Objects & worship
Veil
The curtain separating the inner sanctuary from the outer holy space.
Also called · curtain of the sanctuary · temple curtain
What it means
Exodus 26 describes a veil woven from colored thread and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it. It separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the ark is kept.
The table and lampstand stand outside the veil in the Holy Place. In Leviticus 16, Aaron may not enter behind the veil whenever he chooses; he must follow the prescribed atonement rites.
How it appears in the Bible
Matthew 27 and Mark 15 report that the temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom when Jesus died.
Translation note
Some passages mention other entrance curtains, so not every sanctuary curtain is this inner veil.