Veil, Vail
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Veil, Vail in the Bible?
The Hebrew term mitpahath designates a piece of fabric used for covering, with English translations rendering it variously as a sheet, apron, or mantle depending on the specific textual context.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific type of garment referred to as a mitpahath illuminates the material culture and social protocols of the ancient Near East, particularly the customs of modesty and the use of garment exchange as a legal or relational symbol in narratives such as the Book of Ruth.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Veil, Vail were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Veil, Vail in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Veil, Vail clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Veil, Vail." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/veil-vail/