Topical Encyclopedia
The term "veil" in the Bible is used to describe a piece of fabric or covering that serves various symbolic and practical purposes throughout the Scriptures. It appears in different contexts, from the tabernacle and temple to personal attire, and carries significant theological and cultural implications.
1. The Veil in the Tabernacle and TempleThe most prominent use of the veil in the Bible is found in the context of the tabernacle and later the temple. The veil served as a physical barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This veil symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. In
Exodus 26:33, God instructs Moses, "Hang the veil under the clasps, and there you are to bring the ark of the Testimony, behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place."
The veil's significance is further highlighted in the New Testament during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. At the moment of His death, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, as recorded in
Matthew 27:51: "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This event symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through the atoning work of Christ.
2. The Veil as a Symbol of Modesty and AuthorityIn the cultural context of the Bible, veils were also worn by women as a sign of modesty and submission. In
Genesis 24:65, Rebekah covers herself with a veil upon meeting Isaac, indicating modesty and respect. The Apostle Paul addresses the topic of head coverings in
1 Corinthians 11:5-6, where he writes, "And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off; and if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head."
Paul's instructions reflect the cultural norms of the time, where a veil or head covering was a sign of a woman's acknowledgment of her role within the order established by God. It is important to note that interpretations of these passages vary, and the application of head coverings in contemporary Christian practice is diverse.
3. The Veil as a MetaphorThe veil is also used metaphorically in Scripture to describe spiritual blindness or a lack of understanding. In
2 Corinthians 3:14-16, Paul speaks of a veil that lies over the hearts of the Israelites when they read the Old Covenant: "But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away."
This metaphorical use of the veil illustrates the transformative power of Christ in removing spiritual blindness and enabling believers to see the truth of the Gospel.
4. The Veil in Prophetic ImageryIn prophetic literature, the veil can also symbolize mourning or desolation.
Isaiah 25:7 speaks of God removing the "veil that is spread over all nations," signifying the end of sorrow and the ushering in of divine revelation and joy: "On this mountain He will swallow up the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations."
The veil, therefore, serves as a multifaceted symbol throughout the Bible, representing separation, modesty, authority, spiritual blindness, and mourning, while also pointing to the hope and reconciliation found in Christ.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
VeilWith regard to the use of the veil, it is important to observe that it was by no means so general in ancient as in modern times. Much of the scrupulousness in respect of the use of the veil dates from the promulgation of the Koran, which forbade women appearing unveiled except in the presence of their nearest relatives. In ancient times the veil was adopted only in exceptional cases, either as an article of ornamental dress, (Solomon 4:1,3;6:7) or by betrothed maidens in the presence of their future husbands, especially at the time of the wedding, (Genesis 24:65) or lastly, by women of loose character for purposes of concealment. (Genesis 38:14) Among the Jews of the New Testament age it appears to have been customary for the women to cover their heads (not necessarily their faces) when engaged in public worship.
ATS Bible Dictionary
VeilAn indispensable part of the outdoor dress of Eastern Ladies, who live secluded from the sight of all men except their own husbands and their nearest relatives. If an Egyptian lady is surprised uncovered, she quickly draws her veil over her face, with some exclamation like, "O my misfortune." To lift or remove one's veil was to insult and degrade her,Genesis 24:65 So 5:711 Corinthians 11:5,10. The custom of wearing veils, however, has not been prevalent at all times. Sarah the wife of Abraham, and Rebekah and her companions at the well do not appear to have worn them,Genesis 12:14,15 24:16. Compare alsoGenesis 38:14,15Proverbs 7:13. SeeABIMELECH.
Veil were of different kinds. Those now worn in Syria and Egypt may be divided into two classes, the one large and sometimes thick, the other small and of lighter materials. The usual indoor veil is of thin muslin, attached to the headdress, and falling over the back, sometimes to the feet. A similar veil is added to the front of the headdress on going abroad, partially covering the face and hanging low. The other veil, to be worn in the street, is a large mantle or sheet, of black silk, linen, or some coarse material, so ample as to envelope the whole person and dress, leaving but one of the eyes exposed, So 4:9. Such was the veil worn byRuth 3:15, translated "mantle" inIsaiah 3:22. Many women wear no other veil than this. The Greek word translated "power" in11 Corinthians 11:10, probably means a veil, as a token of her husband's rightful authority and her own subordination. This was to be worn in their Christian assemblies "because of the angels;" that is, because of the presence either of true angels, or of the officers of the church, who being unaccustomed to see the unveiled faces of women, might be distracted by them in the discharge of their public duties.
For the "veil of the temple," seeTABERNACLE andTEMPLE.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) Hebrews mitpahath (
Ruth 3:15; marg., "sheet" or "apron;" R.V., "mantle"). In Isaiah 3:22 this word is plural, rendered "wimples;" R.V., "shawls" i.e., wraps.
