Word Studies¶
H6532 — paroketh (פֹּרֶכֶת) — "Veil/Curtain" (Sanctuary)¶
Original: פֹּרֶכֶת Transliteration: poreketh Pronunciation: po-reh Part of Speech: Feminine noun (active participle form) Definition: From the same root as perek; a separatrix, i.e. (the sacred) screen — vail. BLB Count: 25 occurrences
Etymology¶
The word is a feminine active participle, meaning "that which separates" or "separatrix." The very name of the veil defines its function: it is the separator between the holy and the most holy.
Translations¶
| Translation | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| the vail | 21 | 84.0% |
| a vail | 2 | 8.0% |
| of the vail | 1 | 4.0% |
| vail | 1 | 4.0% |
All 25 Occurrences¶
- Exo 26:31 — "thou shalt make a vail" (construction command)
- Exo 26:33 (3x) — "hang up the vail...within the vail...the vail shall divide"
- Exo 26:35 — "the table without the vail"
- Exo 27:21 — lamp tending "without the vail"
- Exo 30:6 — incense altar "before the vail"
- Exo 35:12 — listing: "the ark...and the vail of the covering"
- Exo 36:35 — "he made a vail" (execution)
- Exo 39:34 — "the vail of the covering"
- Exo 40:3 — "cover the ark with the vail"
- Exo 40:21 — "set up the vail of the covering"
- Exo 40:22 — "without the vail"
- Exo 40:26 — golden altar "before the vail"
- Lev 4:6 — sprinkle blood "before the vail of the sanctuary"
- Lev 4:17 — sprinkle blood "before the vail"
- Lev 16:2 — "come not at all times...within the vail"
- Lev 16:12 — "bring [incense] within the vail"
- Lev 16:15 — "bring his blood within the vail"
- Lev 21:23 — "he shall not go in unto the vail" (blemished priest)
- Lev 24:3 — lamp tending "without the vail"
- Num 18:7 — priestly charge "within the vail"
- 2 Chr 3:14 — Solomon "made the vail" for the temple
LXX Connection¶
The LXX consistently translates H6532 with G2665 (katapetasma) — 22 out of 25 occurrences (PMI score: 9.45, highest). This is the same Greek word used in all 6 NT veil references (Matt 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45; Heb 6:19; 9:3; 10:20), creating a direct verbal link between the OT sanctuary veil and the NT references.
Functional Categories of paroketh Usage¶
- Barrier/separator: Exo 26:33 ("divide between the holy and the most holy"); Lev 16:2 (restriction); Lev 21:23 (prohibition)
- Spatial reference: "before the vail" (Exo 30:6; 40:26; Lev 4:6,17; 24:3; 27:21) — items outside it; "within the vail" (Lev 16:12,15; Num 18:7) — the Most Holy Place
- Covering: Exo 35:12; 39:34; 40:3,21 — covers/conceals the ark
G2665 — katapetasma (καταπέτασμα) — "Veil"¶
Original: καταπέτασμα Transliteration: katapetasma Pronunciation: kat-ap-et'-as-mah Part of Speech: Neuter noun Definition: From a compound of kata and a congener of petannumi; something spread thoroughly, i.e. (especially) the door screen (to the Most Holy Place) in the Jewish temple. BLB Count: 6 occurrences
Translations¶
| Translation | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| veil | 6 | 100% |
All 6 NT Occurrences¶
- Matthew 27:51 — "the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom"
- Mark 15:38 — "the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom"
- Luke 23:45 — "the veil of the temple was rent in the midst"
- Hebrews 6:19 — "which entereth into that within the veil"
- Hebrews 9:3 — "after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all"
- Hebrews 10:20 — "through the veil, that is to say, his flesh"
Hebrew Source¶
G2665 maps to H6532 (paroketh) with the highest PMI score (9.45). It also maps to H4539 (masak, the outer hanging) with a score of 8.06. The LXX used katapetasma for both the inner veil and the outer screen, but the NT usage consistently refers to the inner veil separating the Most Holy Place.
Distribution Pattern¶
- Synoptic Gospels (3x): All describe the same event — veil torn at crucifixion
- Hebrews (3x): All describe access through/past the veil
- The word bridges the crucifixion event (Synoptics) with its theological significance (Hebrews)
G4977 — schizo (σχίζω) — "Split/Tear/Rend"¶
Original: σχίζω Transliteration: schizo Pronunciation: skhid'-zo Part of Speech: Verb Definition: Apparently a primary verb; to split or sever (literally or figuratively). BLB Count: 10 occurrences (8 unique translation forms)
Translations¶
| Translation | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| was rent | 3 | 37.5% |
| was divided | 2 | 25.0% |
| rent | 1 | 12.5% |
| opened | 1 | 12.5% |
| maketh a rent | 1 | 12.5% |
Key Occurrences¶
- Matt 27:51a — "the veil of the temple was rent [eschisthe, Aor Pass Ind 3S] in twain"
- Matt 27:51b — "the rocks rent [eschisthesan, Aor Pass Ind 3P]" (same verse, same verb)
- Mark 15:38 — "the veil of the temple was rent [eschisthe, Aor Pass Ind 3S] in twain"
- Luke 23:45 — "the veil of the temple was rent [eschisthe, Aor Pass Ind 3S] in the midst"
- Mark 1:10 — "he saw the heavens opened [schizomenous, Pres Pass Ptcp Acc Pl M]"
- Luke 5:36 (3x) — parable of new cloth on old garment: "maketh a rent," etc.
