New Testament
Luke 23:45
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The sun stopped shining, and the curtain in the temple was torn right down the middle.
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And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
What Luke 23:45 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see two significant events occurring at the moment of Jesus' death. First, the sun stopped shining, symbolizing the cosmic impact of His sacrifice. This darkness represents the gravity of sin and the separation from God that Jesus experienced. Second, the temple curtain, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, was torn in two. This act signifies that through Jesus' death, access to God is now open to everyone, not just the high priest. The tearing of the curtain represents the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new relationship between God and humanity, where believers can approach God directly. This moment marks a pivotal change in the spiritual landscape, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the new hope it brings to all who believe in Him.
How to apply Luke 23:45 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the access we now have to God. We can approach Him in prayer and worship without fear, knowing that our sins are forgiven. It reminds us to live in a way that honors this incredible gift of grace.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Death of Jesus (Luke 23:44–49)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Luke 23:45
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does the darkness at Jesus' death signify?
The darkness that occurred when Jesus died symbolizes the weight of sin and the separation from God that He experienced. It reflects the gravity of His sacrifice and the cosmic impact of His death, indicating that something profoundly significant was happening in the spiritual realm at that moment.
Why was the temple curtain torn in two?
The tearing of the temple curtain signifies the removal of barriers between God and humanity. This curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where God's presence dwelled, from the rest of the temple. Its tearing represents the end of the old covenant and the establishment of a new covenant through Jesus, allowing all believers direct access to God.
How does Luke 23:45 relate to the new covenant?
Luke 23:45 illustrates the transition from the old covenant, which required a high priest to enter God's presence, to the new covenant established by Jesus' sacrifice. This new covenant allows every believer to approach God directly, emphasizing the personal relationship available to all who accept Christ.
What is the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in this verse?
Jesus' sacrifice is central to the Christian faith, as it provides forgiveness for sins and restores the relationship between humanity and God. Luke 23:45 highlights this significance by showing the cosmic darkness and the tearing of the temple curtain, both of which underscore the transformative power of His death.
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