(2.) Massekah (Isaiah 25:7; in Isaiah 28:20 rendered "covering"). The word denotes something spread out and covering or concealing something else (Comp.2 Corinthians 3:13-15).
(3.) Masveh (Exodus 34:33, 35), the veil on the face of Moses. This verse should be read, "And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face," as in the Revised Version. When Moses spoke to them he was without the veil; only when he ceased speaking he put on the veil (Comp.2 Corinthians 3:13, etc.).
(4.) Paroheth (Exodus 26:31-35), the veil of the tabernacle and the temple, which hung between the holy place and the most holy (2 Chronicles 3:14). In the temple a partition wall separated these two places. In it were two folding-doors, which are supposed to have been always open, the entrance being concealed by the veil which the high priest lifted when he entered into the sanctuary on the day of Atonement. This veil was rent when Christ died on the cross (Matthew 27:51;Mark 15:38;Luke 23:45).
(5.) Tza'iph (Genesis 24:65). Rebekah "took a vail and covered herself." (See also 38:14, 19.) Hebrew women generally appeared in public without veils (12:14;24:16;29:10;1 Samuel 1:12).
(6.) Radhidh (Cant. 5:7, R.V. "mantle;Isaiah 3:23). The word probably denotes some kind of cloak or wrapper.
(7.) Masak, the veil which hung before the entrance to the holy place (Exodus 26:36, 37).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Something hung up, or spread out, to intercept the view, and hide an object; a cover; a curtain; esp., a screen, usually of gauze, crape, or similar diaphanous material, to hide or protect the face.
2. (n.) A cover; disguise; a mask; a pretense.
3. (n.) The calyptra of mosses.
4. (n.) A membrane connecting the margin of the pileus of a mushroom with the stalk; -- called also velum.
5. (n.) A covering for a person or thing; as, a nun's veil; a paten veil; an altar veil.
6. (n.) Same as Velum, 3.
7. (n.) To throw a veil over; to cover with a veil.
8. (n.) Fig.: To invest; to cover; to hide; to conceal.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
VEIL (1)val: The following words are so translated in English Versions of the Bible (sometimes the King James Version vail):
(1) miTpachath,Ruth 3:15 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "mantle." As the material was strong enough to serve as a bag for a large quantity of grain the Revised Version (British and American) is certainly right; compareIsaiah 3:22.
(2) macweh,Exodus 34:33-35. Paul in his quotation of the passage in2 Corinthians 3:13-16 uses kalumma, following Septuagint. The covering worn by Moses to conceal the miraculous brightness of his face, although, according to Massoretic Text, he seems to have worn it only in private.
(3) macckhah,Isaiah 25:7; in 28:20 translated "covering." The use in 25:7 is figurative and the form of the "veil" a matter of indifference.
(4) tsammah, the Revised Version (British and American)Songs 4:1, 3 (margin "locks" (of hair)); 6:07;Isaiah 47:2, the King James Version "locks." The meaning of the word is uncertain and the King James Version may very well be right. If, however, the Revised Version's translation is correct, a light ornamental veil is meant.
(5) tsa`iph,Genesis 24:65;Genesis 38:14, 19. A large wrap is meant, which at times was used to cover the face also. In 24:65 Rebekah conformed to the etiquette which required the veiling of brides (see MARRIAGE). In Genesis 38 one motive for Tamar's use of the veil was certainly to avoid recognition, but it seems clear from the passage that veils were used by courtesans. Why is unknown, perhaps partly to conceal their identity, perhaps partly in parody of the marriage custom.
(6) redhidh,Songs 5:7 (the Revised Version (British and American) "mantle," margin "veil");Isaiah 3:23. A light mantle is certainly meant. InSongs 5:7 it is torn from the maiden in the watchmen's endeavor to detain her.
(7) parakalumma, The Wisdom of Solomon 17:3 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "curtain."
(8) Verb katakalupto,1 Corinthians 11:6, with akatakalupto, "unveil" in 11:5; the King James Version has "cover" and "uncover"; kalupto,2 Corinthians 4:3 (twice), anakalupto,2 Corinthians 3:18; the King James Version "hid" and "open."
It will be seen that there is a certain reference to what in modern times would be termed a "veil" only in (2) above. For a possible additional reference see MUFFLER.
The use of the face veil as a regular article of dress was unknown to the Hebrew women, and if "veil" is to be understood inSongs 4:1, etc., it was worn as an ornament only. The modern oriental custom of veiling is due to Mohammedan influence and has not been universally adopted by Jewesses in the Orient. In New Testament times, however, among both Greeks and Romans, reputable women wore a veil in public (Plutarch Quaest. Rom. xiv) and to appear without it was an act of bravado (or worse); Tarsus, Paul's home city, was especially noted for strictness in this regard (Dio of Prusa, Tarsica prior, section symbol 48). Hence, Paul's indignant directions in1 Corinthians 11:2-16, which have their basis in the social proprieties of the time. The bearing of these directions, however, on the compulsory use of the hat by modern women in public worship would appear to be very remote.
