What does the Veil symbolize in the Bible (Symbolism and Meaning)?

With over a decade’s experience in the Christian Ministry, I find the Veil intriguing. It is one of the most significant symbols in the Bible and is even used today in weddings and the Tabernacles in the Catholic Church. So, why is the Veil associated with sacredness? It might symbolize secrecy or modesty, but what does the Veil symbolize in the Bible?

In this article, I will look at these incidences in detail to unearth what the Veil symbolizes in the Bible. Join me to discover more about the Veil from other parts of the scripture and better understand why it is deemed spiritual.

Where in the Bible does it talk about a veil?

The Bible talks about a veil in Mathew 27:51 during the death of Jesus on the cross and in Exodus 34:29-35 when Moses met with God for the Ten Commandments. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 also mentions Moses’ Veil.

According to Mathew 27:40-52, Jesus was crucified, and the chief priests, scribes, and monks mocked Him telling Him to save Himself. At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out. He died as the curtain of the temple tore into two from top to bottom, and the earth shook.

In Exodus 34:29-35, it is said that Moses met with God for the 10 commandments as a covenant with the Israelites. He stayed with God on Mt Sinai, fasting for 40 days and 40 nights. When he came down from the mountain with two tablets, his face shone so bright that his brother Aaron and the people were scared to go near him. He put a veil over his face. When he went to see God, he would remove the Veil and then put it back when he came to the people. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 also mentions Moses’ Veil, implying that the Veil was removed when Jesus died on the cross.

What is the Veil mentioned in Hebrews 6:19?

The Veil mentioned in Hebrews 6:19 is the one that tore into two when Jesus died. Hebrews 6:19 talks about God fulfilling His promises to His people. It implies that people can access God directly (entering into the inner place behind the curtain). The curtain, which is the Veil, represents the separation between God and the people. According to Hebrews 6:20, Jesus is the one to bridge that separation and become a high priest forever. It seems to be a prophecy for the tearing of the Veil when Jesus died.

What was the significance of the temple veil being torn in two when Jesus died?

The significance was that there was no more separation between God and people. The Veil symbolized sin as a barrier that separated humanity from the presence of God. When it tore, it symbolized free access to God through Jesus Christ.

Mathew 27:51 implies that the temple was now open to all people. When the Veil tore, the Holy of Holies at the temple was wide open. Initially, the High Priest was the only one with access to the Holy of Holies, a sacred part of the temple. It was the only way to connect with God.

The tearing of the Veil signified an atonement for sins through the sacrifice of Jesus and the shedding of His blood. It symbolized Jesus as the only way to the Father. Through the tearing of the Veil, we all have access to the Father through Christ. The enormous Veil tore from top to bottom, suggesting that it was not torn by man, but by God.

3 symbolic meanings of a veil in the Bible

A veil generally symbolized a barrier between God and man in the Bible in different ways. The word veil means to separate in Hebrew.

1. The Veil symbolized the separation between the glory of God and the sinfulness of the people. In Exodus 34:29-35, Moses covering his shining face from the people implies that the reflection of God’s glory terrified the people.
2. The Veil also symbolized the division between God and people. According to Exodus 26:1, God spoke to Moses about building a sanctuary for Him so that He may dwell among the people. As He gave instructions, He prescribed that the Tabernacle be made with ten curtains (veils). The veils suggest a separation from God.
3. 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 implies that the Veil is a barrier between God and the people. The verse mentions Moses’ Veil when he was hiding his shining face from the Israelites. It suggests that when one turns to the Lord, the Veil is removed, that is, the barrier is broken. That can only happen through Christ.

What is a spiritual veil?

2 Corinthians 3:16 implies that a spiritual veil is a barrier that keeps us from knowing God. It says that when the Veil is removed through Jesus Christ, we can get to know God intimately and reflect on his glory. This implies that God, who is the Spirit, makes us more like him as we are changed in His glorious image.

What does Veil mean spiritually?

Spiritually, a veil means a barrier between God and people. In the Old Testament, the High Priest was the only way that the people could connect with God. In the New Testament, the temple veil tore into two during Jesus’ death. This implies that spiritually, people now have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.