- John 19:24 — "Let us not rend it" (Jesus' seamless garment)
- John 21:11 — net "was not broken [schizo]" despite 153 fish
- Acts 14:4 — "the multitude of the city was divided"
- Acts 23:7 — "the multitude was divided"
Critical Grammar Comparison: Matt 27:51 vs Mark 1:10¶
- Matt 27:51: eschisthe (ἐσχίσθη) = Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular — completed action, PASSIVE voice. The veil WAS RENT by an external agent (divine passive). The rocks WERE RENT (same form, plural).
- Mark 1:10: schizomenous (σχιζομένους) = Present Passive Participle Accusative Plural Masculine — ongoing action, PASSIVE voice. The heavens BEING SPLIT OPEN.
- Both use passive voice indicating divine action. At baptism (beginning of ministry), heaven opens TO Jesus. At death (end of ministry), the veil rips, opening the way to God for all.
G3954 — parrhesia (παῤῥησία) — "Boldness/Confidence"¶
Original: παῤῥησία Transliteration: parrhesia Pronunciation: par-rhay-see'-ah Part of Speech: Feminine noun Definition: From pas and rhesis (a derivative of rheo); all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance. BLB Count: 31 occurrences
Translations¶
| Translation | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| boldness | 6 | 35.3% |
| confidence | 3 | 17.6% |
| openly | 2 | 11.8% |
| boldly | 2 | 11.8% |
| freely | 1 | 5.9% |
| plainness of speech | 1 | 5.9% |
| boldness of speech | 1 | 5.9% |
| bold | 1 | 5.9% |
Usage in Hebrews (Critical for Veil Study)¶
- Hebrews 3:6 — "whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end"
- Hebrews 4:16 — "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace"
- Hebrews 10:19 — "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus"
- Hebrews 10:35 — "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward"
Significance¶
The progression in Hebrews: believers have parrhesia (3:6) → are urged to approach with parrhesia (4:16) → have parrhesia to enter the holiest (10:19) → must not discard their parrhesia (10:35). This boldness is explicitly linked to the blood of Jesus and the veil access in 10:19-20.
G1457 — enkainizo (ἐγκαινίζω) — "Inaugurate/Dedicate/Consecrate"¶
Original: ἐγκαινίζω Transliteration: enkainizo Pronunciation: eng-kahee-nid'-zo Part of Speech: Verb Definition: From en + kainos; to renew, i.e. inaugurate — consecrate, dedicate. BLB Count: 2 NT occurrences
Both NT Occurrences¶
- Hebrews 9:18 — "Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated [enkekainistai, Perf Pass Ind] without blood"
- Hebrews 10:20 — "which he hath consecrated [enekainisen, Aor Act Ind 3S] for us"
LXX Background¶
The LXX uses enkainizo in: Deut 20:5 (dedicating a new house), 1 Sam 11:14 (renewing the kingdom), 1 Ki 8:63 (Solomon dedicating the temple), 2 Chr 15:8 (Asa renewing the altar). The word carries inauguration/dedication connotations — not mere making but ceremonial setting apart for use.
Significance¶
The "new and living way" of Heb 10:20 is not merely created but INAUGURATED — formally opened and dedicated. The same verb links the inauguration of the first covenant (9:18) with the inauguration of the new way (10:20). The verbal bridge is unmistakable: what required blood to dedicate under Moses required Christ's blood to dedicate under the new covenant.
G2082 — esoteros (ἐσώτερος) — "Inner/Within"¶
Original: ἐσώτερος Transliteration: esoteros Pronunciation: es-o'-ter-os Part of Speech: Adjective (comparative) Definition: Comparative of eso; interior — inner, within. BLB Count: 2 NT occurrences
Both NT Occurrences¶
- Acts 16:24 — "thrust them into the inner prison"
- Hebrews 6:19 — "which entereth into that within the veil"
Significance¶
The comparative form ("more inner") indicates the space MORE INTERIOR than the veil — i.e., the Most Holy Place. In Heb 6:19, hope does not merely approach the veil but enters BEYOND it into the innermost sanctuary. This confirms the spatial reference: "within the veil" = the Most Holy Place where God's presence dwells above the mercy seat.