For the Veil of the Tabernacle and the Temple see next article.
Burton Scott Easton
VEIL (2)
(1) (parokheth; katapetasma; the King James Version vail): In Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, the veil that hung between the two holy chambers of the tabernacle is mentioned 23 times (Exodus 26:31, etc.). In several places it is termed "the veil of the screen" and it is distinguished from "the screen for the door of the tabernacle" (Exodus 35:12, 15;Exodus 39:34, 38). By the latter is meant the curtain that hung outside the holy place, i.e. at the tabernacle entrance.Exodus 26:31 informs us that the veil was made of fine-twined linen, and that its colors were blue and purple and scarlet. It was embroidered with cherubim. At each removal of the tabernacle the veil was used to enwrap the ark of the testimony (Numbers 4:5). From its proximity to this central object of the Hebrew ceremonial system, the veil is termed "the veil of the testimony" (Leviticus 24:3), "the veil which is before the testimony" (Exodus 27:21), etc. In Solomon's Temple the veil is mentioned but once (2 Chronicles 3:14). It was protected by doors of olive wood (1 Kings 6:31). In the later temple it is alluded to in 1 Maccabees 1:22. Its presence in Herod's temple is attested by the statement in each of the Synoptists that at the time of Christ's death the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom, or in the midst (Matthew 27:51Mark 15:38Luke 23:45; compare in Mishna, Mid. ii. 1; iv.7). This fact is the basis of the profound truth expressed by the writer to the Hebrews that Jesus, by His sacrificial death, opened for all believers a way into the holiest "through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" (Hebrews 10:20). SeeTABERNACLE;TEMPLE.
(2) See the preceding article and DRESS, V.
W. Shaw Caldecott
Greek
2665. katapetasma -- a curtain (the innerveil of the temple)... a curtain (the inner
veil of the temple). Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration:
katapetasma Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ap-et'-as-mah) Short Definition: a
...1942. epikalumma -- a cover,veil
... a cover,veil. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: epikalumma Phonetic
Spelling: (ep-ee-kal'-oo-mah) Short Definition: a covering, cloak, pretext...
2571. kalumma -- a covering
... a covering. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: kalumma Phonetic Spelling:
(kal'-oo-mah) Short Definition: aveil Definition: a covering, especially a...
2619. katakalupto -- to cover up
... to cover up. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: katakalupto Phonetic Spelling:
(kat-ak-al-oop'-to) Short Definition: Iveil, cover the head Definition: Iveil...
3871. parakalupto -- to cover (by hanging something beside), to...
... beside), to hide. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: parakalupto Phonetic Spelling:
(par-ak-al-oop'-to) Short Definition: I hide, conceal,veil Definition: I...
4018. peribolaion -- that which is thrown around, a covering
... Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: peribolaion Phonetic Spelling:
(per-ib-ol'-ah-yon) Short Definition: a wrapper, mantle,veil Definition: a wrapper...
2572. kalupto -- to cover
... to cover. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: kalupto Phonetic Spelling:
(kal-oop'-to) Short Definition: Iveil, hide, conceal, envelop Definition: Iveil...
4780. sugkalupto -- to cover completely
... up wholly. 4780 (from 4862 , "identified " and 2572 , "hide, cover") --
properly, to cover; "veil (cover) " (Souter). 4780 () is...
4028. perikalupto -- to cover around
... perikalupto Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-kal-oop'-to) Short Definition: I cover up
Definition: I cover up, cover round about,veil round, blindfold....
3565. numphe -- a bride, a young woman
... From a primary but obsolete verb nupto (toveil as a bride; compare Latin "nupto,"
to marry); a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by...
Strong's Hebrew
6809. tsaiph -- a wrapper, shawl, orveil... 6808, 6809. tsaiph. 6810 . a wrapper, shawl, or
veil. Transliteration:
tsaiph Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-eef') Short Definition:
veil.
...6777. tsammah -- (woman's)veil
... 6776, 6777. tsammah. 6778 . (woman's)veil. Transliteration: tsammah
Phonetic Spelling: (tsam-maw') Short Definition:veil. Word...
7289. radid -- a wide wrapper, largeveil
... 7288, 7289. radid. 7290 . a wide wrapper, largeveil. Transliteration: radid
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-deed') Short Definition: shawl.... vail,veil....
4533. masveh -- aveil
... 4532, 4533. masveh. 4534 . aveil. Transliteration: masveh Phonetic Spelling:
(mas-veh') Short Definition:veil. Word Origin from...
