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?

And {G1161} he beheld {G1689} them {G846}, and said {G2036}, What {G5101} is {G2076} this {G5124} then {G3767} that is written {G1125}, The stone {G3037} which {G3739} the builders {G3618} rejected {G593}, the same {G3778} is become {G1096} the head {G2776} of {G1519} the corner {G1137}?

But Yeshua looked searchingly at them and said, “Then what is this which is written in the Tanakh,

‘The very rock which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone’?

But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?

But he looked upon them, and said, What then is this that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner?

Luke 20:17 is a pivotal verse where Jesus quotes from the Old Testament, specifically Psalm 118:22, to confront the religious leaders of His day. This statement immediately follows His Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers, which was a thinly veiled indictment of their rejection of God's messengers and ultimately, His Son.

Context

Jesus delivers this pronouncement in the Temple courts, after being challenged by the chief priests, scribes, and elders regarding His authority. The preceding parable clearly depicted these leaders as the "wicked vinedressers" who would reject and kill the "heir" (Jesus). By quoting Psalm 118:22, Jesus directly applies the prophecy to Himself and His adversaries. The religious authorities, who were supposed to be the "builders" of God's spiritual house, were tragically rejecting the very foundation stone.

Key Themes

  • Rejection and Vindication: The verse powerfully illustrates the rejection of Jesus by those who should have recognized Him, yet simultaneously declares His ultimate exaltation. Despite being scorned, Jesus is central to God's plan.
  • Jesus as the Cornerstone: This imagery emphasizes Jesus' indispensable role. He is not merely a part of the building, but the essential head of the corner, the foundational stone that aligns and stabilizes the entire structure, making Him the preeminent figure in salvation.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' use of this Old Testament scripture highlights how His life, death, and resurrection were foretold centuries earlier, underscoring the divine orchestration of His ministry.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Despite human opposition and rejection, God's sovereign plan cannot be thwarted. What man rejects, God establishes as supreme.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the head of the corner" translates the Greek kephalē gōnias. In ancient architecture, the "cornerstone" or "head of the corner" was the most important stone in a building. It was often the first stone laid, carefully chosen and perfectly cut, serving to align all other stones and provide structural integrity for the entire edifice. It symbolizes preeminence, indispensability, and the ultimate foundation. The builders' rejection of this stone would lead to a fundamentally flawed or collapsing structure.

Related Scriptures

  • This prophecy is also quoted in parallel accounts in the Gospels: Matthew 21:42 and Mark 12:10.
  • The apostles frequently referred to Jesus as the rejected stone who became the cornerstone. Peter powerfully applies this in his sermon in Acts 4:11, declaring that "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
  • Paul also emphasizes Christ's role as the "chief corner stone" upon which the church is built in Ephesians 2:20.
  • 1 Peter 2:7 reiterates this truth, stating that to those who believe, He is "precious," but to those who do not believe, He is "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence."

Practical Application

For us today, Luke 20:17 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' central role in God's plan of salvation. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and whether we truly accept Jesus as the indispensable foundation of our lives and faith. Rejecting Him, as the religious leaders did, leads to spiritual ruin. Conversely, building our lives upon Him ensures stability, purpose, and eternal security. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the only true cornerstone for a life well-built.

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.

  • 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.

  • Acts 4:11

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

  • 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?

  • Mark 12:10

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

  • 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,

  • 1 Peter 2:8

    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.

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