1 Peter 2:6

KJV

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} also {G2532} it is contained {G4023} in {G1722} the scripture {G1124}, Behold {G2400}, I lay {G5087} in {G1722} Sion {G4622} a chief corner {G204} stone {G3037}, elect {G1588}, precious {G1784}: and {G2532} he that believeth {G4100} on {G1909} him {G846} shall {G2617} not be {G3364} confounded {G2617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why the Tanakh says,

“Look! I am laying in Tziyon a stone,
a chosen and precious cornerstone;
and whoever rests his trust on it
will certainly not be humiliated.”

Berean Standard Bible

For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

American Standard Version

Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 2:6 presents Jesus Christ as the divinely appointed and supremely valuable "chief corner stone" upon whom God's spiritual house, the Church, is built. Quoting from the Old Testament, the verse assures believers that their faith placed in this chosen and precious foundation will never lead to shame or disappointment, underscoring the security and steadfastness of God's redemptive plan centered on His Son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Peter's broader exhortation to "elect exiles" (believers scattered throughout Asia Minor) concerning their new identity in Christ. Immediately preceding it, in [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones and a Spiritual House"), Peter encourages believers to come to Christ, the "living stone," and to themselves be built up as "living stones" into a "spiritual house" and a "holy priesthood." Verse 6 serves as the scriptural foundation and prophetic proof for this theological assertion, grounding the identity and purpose of the church in God's ancient promises. Peter directly quotes from [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Prophecy of the Cornerstone"), thereby demonstrating that Christ's foundational role was not a new concept but rather the fulfillment of long-foretold divine prophecy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter's audience was facing significant social marginalization, misunderstanding, and even persecution for their faith in Christ. In the ancient world, the "cornerstone" (or "chief corner stone") was the most critical stone in a building's foundation. It was meticulously chosen, perfectly shaped, and laid first, establishing the alignment and integrity of the entire structure. Its importance cannot be overstated; a faulty cornerstone would compromise the entire edifice. The reference to "Sion" (Zion) carries deep historical and theological weight, referring to Jerusalem, the city of David, and often symbolizing God's dwelling place or the spiritual community of His people. For Peter's readers, understanding Christ as this indispensable cornerstone would have provided immense stability and assurance in a world that sought to destabilize their faith.
* **Key Themes:** The passage contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Peter](/1_peter/1 "The First Epistle of Peter"). Foremost is the **centrality and supremacy of Christ**, presented as the indispensable foundation of both individual faith and the collective body of believers. This is intertwined with the theme of **divine election and sovereignty**, as Christ is described as "elect" and "precious," chosen and highly valued by God Himself. Another crucial theme is the **security and steadfastness of faith**, encapsulated in the promise that "he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." This provides profound comfort and assurance to believers facing trials, reinforcing that their trust in Christ will never lead to ultimate shame or disappointment, aligning with the hope found in [1 Peter 1:3-9](/1_peter/1-3-9 "1 Peter 1:3-9 - A Living Hope"). Finally, the explicit statement "it is contained in the scripture" highlights the theme of **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, validating Jesus' messianic claims and affirming the reliability of God's Word across testaments, a concept also seen in [Acts 4:11](/acts/4-11 "Acts 4:11 - Peter's Sermon on the Cornerstone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chief corner (Greek, _akrogōniaîos'_):** From *akron* (extreme, top) and *gōnia* (corner), this compound word denotes the most vital stone in a building's foundation, specifically the one at the extreme corner. It is the stone that unites two walls and provides the primary reference point for the entire structure's alignment and stability. Figuratively, it signifies supreme importance, foundational authority, and indispensable unity.
* **elect (Greek, _eklektós'_):** Derived from *eklegomai* (to pick out, choose), this term means chosen, selected, or preferred. When applied to Christ, it emphasizes God's sovereign, deliberate, and intentional choice of Jesus for His redemptive plan. It signifies divine approval and appointment, highlighting that Christ's role as cornerstone is not accidental but part of God's eternal purpose.
* **confounded (Greek, _kataischýnō'_):** From *kata* (down) and *aischynomai* (to shame), this verb means to shame down, disgrace, or put to the blush. In this context, it conveys the idea of being put to utter shame, disappointed, or disgraced, particularly in one's hope or expectation. The promise is that those who place their faith in Christ will never experience ultimate shame, failure, or disillusionment concerning their trust in Him, even when facing worldly opposition or trials.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,"**: Peter introduces the following statement as a direct quotation from the Old Testament, specifically from [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Prophecy of the Cornerstone"). This phrase establishes the divine authority and prophetic fulfillment of what is about to be declared, grounding Christian belief in the long-standing revelation of God's Word.
* **"Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,"**: This clause reveals God's sovereign initiative. The "I" refers to God Himself, who declares His intention to "lay" or establish this foundational stone. "Sion" (Zion) here transcends its literal geographical meaning (Jerusalem) to represent God's spiritual dwelling place or the community of His people, where Christ is established as the indispensable foundation. The "chief corner stone" is the central, unifying, and stabilizing element of this spiritual edifice.
* **"elect, precious:"**: These two adjectives describe the inherent qualities of the cornerstone God lays. "Elect" signifies that this stone is divinely chosen and appointed, highlighting God's deliberate and sovereign selection of Christ for His redemptive purposes. "Precious" conveys immense value, honor, and esteem, indicating that Christ is not merely chosen but is supremely valuable and esteemed in God's eyes, an object of divine affection and worth.
* **"and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."**: This is the profound promise extended to all who place their faith in this divinely chosen and precious cornerstone. To "believe on him" signifies active trust, reliance, and commitment to Christ. The assurance "shall not be confounded" means that such faith will never lead to ultimate shame, disappointment, or disgrace. Despite any temporary trials or worldly opposition, those who trust in Christ will find their hope vindicated and their salvation secure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ, the Cornerstone") is **Quotation**, as Peter directly cites and interprets [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Prophecy of the Cornerstone"). This technique lends immense authority to Peter's argument, demonstrating that the identity and role of Christ were foretold centuries earlier and are part of God's consistent redemptive plan. Closely related is **Typology**, where the Old Testament prophecy of the cornerstone serves as a type or foreshadowing of Christ, the antitype, revealing God's unfolding plan through history. The phrase "chief corner stone" is a powerful **Metaphor** for Jesus Christ. In this metaphor, Christ is depicted as the essential, foundational, and unifying element of God's spiritual building (the Church). This architectural imagery vividly conveys His indispensable role in providing stability, alignment, and integrity to the lives of believers and the collective body of Christ. The use of "Sion" also carries **Symbolism**, extending beyond a literal geographical location to represent the spiritual community of God's people. Finally, there is an implied **Contrast** between those who believe in the cornerstone and are therefore not confounded, and those who reject Him (as mentioned in subsequent verses like [1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - The Stone of Stumbling")), who will indeed face shame or judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Peter 2:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the person and work of Jesus Christ, affirming His unique and indispensable role in God's redemptive plan. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation, as God Himself lays this "elect, precious" cornerstone. This passage highlights that salvation is not a human endeavor but a divine provision, centered on the Son whom God has chosen and highly values. For believers, it offers an unwavering foundation for faith, assuring them that their trust in Christ will never be in vain, even amidst trials or societal rejection. This promise of security is a cornerstone of Christian hope, reinforcing the steadfastness of God's covenant faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of His purposes.

