What is a…
veil

also known as: vail

7 different Hebrew words are translated as “veil” in Scripture.

  1. Hebrew: mitpahath (Ruth 3:15; marginal note, “sheet” or “apron;” Revised King James Version, “mantle”)

    In Isaiah 3:22 this word is plural and translated “wimples;” Revised King James Version, “shawls” i.e., wraps.

  2. Hebrew: Massekah (Isaiah 25:7; in Isaiah 28:20 rendered “covering”)

    The word denotes something spread out and covering or concealing something else (compare 2 Corinthians 3:13-15).

  3. Hebrew: Masveh (Exodus 34:33, 35), the veil on the face of Moses

    This verse should be read, “And when Moses had done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face,” as in the Revised King James Version. When Moses spoke to them he was without the veil; only when he ceased speaking he put on the veil (compare 2 Corinthians 3:13, etc.).

  4. Hebrew: Paroheth (Exodus 26:31-35), the veil of the tabernacle and the temple, which hung between the holy place and the most holy (2 Chronicles 3:14)

    In the temple a partition wall separated these two places. In it were two folding-doors, which are supposed to have been always open, the entrance being concealed by the veil which the high priest lifted when he entered into the sanctuary on the day of Atonement. This veil was rent when Christ died on the cross (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45).

  5. Hebrew: Tza'iph (Genesis 24:65)

    Rebekah “took a vail and covered herself.” (See also 38:14, 19) Hebrew women generally appeared in public without veils (12:14; 24:16; 29:10; 1 Samuel 1:12).

  6. Hebrew: Radhidh (Song of Songs 5:7, Revised King James Version “mantle;” Isaiah 3:23)

    The word probably denotes some kind of cloak or wrapper.

  7. Hebrew: Masak, the veil which hung before the entrance to the holy place (Exodus 26:36, 37).

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