Luke 23:45
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 23:45
45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Chapter Context
Luke 23 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of worship, creation, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-56: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 23:45
45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Analysis
The veil torn: 'And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.' Parallel to v. 44, Luke notes 'the sun was darkened' (ἐσκοτίσθη ὁ ἥλιος, eskotisthē ho hēlios). Then a second supernatural event: 'the veil of the temple was rent in the midst' (ἐσχίσθη... τὸ καταπέτασμα τοῦ ναοῦ μέσον, eschisthē... to katapetasma tou naou meson). This veil separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place, representing separation between God and humanity caused by sin. Only the high priest could enter annually on Yom Kippur. The veil's tearing 'from top to bottom' (Matthew 27:51) indicates God, not humans, ripped it. Christ's death opened access to God's presence for all believers. The way into the holiest is now open (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Historical Context
The temple veil was massive—60 feet high, 30 feet wide, handspan thick—requiring hundreds of men to manipulate. That it tore 'from top to bottom' proves divine action. Its destruction at Christ's death was profoundly symbolic: the Old Covenant system requiring animal sacrifices, priestly mediation, and annual atonement was obsolete. Christ's once-for-all sacrifice provided permanent access to God. Hebrews 10:19-20 explains: 'we have boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.' Christ's torn flesh is the torn veil—His death opens the way to God.
Reflection
- What did the temple veil symbolize, and what does its tearing signify?
- How does Christ's death provide access to God that the Old Covenant couldn't?
- What does Hebrews mean by calling Jesus' flesh 'the veil'?
Cross-References
- Temple: Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38
- Parallel theme: 2 Chronicles 3:14