4555. mispachah -- a longveil
... a longveil. Transliteration: mispachah Phonetic Spelling: (mis-paw-khaw') Short
Definition: veils.... kerchief. From caphach; aveil (as spread out) -- kerchief....
7479. realah -- probably aveil
... probably aveil. Transliteration: realah Phonetic Spelling: (rah-al-aw') Short
Definition: veils.... Feminine of ra'al; a longveil (as fluttering) -- muffler....
1852. doq -- aveil, curtain
... 1851, 1852. doq. 1853 . aveil, curtain. Transliteration: doq Phonetic
Spelling: (doke) Short Definition: curtain. Word Origin from...
6532. paroketh -- a curtain
... 6531, 6532. paroketh. 6533 . a curtain. Transliteration: paroketh Phonetic
Spelling: (po-reh'-keth) Short Definition:veil. Word...
4539. masak -- a covering, screen
... Word Origin from sakak Definition a covering, screen NASB Word Usage covering
(2), defense (1), screen (16), screening (1),veil (5)....
5968. alaph -- to cover
... faint, overlaid, wrap self. A primitive root; toveil or cover; figuratively, to
be languid -- faint, overlaid, wrap self. 5967, 5968. alaph. 5969 ....
Library
TheVeil Rent
... D.; ST. MATTHEW Chaps. XVIII to XXVIII THEVEIL RENT. 'Behold, theveil of the Temple
was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.'"Matthew 27:51....
Within theVeil
... Within theVeil. Gerhard Ter Steegen Psalm 100:4. God is present with us"let us
fall and worship,. Holy is the place; God is in the midst, our souls are silent,...
TheVeil of Veronica.
... CHAPTER XXXIV. TheVeil of Veronica. While the procession was passing through a
long street, an incident took place which made a strong impression upon Simon....
Of the Rending of theVeil of the Temple, and of the Question...
... Chapter XIX."Of the Rending of theVeil of the Temple, and of the Question Whether
Matthew and Mark Really Harmonize with Luke with Respect to the Order in...
TheVeil Over all Nations
... THEVEIL OVER ALL NATIONS.... Individual sins may seem of small moment, but
an opaqueveil can be woven out of very fine thread. II....
TheVeil Lifted. February 8.
... TheVeil Lifted. February 8. Science is, I verily believe, like virtue,
its own exceeding great reward. I can conceive few human...
Lifting of theVeil. August 21.
... Lifting of theVeil. August 21. I seldom pass those hapless loungers who
haunt every watering-place without thinking sadly how much...
Now this Word Also Has theVeil. ...
... 44 Now this word also has theveil.? Now this word also has theveil.
For up to the time of Herod they did appear to retain a...
A PresentVeil. November 25.
... A PresentVeil. November 25. What is there in this world worth having without
religion? Do you not feel that true religion, even...
The RentVeil
... The RentVeil. A Sermon (No.2015).... And, behold, theveil of the temple was
rent in twain from the top to the bottom"Matthew 27:50-51....
Thesaurus
Veil (67 Occurrences)... 2 Corinthians 3:13-15). (3.) Masveh (Exodus 34:33, 35), the
veil on the
face of Moses. This verse should be read, "And when Moses
...Vail (44 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 3:13-15). (3.) Masveh (Exodus 34:33, 35), theveil on the
face of Moses. This verse should be read, "And when Moses...
Curtain (60 Occurrences)
... It is described as a "veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen
of cunning work" (Exodus 26:31; Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 18:7)....
Screen (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV). Exodus 35:12 the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat,
theveil of the screen; (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV). Exodus...
Wimple
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Isaiah 3:22, (RV, "shawls"), a wrap orveil.... 3. (vt) To
clothe with a wimple; to cover, as with aveil; hence, to hoodwink....
Clasps (7 Occurrences)
... into the loop opposite, kept the curtain in position (Exodus 26:4-6). A difficulty
arises from the direction in Exodus 26:33 that theveil which divided the...
Ark-cover (21 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:6 And thou shalt put it before theveil that is by the ark of the testimony,
before the mercy-seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with...
Separation (50 Occurrences)
... of holies. (YLT). Exodus 35:12 the ark, and its staves; the mercy-seat, and
theveil of separation; (DBY). Exodus 39:34 and the covering...
Mercy-seat (23 Occurrences)
... Exodus 30:6 And thou shalt put it before theveil that is by the ark of the testimony,
before the mercy-seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with...
Covering (191 Occurrences)
... a covering of the eyes." This has been regarded as an implied advice to Sarah to
conform to the custom of married women, and wear a completeveil, covering the...
Resources
What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Moses have to wear a veil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about hair length? | GotQuestions.orgVeil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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