makes clear the direction of the tear, highlighting that it began at the top, which would be out of reach for ordinary people, suggesting divine action.

Why Mark 15:38 matters

  • Mark 15:38 clarifies that the tearing of the veil was a supernatural event, not caused by people, which signals a major shift in how people could approach God.
  • The verse connects to the wider narrative by showing that Jesus’ death had immediate and visible effects, not just spiritual or symbolic ones.
  • This detail helps readers understand the significance of the crucifixion in the context of Jewish worship, where the veil represented separation between God and humanity.

Where else these words appear

“veil” Greek G2665 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 27:51 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;
  • Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
  • Hebrews 9:3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

“rent” Greek G4977 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 27:51 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;
  • Luke 5:36 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.
  • John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.

“bottom” Greek G2736 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Mark 14:66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there cometh one of the maids of the high priest:
  • John 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

“top” Greek G509 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 27:51 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;
  • John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
  • Galatians 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?