G4274 — prodromos (πρόδρομος) — "Forerunner"¶
Original: πρόδρομος Transliteration: prodromos Pronunciation: prod'-rom-os Part of Speech: Adjective Definition: From pro + dromos (a runner); a runner ahead, i.e. scout (figuratively, precursor). BLB Count: 1 NT occurrence
Sole NT Occurrence¶
Hebrews 6:20 — "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, [even] Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
Significance¶
A prodromos (forerunner) implies OTHERS WILL FOLLOW. This is inauguration language, NOT Day of Atonement language. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered ALONE — "there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in" (Lev 16:17). No one followed. But a forerunner enters AHEAD of others, blazing a trail. Jesus entered the Most Holy Place not as one who goes alone and returns, but as one who opens the way for others to follow.
G4561 — sarx (σάρξ) — "Flesh"¶
Original: σάρξ Transliteration: sarx Pronunciation: sarx Part of Speech: Feminine noun Definition: Probably from the base of saroo; flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul/spirit), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties and passions), or (specially) a human being (as such). BLB Count: 151 occurrences (128 unique translation forms)
Translations¶
| Translation | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| flesh | 73 | 57.0% |
| the flesh | 35 | 27.3% |
| to the flesh | 5 | 3.9% |
| of the flesh | 4 | 3.1% |
| in the flesh | 3 | 2.3% |
| carnal | 2 | 1.6% |
| (other) | 6 | 4.7% |
Usage in Hebrews (Critical for Veil Study)¶
- Hebrews 2:14 — "as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same" — INCARNATION: Christ's assumption of human nature
- Hebrews 5:7 — "in the days of his flesh" — Christ's earthly life period
- Hebrews 9:10 — "carnal [sarkos] ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation" — flesh = physical/ceremonial (not moral)
- Hebrews 9:13 — "sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh" — outward/ceremonial purification
- Hebrews 10:20 — "through the veil, that is to say, his flesh" — THE KEY VERSE: Christ's flesh in relation to the veil
- Hebrews 12:9 — "fathers of our flesh which corrected [us]" — physical parentage
Pattern in Hebrews¶
In Hebrews, sarx carries these senses: (a) human nature assumed in incarnation (2:14), (b) the period of earthly life (5:7), (c) outward/physical realm as opposed to spiritual (9:10,13), (d) physical parentage (12:9). In 10:20, the sense most naturally aligns with (a) — the incarnate flesh through which Christ completed his work.
H4539 — masak (מָסָךְ) — "Covering/Screen/Hanging"¶
Original: מָסָךְ Transliteration: masak Pronunciation: maw-sawk' Part of Speech: Masculine noun Definition: From sakak; a cover, i.e. veil — covering, curtain, hanging. BLB Count: 25 occurrences
Translations¶
| Translation | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| the hanging | 9 | 36.0% |
| an hanging | 3 | 12.0% |
| of the covering | 3 | 12.0% |
| the covering | 2 | 8.0% |
| and the hanging | 2 | 8.0% |
| (other) | 6 | 24.0% |
Distinction from H6532 (paroketh)¶
- H6532 paroketh = the INNER veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Active participle: "the separator."
- H4539 masak = the OUTER screen/hanging at entrances (tabernacle door, courtyard gate). From the root meaning "to cover."
- The paroketh separates sacred degrees; the masak covers entrances. They are architecturally distinct: Exo 26:31-33 (paroketh between Holy and Most Holy); Exo 26:36 (masak for the tent door). The masak uses different materials in some descriptions (needlework vs. cunning work).
LXX Translation¶
Both H6532 and H4539 are translated by G2665 (katapetasma) in the LXX, which may cause confusion. H4539 also maps to G2571 (kalyma, "covering"). The NT usage of katapetasma, however, consistently refers to the inner veil (the paroketh).
H4533 — masveh (מַסְוֶה) — "Veil" (Face Covering)¶
Original: מַסְוֶה Transliteration: masveh Pronunciation: mas-veh' Part of Speech: Masculine noun Definition: From an unused root meaning to cover; a veil. BLB Count: 3 occurrences
All 3 Occurrences¶
- Exodus 34:33 — "Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face"
- Exodus 34:34 — "when Moses went in before the LORD...he took the vail off"
- Exodus 34:35 — "Moses put the vail upon his face again"
Distinction from H6532 and H4539¶
- H6532 (paroketh) = sanctuary veil (architectural barrier)
- H4539 (masak) = screen/hanging (entrance covering)
- H4533 (masveh) = face veil (personal covering)
These are three different Hebrew words, but they are conceptually linked by Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:13-16, where the face-veil of Moses (masveh) becomes a metaphor for spiritual blindness — a "veil upon their heart" (2 Cor 3:15) that is "done away in Christ" (2 Cor 3:14). Paul uses the Greek kalyma (G2571) for Moses' face veil, not katapetasma (G2665), maintaining the distinction even in Greek.