Matthew 27:51-53

27:51 Just then ¹  the temple curtain ²  was torn in two, from top to bottom. The ³  earth shook and the rocks were split apart. 27:52 And tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had died ⁴  were raised. 27:53 (They ⁵  came out of the tombs after his resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.)

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¹ tn Grk “And behold.”

² tn The referent of this term, καταπέτασμα (katapetasma), is not entirely clear. It could refer to the curtain separating the holy of holies from the holy place (Josephus, J. W. 5.5.5 [5.219]), or it could refer to one at the entrance of the temple court (Josephus, J. W. 5.5.4 [5.212]). Many argue that the inner curtain is meant because another term, κάλυμμα (kalumma), is also used for the outer curtain. Others see a reference to the outer curtain as more likely because of the public nature of this sign. Either way, the symbolism means that access to God has been opened up. It also pictures a judgment that includes the sacrifices.

³ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.

⁴ tn The verb κοιμάω (koimaw) literally means “sleep,” but it is often used in the Bible as a euphemism for the death of a believer.

⁵ tn Here καί (kai) has not been translated.