Topical Bible: Vail: Figurative

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In biblical literature, the term "vail" (or "veil") is often used figuratively to represent various spiritual truths and realities. The concept of a vail is rich with symbolic meaning, frequently illustrating themes of separation, revelation, and transformation within the scriptural narrative.

Separation from God

The vail is prominently featured in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where it served as a physical barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the presence of God dwelt. This vail symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. In Hebrews 9:3, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place." This separation underscored the need for atonement and the holiness required to approach God.

Revelation and Understanding

In 2 Corinthians 3:14-16, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of a vail to describe the spiritual blindness of those who do not recognize Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. He writes, "But their minds were closed. For to this day the same vail remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. And even to this day when Moses is read, a vail covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the vail is taken away." Here, the vail represents a lack of understanding and the obscured vision of those who have not yet embraced the gospel of Christ. The removal of the vail signifies the revelation and clarity that comes through faith in Jesus.

Transformation through Christ

The tearing of the vail at the moment of Christ's death is a powerful symbol of the new access believers have to God through Jesus. In Matthew 27:51, the BSB records, "At that moment the vail of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This event signifies the end of the old sacrificial system and the establishment of a new covenant, where believers can approach God directly through the atoning work of Christ. The tearing of the vail represents the removal of the barrier of sin and the opening of a new way to communion with God.

Spiritual Transformation

The vail also serves as a metaphor for the transformation that occurs in the believer's life. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." The removal of the vail allows believers to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into His likeness. This transformation is an ongoing process, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, leading to spiritual maturity and deeper intimacy with God.

Conclusion

The figurative use of the vail in Scripture is a profound illustration of the spiritual realities of separation, revelation, and transformation. Through Christ, the vail is removed, granting believers access to God and enabling them to reflect His glory.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 10:20
By a new and living way, which he has consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Index of Subjects.
... Prophecy, interpretation of, 607, seq.; its progressive fulfilment, 622; question
of its literal and figurative meaning, 624 ... V. Vail of the tabernacle, 586, seq ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... the literal and the figurative in prophecy is difficult, and in some cases impossible.
In this respect it has pleased the wisdom of God that a vail should rest ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Doctrine of the Last Things.
... to ask for a reason for the Master's failure to literalize the figurative word
"fire ... The hope of the Christian enters beyond the vail, into the very presence of ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the last.htm

Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ...
... prophetical book naturally leads us to consider these merely as figurative phrases,
which ... spangled firmament is but, as it were, the shining vail; an apartment ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse v of the incapacity.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... Christ.' Now when the heart is turned to Christ, then the vail of Moses is ... than to
put us into the possession of a natural, figurative, shadowish righteousness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

The Pharisee and the Publican
... While Moses is read (and his law and the righteousness thereof trusted to), the
vail is upon their heart; and even unto this day (said Paul) the vail remaineth ...
/.../bunyan/the pharisee and publican/the pharisee and the publican.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... and fulfilleth the royal law, doth more glorify God, and honour religion in the
world, than he that keepeth, if there were so many, ten thousand figurative laws ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

A Discourse Upon the Pharisee and the Publican
... While Moses is read, and his law, and the righteousness thereof trusted to,
the vail is upon their heart. "For until this day, [said ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse upon the pharisee.htm