Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Veil”
The biblical word “Veil” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (paroketh (Hebrew), katapetasma (Greek)), where it meant “A cloth covering; a curtain separating the holy place from the holy of holies”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A cloth used to conceal; figuratively, something obscuring truth or vision”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekparoketh (Hebrew), katapetasma (Greek)A cloth covering; a curtain separating the holy place from the holy of holies
Hebrew paroketh (H6532) the curtain in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:31). Greek katapetasma in LXX and NT (Matthew 27:51) referring to the temple veil torn at Christ's crucifixion.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinvelumA covering that obscures or conceals; a symbol of separation between God and humanity
Latin velum (cloth, curtain). Medieval exegesis used veil imagery theologically to represent the barrier sin creates between God and creation.
Modern English
EnglishveilA cloth used to conceal; figuratively, something obscuring truth or vision
From Old French veile via Latin velum. Extended from literal cloth covering to metaphorical sense of obscuring or concealing.