Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:51

What does Matthew 27:51 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:51 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:51 means

At Jesus’ death the temple veil is torn from top to bottom, the earth shakes, rocks split, and tombs open. These dramatic signs show that death’s power is being broken and that the barrier between God and people—the veil—has been removed. The tearing ‘from the top to the bottom’ emphasizes God’s action, not human effort. The earthquake and opened tombs signify cosmic disturbance and the universe’s response to the atoning event, indicating that the crucifixion is not a mere execution but a decisive act with covenantal consequences.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the curtain of the Temple was parted in two from end to end; and there was an earth-shock; and the rocks were broken;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and lo, the vail of the sanctuary was rent in two from top unto bottom, and the earth did quake, and the rocks were rent,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top even to the bottom: and the earth quaked and the rocks were rent.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And lo, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom, and the earth was shaken, and the rocks were rent,

Context

This verse comes immediately after Jesus’ death (v. 50) and introduces a sequence of supernatural phenomena. The signs function as God’s public declaration about the significance of the crucifixion, setting up the resurrection-related details in verses 52–53 and leading to the centurion’s confession (v. 54).

v.50And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.

v.51This passage

v.52and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 10:19

    Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

  • Micah 1:3

    For, behold, Jehovah cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.

  • Matthew 28:2

    And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it.

  • Luke 23:45

    the sun’s light failing: and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

  • Exodus 26:31

    And thou shalt make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim the work of the skilful workman shall it be made:

  • Leviticus 16:12

    And he shall take a censer full of coals of fire from off the altar before Jehovah, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil:

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