Here's an analysis of the thickness of the Temple veil and related information, addressing the question step by step:

The Thickness of the Temple Veil: A Historical and Theological Examination

Biblical Accounts and Early Traditions

The question of the Temple veil's thickness arises from biblical accounts of Jesus' crucifixion and the subsequent tearing of the veil. This event is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, symbolizing a significant shift in the relationship between God and humanity.

The Bible itself doesn't explicitly state the thickness of the Temple veil. The primary sources, the Gospels, focus on the tearing of the veil from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death, signifying the opening of access to God for all believers[1].

Examining the Sources

Early Jewish tradition, however, provides a specific measurement. According to early Jewish tradition, the veil was as thick as a man's hand (about four inches)[1]. This detail is found in rabbinic literature, specifically the Mishnah, which is an early codification of Jewish oral law[1].

Josephus's Description

However, later rabbinic commentary views this description as hyperbolic language, suggesting it might be an exaggeration[1].

The primary source for the four-inch thickness is rabbinic literature, particularly the Mishnah. This information is not found in the Gospels or other parts of the Hebrew Bible. The Mishnah states that the veil was woven on a loom with seventy-two rods, with twenty-four threads over each rod[1].

Other Perspectives

Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, describes the Temple veil but does not mention its thickness. He describes the veil as a Babylonian curtain, embroidered with various colors, and of a wonderful contexture, but does not address its thickness[1].

Significance of the Veil's Tearing

Alfred Edersheim, in "The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah," states that the veil was "of the thickness of the palm of the hand" and was "wrought in 72 squares, which were joined together" [1]. Edersheim references Talmudic sources, which are rabbinic writings.

The tearing of the veil is a pivotal event in Christian theology. It symbolizes that through Jesus' sacrifice, the barrier separating humanity from God has been removed. The Holy of Holies, once accessible only to the high priest, is now open to all believers[2].

The Meaning of the Veil

The tearing of the veil is a dramatic symbol that Jesus' sacrifice was a sufficient atonement for sins, and the way into the Holy of Holies was open for all people, for all time, both Jew and Gentile[2].

Conclusion

The veil represented the separation between God and humanity due to sin[2]. The tearing of the veil signifies that Jesus' death has removed this barrier, allowing direct access to God's presence through faith in Christ[2].

The statement that the Temple veil was as thick as a man's hand (approximately four inches) is found in early Jewish tradition, specifically the Mishnah, and is not explicitly stated in the Bible. Later rabbinic commentary suggests that this description might be an exaggeration[1]. The tearing of the veil at the moment of Jesus' death is a significant event, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity and the opening of access to God for all believers[2].

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