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,

Unto you {G5213} therefore {G3767} which {G3588} believe {G4100} he is precious {G5092}: but {G1161} unto them which be disobedient {G544}, the stone {G3037} which {G3739} the builders {G3618} disallowed {G593}, the same {G3778} is made {G1096}{G1519} the head {G2776} of the corner {G1137},

Now to you who keep trusting, he is precious. But to those who are not trusting,

“The very stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone”;

To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner;

1 Peter 2:7 powerfully contrasts the believer's experience of Jesus Christ with that of the disobedient, presenting Christ as the pivotal "stone" of salvation and judgment. This verse builds upon Peter's earlier declaration of Christ as the living stone and believers as living stones built into a spiritual house.

Context

Peter is writing to scattered believers facing persecution in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), encouraging them in their faith. In the preceding verses (1 Peter 2:4-6), he introduces the imagery of Christ as a divine foundation, drawing from Old Testament prophecy. He quotes from Isaiah 28:16, referring to God laying a "chief corner stone, elect, precious." Verse 7 then expounds on how this cornerstone is received, creating a clear division based on one's response to Jesus Christ. It sets the stage for the warning in 1 Peter 2:8 about Christ being a "stone of stumbling."

Key Themes

  • The Preciousness of Christ: For those who put their faith in Him, Jesus is of immeasurable value, esteemed and cherished. This reflects a deep spiritual connection and understanding of His redemptive work.
  • The Cornerstone of Destiny: The verse highlights Christ's indispensable role as the "head of the corner." This architectural term refers to the most important stone in a building, either the foundational stone at the corner uniting two walls, or the capstone at the very top. It signifies Christ's supreme importance, His unifying power, and His ultimate authority over all things.
  • Rejection and Exaltation: It reiterates the prophetic truth that while the "builders" (often interpreted as the religious leaders of Israel) rejected Him, God exalted Him to the position of ultimate authority and significance. This echoes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy found in Psalm 118:22.
  • The Divide of Faith and Disobedience: The verse presents a stark contrast: Christ is either "precious" to those who believe, or He is the rejected stone to those who are "disobedient." One's response to Jesus determines their spiritual destiny and relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Precious" (Greek: entimos): This word signifies something highly valued, honored, esteemed, or held in high regard. It conveys the immense worth and significance of Christ to believers.
  • "Disallowed" (Greek: apodokimazo): Meaning to reject after testing or scrutiny, to disapprove. It implies a deliberate and considered rejection by those who should have recognized His importance.
  • "Head of the corner" (Greek: kephale gonias): This phrase, derived from the Septuagint translation of Psalm 118:22, emphasizes Christ's foundational and supreme position. He is the essential element upon which the entire spiritual structure rests and is united.

Related Scriptures

The concept of the rejected stone becoming the head of the corner is a significant theme throughout Scripture, reinforcing the prophetic nature of Christ's life and ministry:

  • Psalm 118:22: The original prophetic declaration.
  • Matthew 21:42: Jesus Himself quotes this psalm in reference to His own rejection by the religious authorities.
  • Acts 4:11: Peter, speaking before the Sanhedrin, boldly applies this very prophecy to Jesus Christ, whom they had crucified.
  • Ephesians 2:20: Paul also refers to Christ as the "chief corner stone" upon which the church is built.

Practical Application

This verse challenges every individual to consider their personal response to Jesus Christ. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of the infinite value of their Savior, encouraging deeper appreciation and worship. It affirms that despite human rejection, Christ's position as the foundational and supreme authority remains unshaken. For those who have not yet believed, it presents a clear choice: to embrace Him as the "precious" Lord and Savior, or to remain in disobedience, rejecting the very "stone" upon which true life and salvation are built. Our eternal standing is determined by how we relate to this precious cornerstone.

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.

  • Mark 12:10

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

  • Mark 12:11

    This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

  • Matthew 21:42

    Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back