1 Peter 2:4

¶ To whom coming, [as unto] a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, [and] precious,

To {G4314} whom {G3739} coming {G4334}, as unto a living {G2198} stone {G3037}, disallowed {G593} indeed {G3303} of {G5259} men {G444}, but {G1161} chosen {G1588} of {G3844} God {G2316}, and precious {G1784},

As you come to him, the living stone, rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him,

As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight,

unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious,

1 Peter 2:4 presents a profound theological statement about the person of Jesus Christ and the believer's relationship with Him, serving as a foundational truth for understanding the spiritual house Peter will describe. This verse invites believers to draw near to Christ, who is uniquely defined by His divine nature and His paradoxical reception by humanity and God.

Context

In the preceding verses (1 Peter 2:1-3), Peter encourages believers to long for spiritual milk, that they "may grow thereby," having already "tasted that the Lord is gracious." Verse 4 then immediately shifts focus to the object of this spiritual nourishment and growth: Jesus Christ Himself. It introduces the central metaphor of Christ as the "Living Stone," setting the stage for Peter's subsequent explanation of the church as a spiritual house built upon this very foundation, with believers as "lively stones." This passage speaks to the identity of the early Christian community, emphasizing their connection to a rejected but divinely chosen Messiah.

Key Themes

  • Christ as the Living Stone: This central metaphor highlights Christ's unique nature. Unlike inanimate building materials, Jesus is alive, active, and life-giving. He is the dynamic, enduring foundation upon which all true faith and the church are built.
  • Rejection by Humanity, Election by God: The verse explicitly states that Christ was "disallowed indeed of men," underscoring His rejection during His earthly ministry. Yet, simultaneously, He is "chosen of God, and precious," revealing God's eternal plan and immense value placed upon His Son, despite human opposition. This paradox is central to Christian understanding of the cross and resurrection.
  • The Act of "Coming": Believers are called to an active, ongoing relationship with Christ. "Coming" to Him signifies faith, trust, and drawing near to His presence and power, recognizing Him as the indispensable source of spiritual life and stability.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "Living Stone" is lithos zōn (λίθος ζῶν), which emphasizes Christ's dynamic, life-giving essence, distinguishing Him from any mere physical or symbolic stone. He is not a dead monument but a vibrant source of life. "Disallowed" translates the Greek word apodokimazō (ἀποδοκιμάζω), meaning to reject after examination or testing, highlighting humanity's flawed judgment of Jesus. Conversely, "chosen" comes from eklektos (ἐκλεκτός), signifying divine election and selection, while "precious" is entimos (ἔντιμος), denoting something of high honor, esteem, and value. These terms collectively paint a picture of Christ's unparalleled worth in God's eyes, despite human scorn.

Related Scriptures

This verse draws heavily from Old Testament prophecies that foreshadow Christ. The concept of a rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone is prominent in Psalm 118:22 ("The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner"). Peter also likely alludes to Isaiah 28:16, where God declares, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation." The Apostle Paul also elaborates on Christ as the chief corner stone upon which the church is built. The call to "whom coming" sets the stage for the next verse, 1 Peter 2:5, where believers themselves are described as "lively stones" being built into a spiritual house upon this very foundation.

Practical Application

For believers today, recognizing Christ as the "Living Stone" provides immense comfort and assurance. It means our faith is built on an unshakeable, dynamic foundation that is impervious to human rejection or the shifting sands of worldly opinion. When we feel "disallowed" or marginalized by society, this verse reminds us that we are connected to one who is "chosen of God, and precious." Our ongoing act of "coming" to Him signifies a continuous reliance on His life-giving power and His divine acceptance, empowering us to live stable and purposeful lives rooted in His enduring truth, regardless of external circumstances. It encourages us to find our identity and value not in human approval, but in God's eternal election of Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 118:22

    The stone [which] the builders refused is become the head [stone] of the corner.

  • Psalms 118:23

    This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes.

  • Acts 4:11

    This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

  • Acts 4:12

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

  • 1 Peter 2:7

    Unto you therefore which believe [he is] precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

  • Isaiah 28:16

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner [stone], a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

  • Luke 20:17

    And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
← Back