What was the Holy of Holies?
The Holy of Holies (or Most Holy Place) was the innermost chamber of the tabernacle and later the temple — a small cube where the ark of the covenant stood and God’s glory dwelt. Only the high priest could enter, only once a year, only with the blood of atonement.
It pictured the holy distance between sinful humanity and God’s presence. Layer after layer of curtain and ritual marked God as unapproachable apart from sacrifice.
At the cross, the temple curtain "was torn in two, from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:51). The distance ended. Jesus opened the way once for all.
Hebrews makes the connection explicit (10:19–22): we may now "draw near with confidence" to God through Christ’s blood. The Holy of Holies is open.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.