Definition: 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;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Matthew 27:51. It's a really dramatic and important part of the story of Jesus’ death. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it describes a massive explosion or earthquake happening at the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Let’s unpack it further: “Matthew 27:51” : This is the verse itself – a specific moment in time. “And, behold…” : This phrase is a dramatic introduction, meaning "and now, let me show you..." or “Here's what’s happening.” “the veil of the temple was rent in twain…” : The “veil” refers to a large, intricately woven cloth hanging down from the top of the temple. It was a symbol of God’s presence and holiness. It was being torn apart. “…from the top to the bottom” : This means it wasn't just a small tear; it was a huge, gaping hole that went all the way through. “and the earth did quake…” : The ground beneath the people was moving violently. It wasn’t just a little tremor – it was a massive shaking. “and the rocks rent;" : This is the most striking part. The rocks surrounding the temple were being ripped apart by the earthquake. So, what does this all mean? This event symbolizes several important things: God’s Justice: It shows that God is punishing sin and wrongdoing. The tearing of the veil represents a powerful display of God's wrath against those who have disobeyed him. Chaos and Destruction: The earthquake and the rocks being ripped apart symbolize chaos and destruction caused by evil and rebellion. A Turning Point: This event marks a significant turning point in history – it’s when Jesus is arrested, tried, and ultimately crucified. It's a moment of intense upheaval. It’s important to note: The Bible doesn't give us a detailed explanation of why this happened. The focus is on the event itself as a dramatic sign of God's power. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like me to connect it to a specific aspect of Jesus’ story? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of the tear in the veil Its connection to the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion.