lit., "that which is spread out" (petannumi) "before" (kata), hence, "a veil," is used (a) of the inner "veil" of the tabernacle, Hebrews 6:19; 9:3; (b) of the corresponding "veil" in the Temple, Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45; (c) metaphorically of the "flesh" of Christ, Hebrews 10:20 , i.e., His body which He gave up to be crucified, thus by His expiatory death providing a means of the spiritual access of believers, the "new and living way," into the presence of God.
"a covering," is used (a) of the "veil" which Moses put over his face when descending Mount Sinai, thus preventing Israel from beholding the glory, 2 Corinthians 3:13; (b) metaphorically of the spiritually darkened vision suffered retributively by Israel, until the conversion on the nation to their Messiah takes place, 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 . See under UNLIFTED.
rendered "a veil" in the AV marg. of 1 Corinthians 11:15 : see COVER , B, No. 1, VESTURE.