And the veil of the templeThe veil in the temple separated the Holy of Holies, where God's presence was believed to dwell, from the rest of the temple. This veil was a significant barrier, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16). The veil's existence underscored the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man.
was torn in two
The tearing of the veil signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. This act symbolizes the new access to God made possible through the death of Jesus Christ. The tearing of the veil is a powerful image of the new covenant, where believers can now approach God directly through Jesus, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16, 10:19-22). This event fulfills the prophecy of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34) and signifies the end of the old sacrificial system.
from top to bottom
The direction of the tear, from top to bottom, indicates that this was an act of God, not man. It emphasizes divine intervention, as no human could have torn the veil in this manner. This act demonstrates God's initiative in reconciling with humanity through the sacrifice of His Son. The tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death highlights the significance of His sacrifice and the immediate effect it had on the relationship between God and humanity.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The TempleThe central place of worship for the Jewish people in Jerusalem, where sacrifices were made and God's presence was believed to dwell in the Holy of Holies.
2.
The VeilA heavy curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin.
3.
The Crucifixion of JesusThe event during which Jesus was crucified, leading to the tearing of the temple veil, signifying a new covenant.
Teaching Points
Access to GodThe tearing of the veil signifies that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers now have direct access to God. No longer is there a barrier; we can approach God with confidence and boldness.
End of the Old CovenantThe event marks the end of the Old Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant, where the law is written on our hearts and we are justified by faith in Christ.
Symbol of ReconciliationThe torn veil is a powerful symbol of reconciliation between God and humanity. It reminds us that Jesus' death bridged the gap caused by sin.
Invitation to IntimacyWith the barrier removed, believers are invited into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, encouraging us to seek Him in prayer and worship.
Call to HolinessAs we have access to the Holy of Holies, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and purity of God, striving to be set apart for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 15:38?
2.How does Mark 15:38 symbolize the removal of barriers between God and man?
3.What Old Testament prophecies connect to the temple curtain tearing in Mark 15:38?
4.How can understanding Mark 15:38 deepen our appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice?
5.In what ways should Mark 15:38 impact our approach to worship and prayer?
6.How does the tearing of the curtain in Mark 15:38 inspire evangelism efforts?
7.What is the significance of the temple veil tearing in Mark 15:38?
8.How does Mark 15:38 symbolize the end of the Old Covenant?
9.Why was the temple veil torn from top to bottom in Mark 15:38?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 15?
11.What caused the temple veil to tear at Jesus' death?
12.If Hebrews 10:19–20 claims we have “confidence” to enter God’s presence, what historical or archaeological evidence supports Christ’s sacrifice ending the Temple system?
13.Why does Luke 23:45 record the temple curtain tearing from top to bottom if no Jewish historian mentions such a monumental event?
14.Did Jesus die before or after the temple curtain was torn? Yes (Matt 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-38) No (Luke 23:45-46).What Does Mark 15:38 Mean
And• The little connecting word anchors the moment to what just happened: “But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last” (Mark 15:37).
• Nothing stands between His final breath and this immediate miracle; cause and effect are seamless.
• John records the same instant with “It is finished” (John 19:30). The Savior’s completed work triggers what follows.
the veil of the temple• This was the massive curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31-33).
• Only the high priest could pass it, and only once a year, carrying sacrificial blood (Hebrews 9:3-7).
• By design, it preached distance: God’s holiness on one side, human sin on the other.
was torn• The verb signals decisive action done to the veil, not by priests or passers-by.
• Luke confirms, “The curtain of the temple was torn down the middle” (Luke 23:45).
• Hebrews later explains the symbolism: “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-20). The tearing openly declares that the once-for-all sacrifice has been accepted.
in two• The rip is complete, leaving no partial barrier.
• A half-opened curtain could be closed again, but a veil split “in two” cannot be rehung.
• Christ “has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Access is permanently granted.
from top to bottom• Starting at the top, well beyond human reach, shows the hand behind the miracle is divine, not priestly mischief.
• Matthew agrees: “The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51).
• God Himself removes the separation, echoing Jesus’ promise: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). Heaven initiates the welcome.
summaryMark 15:38 records a literal, physical event in the temple that unfolds the instant Jesus dies. God tears the heavy veil—completely, top-to-bottom—making an unmistakable statement: through the finished work of Christ, the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity is gone. The way into His presence stands open, not for one priest on one day, but for all who come through the blood of the Son.
Verse 38. -
And the veil of the temple was rent in twainfrom the top to the bottom. There were two veils - one before the holy place, and the other before the holy of holies. The holy place would correspond to what we call the nave of the church, in which the priests were continually present; the holy of holies would correspond to our chancel choir - the holiest part of the building. This was always kept closed; nor might any one enter it but the high priest, and that only once in the year, on the day of expiation. The veil which was rent at our Lord's death was that which was placed before the holy of holies; it was called the
καταπέτασμα. The outer veil was called
κάλυμμα. It was the duty of the officiating priest, on the evening of the day of preparation, at the hour of evening prayer, which would correspond to the time of our Lord's death, to enter into the holy place, where he would of course be between the two curtains, or veils, the outer veil, or
κάλυμμα, and the inner veil, or
καταπέτασμα It would then be his business to roll back the
κάλυμμα, or outer veil, thus exposing the holy place to the people, who would be in the. outer court. And then and there they would see, to their amazement, the
καραπέτασμα, the inner veil, rent asunder from the top to the bottom. These veils or curtains, according to Josephus, were each forty cubits in height and ten in breadth, of great substance, very massive, and richly embroidered with gold and purple. Now, this rending of the veil signified
(1) that the whole of the Jewish dispensation, with its rites and ceremonies, was now unfolded by Christ; and that thenceforth the middle wall of partition was broken down, so that now, not the Jews only, but the Gentiles also might draw nigh by the blood of Christ. But
(2) it further signified that the way to heaven was laid open by our Lord's death. "When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers." The veil signified that heaven was closed to all, until Christ by his death rent this veil in twain, and laid open the way.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
AndΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.veilκαταπέτασμα(katapetasma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2665:From a compound of kata and a congener of petomai; something spread thoroughly, i.e. the door screen in the Jewish Temple.of theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.templeναοῦ(naou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3485:A temple, a shrine, that part of the temple where God himself resides. From a primary naio; a fane, shrine, temple.was tornἐσχίσθη(eschisthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4977:To rend, divide asunder, cleave. Apparently a primary verb; to split or sever.inεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.twoδύο(dyo)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1417:Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.fromἀπ’(ap’)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.topἄνωθεν(anōthen)Adverb
Strong's 509:From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.toἕως(heōs)Preposition
Strong's 2193:A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.bottom.κάτω(katō)Adverb
Strong's 2736:(a) down, below, also: downwards, (b) lower, under, less, of a length of time. Also katotero; adverb from kata; downwards.
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NT Gospels: Mark 15:38 The veil of the temple was torn (Mar Mk Mr) 