* [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Prophecy of the Cornerstone")
* [Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")
* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Chief Cornerstone of the Church")
* [Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Romans 9:33 - The Stone of Stumbling and Not Being Confounded")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Peter 2:6 offers profound comfort and practical direction for believers today. It calls us to firmly establish our lives, hopes, and faith on Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the only truly stable and unshakeable foundation. In a world characterized by shifting values, uncertain futures, and frequent disappointments, this verse provides an anchor for the soul. The promise that "he that believeth on him shall not be confounded" is a powerful antidote to anxiety and fear, assuring us that our ultimate hope in Christ will never lead to shame or regret. This security empowers us to face challenges with courage, knowing that our spiritual edifice is built upon the very cornerstone chosen and valued by God Himself. Furthermore, as "living stones" (as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), we are called to align our lives with this cornerstone, allowing His character and purpose to shape our own. This understanding should motivate us not only to live securely in Him but also to share this unwavering hope with a world desperately in need of a firm foundation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently building on something other than Christ, and how might you re-center on Him as your chief cornerstone?**
* **How does the promise "shall not be confounded" bring comfort and security to your faith amidst personal trials or societal pressures?**
* **Considering Christ as "elect" and "precious," how does this deepen your appreciation for His divine identity and God's plan of salvation?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jesus called the "chief corner stone" in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient architecture, the chief corner stone was the most critical stone laid in a building's foundation. It was precisely cut and set first, determining the alignment and stability of the entire structure. Calling Jesus the "chief corner stone" (Greek: *akrogōniaîos*) signifies His supreme importance, foundational authority, and indispensable role in God's spiritual building—the Church. He is the essential point of unity and stability upon whom all believers are built, as further elaborated in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Chief Cornerstone of the Church").

**What does it mean to "not be confounded" for those who believe in Him?**

Answer: To be "confounded" (Greek: *kataischýnō*) means to be put to shame, disgraced, or utterly disappointed. The promise in [1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ, the Cornerstone") assures believers that their trust in Jesus Christ, the divinely appointed cornerstone, will never lead to ultimate regret, failure, or disillusionment. Despite any temporary suffering or worldly opposition they may face, their hope in Christ is secure and will ultimately be vindicated. This concept is also echoed in [Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Romans 9:33 - The Stone of Stumbling and Not Being Confounded"), emphasizing the steadfastness of God's promise to those who believe.

**How does this verse connect to the Old Testament?**

Answer: [1 Peter 2:6](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6 - Christ, the Cornerstone") is a direct quotation from [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Prophecy of the Cornerstone"). This demonstrates that Jesus's role as the foundational stone for God's people was foretold centuries before His arrival. Peter's use of this prophecy, along with allusions to [Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), highlights the continuity between God's Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It underscores the reliability of God's Word and validates Jesus's messianic claims, showing that He is the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Peter 2:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The prophecy from [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Prophecy of the Cornerstone"), cited by Peter, points directly to Jesus as the "chief corner stone" whom God Himself has laid in "Sion." This speaks to Christ's divine election and unparalleled preciousness in the eyes of the Father, as He was chosen before the foundation of the world to be the means of salvation ([1 Peter 1:20](/1_peter/1-20 "1 Peter 1:20 - Christ Foreknown Before the Foundation of the World")). Jesus embodies the stability and unity that a cornerstone provides, being the very foundation of the Church, His body ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Chief Cornerstone of the Church")). His life, death, and resurrection are the immovable bedrock upon which all Christian faith is built. The promise that "he that believeth on him shall not be confounded" is fulfilled in Christ's victory over sin and death, guaranteeing that those who trust in Him will never face ultimate shame or condemnation, but rather receive eternal life and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). He is the living hope who justifies the ungodly ([Romans 4:5](/romans/4-5 "Romans 4:5 - God Justifies the Ungodly")), ensuring that faith in Him leads not to disappointment, but to glory ([Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Hope of the Glory of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Romans 9:32

Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 Peter 2:4

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

Ephesians 2:20

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

Zechariah 10:4

Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.

Mark 12:10

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: