1 Peter 2:8

KJV

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} a stone {G3037} of stumbling {G4348}, and {G2532} a rock {G4073} of offence {G4625}, even to them which {G3739} stumble {G4350} at the word {G3056}, being disobedient {G544}: whereunto {G1519}{G3739} also {G2532} they were appointed {G5087}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also he is

a stone that will make people stumble,
a rock over which they will trip.

They are stumbling at the Word, disobeying it — as had been planned.

Berean Standard Bible

and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.

American Standard Version

and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Peter 2:8 concludes a profound theological statement contrasting Christ's identity as the precious cornerstone for believers with His role as a "stone of stumbling" and "rock of offense" for those who reject Him. This verse highlights the severe consequence of disobedience to the Gospel, asserting that such rejection is not accidental but rather a divinely appointed outcome for those who willfully refuse to believe God's word. It underscores the inherent divisiveness of Christ, serving either as the foundation for salvation or as an insurmountable obstacle to those who remain in rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a significant theological section in [1 Peter 2:4-10](/1_peter/2-4-10 "1 Peter 2:4-10 - Living Stones and a Chosen Race"). Peter has just established Christ as the "living stone," chosen by God and precious to Him, upon whom believers, as "living stones," are being built into a spiritual house. He quotes [Isaiah 28:16](/isaiah/28-16 "Isaiah 28:16 - The Precious Cornerstone") and [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected") to underscore Christ's foundational role for those who believe. Verse 8 then pivots sharply, applying the same Old Testament imagery (specifically [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling")) to describe the opposite reaction: for the disobedient, Christ becomes an obstacle leading to their downfall. This stark contrast emphasizes the two possible responses to Christ and the resulting eternal destinies.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Peter is writing to scattered believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) who are enduring various forms of persecution and social ostracism (cf. [1 Peter 1:6](/1_peter/1-6 "1 Peter 1:6 - Trials and Faith")). In the Roman world, Christians were often misunderstood, accused of atheism (for not worshipping Roman gods), and seen as a threat to societal order. Peter's use of Old Testament prophecies concerning a "stumbling stone" would have resonated deeply with his Jewish-Christian readers, reminding them that the rejection of the Messiah was foretold. For Gentile believers, it would clarify that the opposition they faced was not arbitrary but part of a divine plan, rooted in the inherent nature of Christ's message, which demands a decisive response. The imagery of building and stones was also common in the ancient world, making Peter's metaphors readily accessible and impactful.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of this passage is the **identity and impact of Jesus Christ**. He is presented as the **cornerstone of salvation** for the elect (cf. [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")), but simultaneously, a **point of division and judgment** for the disobedient. This highlights the **sovereignty of God** in His plan for humanity, where even the rejection of Christ serves a divine purpose. Another crucial theme is **human responsibility and disobedience**. The verse explicitly links stumbling to "being disobedient," emphasizing that unbelief is not merely a lack of understanding but a willful refusal to submit to God's word. This underscores the moral culpability of those who reject the Gospel, aligning with broader New Testament teachings on the necessity of faith and obedience for salvation (cf. [Romans 10:16](/romans/10-16 "Romans 10:16 - Obedience to the Gospel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** This term (G3037) refers to a literal stone, but in this context, it is used figuratively to describe Christ. Its pairing with "stumbling" and "offence" highlights its dual nature as both a foundation and an impediment.
* **stumbling (Greek, _próskomma'_):** This word (G4348) denotes an obstacle, an impediment, or a cause of offense that leads one to trip or fall. In a spiritual sense, it signifies something that causes moral or spiritual ruin, revealing the true nature of one's heart.
* **appointed (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** This verb (G5087) means "to place," "to set," or "to ordain." Used in the passive voice ("they were appointed"), it indicates a divine arrangement or ordination. It does not imply God forces disobedience, but rather that He has sovereignly determined the outcome for those who choose that path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence":** This phrase directly applies Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling")) to Jesus Christ. For those who do not believe, Christ Himself becomes the very obstacle over which they trip and fall. He is not merely a neutral figure; His presence and claims provoke a definitive response that leads either to salvation or to ruin.
* **"[even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient":** This clause clarifies *who* stumbles and *why*. The stumbling is not arbitrary but occurs "at the word," referring to the Gospel message or the divine revelation concerning Christ. The root cause is "being disobedient" (Greek: _apeithountes_), which implies not merely a passive lack of belief, but an active, willful refusal to be persuaded or to obey God's truth. Their rejection is volitional and culpable.
* **"whereunto also they were appointed":** This concluding phrase speaks to divine sovereignty. The "whereunto" (Greek: _eis ho_) points to the outcome of stumbling and offense. It means "to which [end] they were appointed." This does not mean God predestines individuals to disobedience, but rather that He has ordained that the consequence of willful disobedience to the Gospel is to stumble over Christ and face judgment. Their chosen path of disobedience leads them to the very position God has justly ordained for unbelievers.

#### Literary Devices
Peter employs powerful **Metaphor** and **Allusion** in this verse. The central metaphor is that of Christ as a "stone" and "rock," which functions dually as a foundation for believers and an obstacle for the disobedient. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament **Prophecy** (specifically [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling") and [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")), to which Peter alludes. The use of **Antithesis** is also prominent, contrasting the "chosen and precious cornerstone" for believers (v. 6) with the "stone of stumbling" for the disobedient (v. 8). This stark contrast highlights the critical and decisive nature of one's response to Christ. The phrase "whereunto also they were appointed" introduces the theological concept of **Divine Sovereignty**, indicating that even the negative outcome for the disobedient is part of God's overarching plan and just judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the dual nature of Christ's impact: He is either the firm foundation upon which salvation is built or the very impediment over which the disobedient fall into condemnation. This highlights the non-neutrality of Jesus; His claims and His person demand a decisive response, and there is no middle ground. The "stumbling" is directly linked to "disobedience," emphasizing that unbelief is not a passive state but an active, willful rejection of God's revealed truth. Furthermore, the phrase "whereunto also they were appointed" speaks to God's sovereign foreknowledge and righteous judgment, affirming that the consequences of such disobedience are part of His divine order, not an arbitrary act. This underscores the gravity of rejecting the Gospel and the just nature of God's dealings with humanity.

* [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Sanctuary or a Stone of Stumbling")
* [Romans 9:32-33](/romans/9-32-33 "Romans 9:32-33 - Stumbling Over Christ")
* [Luke 2:34](/luke/2-34 "Luke 2:34 - Jesus Appointed for the Fall and Rising of Many")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Peter 2:8 serves as a sobering reminder of the absolute necessity of a right response to Jesus Christ. It compels us to examine our own hearts: Is Christ our precious cornerstone, the solid foundation of our hope and life, or is He an obstacle we refuse to embrace? The text makes it clear that rejection of Christ is rooted in disobedience to "the word," implying a willful refusal to acknowledge and submit to divine truth. This challenges any notion that unbelief is merely an intellectual disagreement; rather, it is presented as a moral failing, a deliberate act of rebellion against God's gracious invitation. For believers, this verse should deepen our gratitude for God's grace in opening our eyes to Christ's preciousness. It should also fuel our compassionate urgency to share the Gospel, recognizing that people's eternal destinies hinge on their response to this "stone" – whether they build upon Him or stumble over Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "stumble at the word" through subtle forms of disobedience or resistance to God's truth?**
* **How does the concept of Christ as a "stone of stumbling" for the disobedient shape my understanding of evangelism and the urgency of sharing the Gospel?**
* **What does the phrase "whereunto also they were appointed" teach me about God's sovereignty and justice in relation to human free will and responsibility?**

### FAQ

**Does "appointed" mean God forces people to be disobedient?**

Answer: No, the word "appointed" (Greek: _tithēmi_) in [1 Peter 2:8](/1_peter/2-8 "1 Peter 2:8 - A Stone of Stumbling") does not imply that God forces individuals to be disobedient or to stumble. Instead, it speaks to God's sovereign plan and foreknowledge. The phrase "whereunto also they were appointed" means that the *outcome* or *consequence* of their chosen path of disobedience is what God has ordained. God, in His perfect justice and wisdom, has determined that those who willfully reject His "word" (the Gospel message) and remain disobedient will indeed stumble over Christ and face the consequences of their unbelief. It highlights divine justice and the pre-ordained consequence for a chosen course of action, not a pre-determination of individuals to sin. This aligns with other passages that emphasize human responsibility for faith and unbelief (e.g., [John 3:18-19](/john/3-18-19 "John 3:18-19 - Judgment and Light")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Peter 2:8, while describing the tragic reality of those who stumble over Christ, paradoxically underscores His ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and His central role in God's redemptive plan. Jesus Himself alluded to this dual nature, speaking of Himself as the stone rejected by the builders who would become the cornerstone (cf. [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")). This verse, therefore, highlights the profound truth that Christ is the decisive figure of history. For those who embrace Him by faith, He is the very foundation of eternal life, the "living stone" upon whom God builds His spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones")). But for those who refuse to believe, His very existence and the truth of His Gospel become the means by which their rebellion is exposed and their judgment justly sealed. Thus, Christ is not merely a historical figure or a moral teacher; He is the sovereign Lord, appointed by God to be the ultimate test of humanity's response to divine truth, leading either to salvation or to condemnation, thereby fulfilling God's eternal purpose (cf. [John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - He Who Believes Has Eternal Life")).

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 8:14

And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

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 2:7

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,

Romans 9:22

[What] if God, willing to shew [his] wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.