Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Cultural Context:Veils in biblical times were garments or pieces of fabric used to cover the face or head, often signifying modesty, reverence, or separation. They were commonly worn by women in various cultural and religious contexts throughout the ancient Near East. The use of veils is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, reflecting both cultural practices and spiritual symbolism. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, veils are often associated with modesty and marital customs. Genesis 24:65 describes Rebekah covering herself with a veil upon meeting Isaac, indicating her modesty and readiness for marriage: "For she had said to the servant, 'Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?' 'It is my master,' the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself." Veils also appear in the context of deception and disguise. In Genesis 38:14-15, Tamar uses a veil to conceal her identity from Judah: "So she took off her widow’s garments, covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and sat down at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the way to Timnah. For she saw that Shelah had grown up, but she had not been given to him as a wife. When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute because she had covered her face." Symbolism and Spiritual Significance: Veils carry significant symbolic meaning in the Bible, often representing separation or a barrier between humanity and the divine. In Exodus 26:33, the veil in the Tabernacle separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, signifying the holiness of God and the separation from sin: "Hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the testimony behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place." The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death, as recorded in Matthew 27:51, symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity, granting believers direct access to God through Christ: "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." New Testament Context: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of veiling in the context of worship and propriety. In 1 Corinthians 11:4-7, Paul discusses the practice of women covering their heads during prayer or prophecy as a sign of authority and respect: "Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is just as if her head were shaved. If a woman does not cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. And if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut or shaved off, she should cover her head." Cultural and Theological Implications: The use of veils in biblical times reflects broader cultural norms regarding gender roles, modesty, and religious practice. While the specific practices and interpretations of veiling have evolved over time, the underlying principles of modesty, respect, and reverence remain significant in many Christian traditions. The veil serves as a powerful symbol of the relationship between humanity and God, illustrating themes of separation, holiness, and redemption through Christ. Strong's Hebrew 4555. mispachah -- a long veil... 4554, 4555. mispachah. 4556 . a long veil. Transliteration: mispachah Phonetic Spelling: (mis-paw-khaw') Short Definition: veils. ... /hebrew/4555.htm - 6k 7479. realah -- probably a veil 5844a. atah -- to wrap oneself, enwrap, envelop oneself 7289. radid -- a wide wrapper, large veil Library Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ... Epistle Xliv. To Rusticiana, Patrician . The Veil Over all Nations Transformation by Beholding O Food to Pilgrims Given Whether the Prophecy which is Accompanied by Intellective and ... The Guide into all Truth Books of the Hebrew Canon. A Seraph's Wings A Glance at the Disciples of Jesus on Holy Saturday. Thesaurus Veils (5 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Veils (5 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). Isaiah 3:19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, (WEB JPS DBY NAS NIV). ... /v/veils.htm - 7k Veil (67 Occurrences) Veiling (2 Occurrences) Vein (1 Occurrence) Vail (44 Occurrences) Kerchief Undergarments (6 Occurrences) Looking-glasses (2 Occurrences) Gauze (2 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about hair length? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about wearing hats in church? | GotQuestions.org Has anyone ever seen God? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Veils (5 Occurrences)Song of Songs 1:7 Isaiah 3:19 Isaiah 3:23 Ezekiel 13:18 Ezekiel 13:21 Subtopics Related Terms |