New Testament
Matthew 27:51
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Matthew 27:51, the tearing of the temple curtain signifies a profound change in the relationship between God and humanity.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and rocks split apart.
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;
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Matthew 27:51, 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. Its tearing from top to bottom indicates that God initiated this change, allowing direct access to Him through Jesus' sacrifice. The accompanying earthquake and splitting rocks symbolize the cosmic significance of Jesus' death, marking the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new one. This event emphasizes that through Christ, believers can approach God without barriers, highlighting the importance of faith in Him for salvation and reconciliation with God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 27:51 to your life
This verse encourages believers to recognize the direct access they have to God through Jesus. It reminds us that we can approach God in prayer and worship without fear, knowing that Jesus has removed the barriers that once separated us from Him. Embrace this relationship and seek to grow closer to God.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 27:51 mean?
Matthew 27:51 describes the moment when the temple curtain was torn, symbolizing the removal of barriers between God and humanity due to Jesus' sacrifice. This event signifies a new relationship where believers can access God directly.
What does the earthquake in Matthew 27:51 represent?
The earthquake mentioned in Matthew 27:51 signifies the cosmic impact of Jesus' death. It highlights the importance of this event in the spiritual realm and its implications for humanity's relationship with God.
How does Matthew 27:51 relate to the concept of reconciliation with God?
Matthew 27:51 illustrates that through Jesus' sacrifice, believers are reconciled with God and can approach Him without fear. This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus for a direct relationship with God.
What does the phrase 'from top to bottom' mean in Matthew 27:51?
The phrase 'from top to bottom' indicates that the tearing of the curtain was initiated by God, not by human hands. This emphasizes that the change in access to God was a divine act, signifying His desire for a close relationship with humanity.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.