Luke 20:17

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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’?

Berean Standard Bible

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’?

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Jesus directly confronts the religious leaders of His day by quoting from [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). This pivotal statement immediately follows His [Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers](/luke/20-9-16 "Luke 20:9-16 - Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers"), serving as a profound indictment of their rejection of God's messengers and, ultimately, His Son. Through this Old Testament prophecy, Jesus reveals His divine identity as the indispensable cornerstone of God's redemptive plan, despite being scorned by those who should have recognized Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of confrontations between Jesus and the religious authorities in Jerusalem during His final week before the crucifixion. Immediately preceding [Luke 20:17](/luke/20-17 "Luke 20:17 - The Rejected Cornerstone") is the [Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers](/luke/20-9-16 "Luke 20:9-16 - Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers"), where Jesus depicts vineyard owners sending servants and, finally, their beloved son to tenants who brutally reject and kill them. The parable is a clear allegory for God's sending of prophets and, ultimately, Jesus Himself to Israel, who rejected them. The chief priests and scribes understood that this parable was spoken against them ([Luke 20:19](/luke/20-19 "Luke 20:19 - Leaders Perceive the Parable's Meaning")), making Jesus' subsequent quotation of [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected") a direct and pointed application of the prophecy to their actions and His own destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus delivers this pronouncement in the Temple courts, a highly public and politically charged setting in Jerusalem. This was a time of heightened tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious establishment—the chief priests, scribes, and elders—who questioned His authority ([Luke 20:1-2](/luke/20-1-2 "Luke 20:1-2 - Questioning Jesus' Authority")). In ancient Near Eastern architecture, the "head of the corner" or "cornerstone" was the most critical stone in a building's foundation. It was typically the first stone laid, carefully chosen and perfectly cut, serving to align all other stones and provide structural integrity for the entire edifice. Its rejection would render the entire building fundamentally flawed or unstable, symbolizing the catastrophic consequences of rejecting God's chosen foundation.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major themes present throughout [Luke's Gospel](/luke/1 "The Gospel of Luke"): **Divine Authority and Rejection** is central, as Jesus' authority is challenged, and He responds by prophesying His own rejection by the religious leaders, yet also His ultimate vindication. **Fulfillment of Prophecy** is highlighted, underscoring that Jesus' life, ministry, and eventual suffering were not accidental but divinely foretold in the Old Testament, specifically drawing from [Psalm 118](/psalms/118 "Psalm 118 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving"). Furthermore, the theme of **Jesus' Centrality** is emphasized through the "cornerstone" imagery, portraying Him as the indispensable foundation and unifying element of God's redemptive work, despite human opposition. This aligns with the broader narrative of God's sovereign plan unfolding despite human resistance, as seen in [Luke 17:25](/luke/17-25 "Luke 17:25 - The Son of Man Must Suffer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stone (Greek, _líthos_):** (G3037) This word denotes a literal stone, but in this context, it functions as a powerful **symbol** for a person. Here, it represents Jesus Himself, emphasizing His foundational and enduring nature. The imagery of a stone is common in the Old Testament to refer to God or a key figure in His plan (e.g., [Genesis 49:24](/genesis/49-24 "Genesis 49:24 - The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel")).
* **Rejected (Greek, _apodokimázō_):** (G593) Derived from `apó` (away from) and `dokimázō` (to test, approve), this verb means "to disapprove, repudiate, or cast away after testing." It implies a deliberate and authoritative decision to deem something unfit or worthless. This highlights the intentional and authoritative nature of the religious leaders' rejection of Jesus, despite His divine credentials.
* **Head (Greek, _kephalḗ_):** (G2776) Literally meaning "head," this term is used metaphorically to signify preeminence, authority, origin, or the most important part. When combined with "corner" (_gōnía_), it forms the crucial architectural concept of the "head of the corner," indicating the chief or most vital stone in a building, which sets the alignment and supports the entire structure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he beheld them, and said":** This opening phrase indicates Jesus' direct and intentional address to the religious leaders. His gaze implies a penetrating insight into their hearts and intentions, leading to a confrontational declaration.
* **"What is this then that is written":** Jesus poses a rhetorical question, drawing their attention to scripture, specifically [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). By asking "What is this then," He challenges them to consider the implications of the prophecy they, as biblical scholars, should have known and understood, especially in light of His preceding parable.
* **"The stone which the builders rejected":** This is the direct quotation from [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). "The stone" refers to Jesus, and "the builders" symbolize the religious leaders of Israel—those responsible for constructing God's spiritual house. Their "rejection" signifies their deliberate refusal to acknowledge Jesus' messianic claims and divine authority, viewing Him as insignificant or even a threat.
* **"the same is become the head of the corner?":** This concluding part of the quotation reveals the shocking reversal and divine vindication. Despite being rejected by the human "builders," this very "stone" (Jesus) is divinely exalted to the position of "the head of the corner"—the most crucial, foundational, and preeminent stone in God's spiritual edifice. The rhetorical question implies that this fulfillment is obvious and should be recognized by them.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Allusion** is central, as Jesus directly quotes [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), drawing a clear connection between Old Testament prophecy and His present reality. This serves to authenticate His claims and demonstrate the divine orchestration of events. **Symbolism** is powerfully utilized through the imagery of the "stone" and "head of the corner." The stone represents Jesus, embodying His foundational role and divine nature, while the "builders" symbolize the religious authorities. The "head of the corner" symbolizes ultimate preeminence, indispensability, and the unifying force of God's redemptive plan. Finally, Jesus uses a **Rhetorical Question** ("What is this then that is written...?") not to solicit an answer, but to provoke thought, highlight the obvious fulfillment of prophecy, and underscore the willful ignorance or spiritual blindness of His audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:17 stands as a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty over human rejection and the indispensable centrality of Jesus Christ in His redemptive plan. Despite the deliberate and authoritative rejection of Jesus by the very leaders entrusted with building God's spiritual house, God's ultimate purpose cannot be thwarted. What man deems worthless, God elevates to the position of supreme importance, making Jesus the foundational and unifying element of His new covenant community. This verse underscores the divine paradox where human opposition inadvertently fulfills divine prophecy, leading to the establishment of the Church built upon Christ, the true cornerstone.

* [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")
* [Acts 4:11](/acts/4-11 "Acts 4:11 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus as the Cornerstone")
* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself being the Chief Cornerstone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:17 is a profound challenge to every individual to examine their posture toward Jesus Christ. Just as the builders in the parable rejected the cornerstone, so too can individuals reject Jesus as the essential foundation of their lives. This verse compels us to consider whether we are truly building our lives upon Him or attempting to construct something apart from His divine design. Accepting Jesus as the "head of the corner" means acknowledging His supreme authority, His indispensable role in salvation, and His preeminence in every aspect of our existence. It calls for a life of submission, trust, and obedience, recognizing that only by building on Him can we find true stability, purpose, and eternal security. Conversely, to reject Him is to build on shifting sand, leading to spiritual ruin and a life devoid of its true foundation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like the "builders," be tempted to reject or marginalize Jesus' authority in my own life or in the church?**
* **How does understanding Jesus as the "head of the corner" impact my view of His role in my personal faith, my relationships, and my daily decisions?**
* **What areas of my life need to be realigned with Jesus as the foundational "cornerstone"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "head of the corner" in ancient architecture and its spiritual meaning?**

Answer: In ancient architecture, the "head of the corner" or cornerstone was the most critical stone in a building. It was typically the first stone laid, carefully chosen for its strength and perfect cut, as it determined the alignment and stability of the entire structure. All other stones were laid in reference to it, ensuring the building was square and strong. Spiritually, this symbolizes Jesus Christ's indispensable and preeminent role. He is not merely a part of God's plan but the very foundation and unifying element upon which the entire Church, God's spiritual temple, is built. His rejection by the "builders" (religious leaders) was a catastrophic error, yet God sovereignly exalted Him to this supreme position, as seen in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself being the Chief Cornerstone").

**Who are the "builders" mentioned in this verse, and why did they reject the "stone"?**

Answer: The "builders" in [Luke 20:17](/luke/20-17 "Luke 20:17 - The Rejected Cornerstone") refer to the religious leaders of Israel—the chief priests, scribes, and elders of Jesus' day. They were the spiritual architects and custodians of God's people, responsible for guiding them in divine truth and building up the nation in righteousness. They rejected Jesus, the "stone," primarily because His teachings, claims, and actions challenged their authority, traditions, and self-righteousness. They failed to recognize Him as the Messiah foretold in their own scriptures, viewing Him instead as a threat to their power and position. Their rejection was a profound spiritual blindness and a tragic fulfillment of prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:17 is a profound declaration of Christ's central and indispensable role in God's redemptive plan, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and foreshadowing His ultimate exaltation. The "stone which the builders rejected" is undeniably Jesus Himself, who, despite being scorned, crucified, and cast aside by the religious authorities of His day, was sovereignly raised by God to the position of supreme authority and preeminence. This is powerfully articulated in the New Testament, where Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, declares to the very council that condemned Jesus: "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner" ([Acts 4:10-11](/acts/4-10-11 "Acts 4:10-11 - Peter's Sermon on Jesus, the Rejected Stone")). Paul further elaborates on this, explaining that the Church is "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself being the Chief Cornerstone")). Thus, what appeared to be a defeat at the cross was, in fact, God's sovereign act of establishing His Son as the eternal foundation for all who believe, demonstrating that salvation is found in no other name ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). For believers, Jesus is not merely a component but the very "precious corner stone" upon whom their faith and eternal hope securely rest ([1 Peter 2:6-7](/1_peter/2-6-7 "1 Peter 2:6-7 - Jesus, the Precious Cornerstone")).

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

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.