Matthew 27:51

Matthew 27:51

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;

a. NLT: At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart,

b. NIV: At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split

c. YLT:  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,

d. Amplified Bible:  And at once the curtain of the sanctuary of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; the earth shook and the rocks were split.

e. Worrell Translation: And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two, from the top to bottom; and the earth was shaken; and the rocks were rent;

1. “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom…”

a. and [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. behold [2400 * idou] [Strong: second person singular imperative middle voice of 1492; used as imperative lo!; --behold, lo, see.]

c. the veil [2665 * katapetasma] [Strong: from a compound of 2596 and a congener of 4072; something spread thoroughly, i.e. (specially) the door screen (to the Most Holy Place) in the Jewish Temple:--vail.]

d. of the temple [3485 * naos] [Strong: from a primary naio (to dwell); a fane, shrine, temple :--shrine, temple.]

e. was rent [4977 * schizo] [Strong: apparently a primary verb; to split or sever (literally or figuratively):--break, divide, open, rend, make a rent.]

f. in [1519 * eis] [Strong: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

g. twain [1417 * duo] [Strong: a primary numeral; "two":--both, twain, two.]

h. from [575 * apo] [Strong: a primary particle; "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative):--(X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.]

i. the top [509 * anothen] [Strong: from 507; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew:--from above, again, from the beginning (very first), the top.]

j. to [2193 * heos] [Strong: of uncertain affinity; a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place):--even (until, unto), (as) far (as), how long, (un-)til(-l), (hither-, un-, up) to, while(-s).]

k. the bottom [2736 * kato] [Strong: also (compare) katotero kat-o-ter'-o (compare 2737); adverb from 2596; downwards:--beneath, bottom, down, under.]

1). The ripping of the veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place meant that the way into the Holy of Holys was made open by the death of Christ.

a).  Hebrews 10:19, 20 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into 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;

2. “…and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

a. and [2532 * kai] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. the earth [1093 * ge] [Strong: contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application):--country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.]

c. did quake [4579 * seio si’o] [Strong: apparently a primary verb; 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 tremor (of fear or concern):--move, quake, shake.]

d. and [2532 * kai] See “and” above.

e. the rocks [4073 * petra] [Strong: feminine of the same as 4074; a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively):--rock.]

f. rent [4977 * schizo] [Strong: apparently a primary verb; to split or sever (literally or figuratively):--break, divide, open, rend, make a rent.]

1). It was the violence of the earthquake that caused the graves to be opened, but the saints did no rise from them until after the resurrection of Christ as we shall see in the next verse.