New Testament
Mark 15:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
At that moment, the curtain in the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
Compare translations
And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
What Mark 15:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Mark 15:38, the tearing of the temple curtain signifies a profound change in the relationship between God and humanity. The temple curtain separated the Holy of Holies, where God's presence dwelled, from the rest of the temple. By tearing it from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death, it symbolizes that access to God is now open to everyone, not just the high priest. This act represents the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new one, where believers can approach God directly through Jesus. It emphasizes the significance of Christ's sacrifice, which removes the barrier of sin that kept people from God. This moment marks a pivotal point in Christian theology, highlighting the importance of faith in Jesus for salvation and the establishment of a personal relationship with God.
How to apply Mark 15:38 to your life
Understanding that the curtain was torn encourages believers to approach God with confidence. It reminds us that we can pray directly to God and seek His guidance without needing a mediator. This access invites us to deepen our relationship with Him through prayer and worship.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Death of Jesus (Mark 15:33–41)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Mark 15:38
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Mark 15:38
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 15:38 mean?
Mark 15:38 describes the moment when the temple curtain was torn in two at Jesus' death, symbolizing that access to God is now available to everyone, not just the high priest. This act signifies the end of the separation between God and humanity.
What is the significance of the curtain being torn in Mark 15:38?
The tearing of the curtain in Mark 15:38 represents the removal of barriers between God and people, indicating that through Jesus' sacrifice, all believers can approach God directly. It marks the transition from the old covenant to a new relationship with God.
What does the temple curtain represent in Mark 15:38?
In Mark 15:38, the temple curtain represents the separation between God's holy presence and humanity. Its tearing signifies that this separation has been removed, allowing believers to have direct access to God.
Why was the curtain torn from top to bottom in Mark 15:38?
The curtain was torn from top to bottom in Mark 15:38 to emphasize that this act was initiated by God, not by human hands. This direction of the tear symbolizes divine intervention and the establishment of a new way to connect with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.