Matthew 27:51

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἰδού,
behold
used as imperative lo!
#3
τὸ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
καταπέτασμα
the veil
something spread thoroughly, i.e., (specially) the door screen (to the most holy place) in the jewish temple
#5
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
ναοῦ
of the temple
a fane, shrine, temple
#7
ἐσχίσθησαν
rent
to split or sever (literally or figuratively)
#8
εἰς
in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#9
δύο
twain
"two"
#10
ἀπὸ
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#11
ἄνωθεν
the top
from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew
#12
ἕως
to
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
#13
κάτω
the bottom
downwards
#14
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#16
γῆ
the earth
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
#17
ἐσείσθη
did quake
to rock (vibrate, properly, sideways or to and fro), i.e., (generally) to agitate (in any direction; cause to tremble); figuratively, to throw into a
#18
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#19
αἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
πέτραι
the rocks
a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively)
#21
ἐσχίσθησαν
rent
to split or sever (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The first-century Palestinian Jewish culture under Roman occupation would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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