Luke 20:18

KJV

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whosoever {G3956} shall fall {G4098} upon {G1909} that {G1565} stone {G3037} shall be broken {G4917}; but {G1161} on {G1909} whomsoever {G3739}{G302} it shall fall {G4098}, it will grind {G3039} him {G846} to powder {G3039}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever falls on that stone will be broken in pieces; but if it falls on him, he will be crushed to powder!”

Berean Standard Bible

Everyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.”

American Standard Version

Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 20:18 concludes Jesus's Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen with a stark and dualistic warning about the consequences of one's relationship to Him, the "stone." It prophesies two distinct but equally devastating outcomes for those who reject or oppose Him: a shattering brokenness for those who stumble over Him, and utter pulverization for those upon whom His judgment falls, underscoring the inescapable and severe nature of divine reckoning for persistent rebellion against God's Son.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the chilling climax and interpretive key to the [Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen](/luke/20-9-19 "Luke 20:9-19 - The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen"). Preceding this parable, the chief priests, scribes, and elders directly challenge Jesus's authority in the temple courts ([Luke 20:1-8](/luke/20-1-8 "Luke 20:1-8 - Jesus's Authority Questioned")). Jesus responds with the parable, which transparently depicts God as the vineyard owner, Israel as the vineyard, and the prophets as the servants sent to collect fruit. The parable culminates in the owner sending his beloved son, only for the tenants to kill him, hoping to seize the inheritance. Jesus then asks His audience what the owner will do, and they unwittingly pronounce judgment upon themselves. He then quotes [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone"), "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner." Luke 20:18 immediately follows, amplifying this Old Testament prophecy by applying the imagery of the "stone" directly to Himself and detailing the severe, inescapable fate awaiting those who reject Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "stone" was deeply significant in ancient Israel, often carrying both architectural and symbolic weight. Stones were foundational elements in construction, but also instruments of judgment (e.g., stoning as punishment) or obstacles. The concept of a "stumbling stone" or "stone of offense" was rooted in Old Testament prophetic literature, particularly [Isaiah 8:14-15](/isaiah/8-14-15 "Isaiah 8:14-15 - A Stone of Stumbling and Rock of Offense") and [Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone that Crushes Kingdoms"). The "grinding to powder" imagery specifically echoes the prophecy in [Daniel 2:44-45](/daniel/2-44-45 "Daniel 2:44-45 - God's Kingdom Crushes All Others"), where a stone cut without human hands strikes an idol and grinds it to dust, symbolizing God's kingdom utterly destroying all earthly kingdoms. Jesus's audience, particularly the religious leaders, would have been intimately familiar with these Old Testament prophecies, making His application of the "stone" imagery to Himself a direct and provocative claim to messianic identity and divine authority, simultaneously warning them of the consequences of their rejection.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Authority and Messianic Identity**, as Jesus unequivocally presents Himself as the prophesied "stone" from [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Cornerstone"). Secondly, it underscores the **Consequences of Rejecting Christ**, illustrating the severe and inescapable judgment awaiting those who oppose God's ultimate messenger. This ties into the broader theme of **Divine Judgment**, which is a recurring motif throughout [Luke 20](/luke/20 "Luke 20 - Jesus's Authority Challenged and Parables of Judgment"). Finally, the imagery emphasizes **Jesus as both Cornerstone and Stumbling Stone**, a foundational element for those who believe, but an instrument of destruction for those who refuse to build upon Him, echoing themes found in [1 Peter 2:6-8](/1_peter/2-6-8 "1 Peter 2:6-8 - Christ as the Living Stone").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** This word refers to a literal stone, but in this context, it is used metaphorically to represent Jesus Christ Himself. Its significance is amplified by its clear Old Testament allusions (e.g., [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone"), [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling")). Jesus is the foundational element of God's redemptive plan, yet for those who reject Him, He becomes an obstacle or an instrument of judgment.
* **Broken (Greek, _synthláō'_):** Meaning "to dash together" or "shatter," this verb describes the outcome for those who "fall upon" the stone. It implies a severe, damaging impact, a crushing or shattering of one's life, hopes, or spiritual standing. It suggests a personal ruin that results from opposing or stumbling over Christ's truth or authority.
* **Grind to powder (Greek, _likmáō'_):** This powerful verb means "to winnow" or "to triturate," evoking the imagery of a winnowing fan or a heavy millstone crushing grain into fine dust. It signifies complete pulverization, utter destruction, leaving nothing substantial behind. This is a far more devastating and annihilating judgment than merely being "broken," echoing the complete obliteration of kingdoms by the stone in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Stone that Crushes Kingdoms").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken":** This clause describes the first scenario of judgment. To "fall upon" the stone implies an encounter with Christ where one stumbles, resists, or actively opposes Him. This can refer to those who, in their pride or unbelief, trip over the truth of who Jesus is, His teachings, or His claims. The consequence, "shall be broken," suggests a profound spiritual and existential shattering. This brokenness is not necessarily annihilation but a severe, irreparable damage to one's life, perhaps a judgment experienced in this life or a lesser degree of eternal ruin for those who merely stumble rather than actively rebel.
* **"but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder":** This second clause, introduced by the adversative "but" (G1161 _dé_), presents a more severe and active form of judgment. Here, the stone (Jesus) is not merely stumbled over, but actively "falls" upon the individual. This imagery conveys an overwhelming, irresistible, and direct divine judgment. The result, "it will grind him to powder," signifies total and irreversible destruction, a complete pulverization that leaves no trace or substance. This is often interpreted as the ultimate, final, and annihilating wrath of God against those who persistently and defiantly reject His Son, particularly those in positions of authority who actively oppose Him.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 20:18 is rich with several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where Jesus identifies Himself as the "stone," a symbol laden with Old Testament significance (e.g., [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone"), [Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling")). This metaphor highlights His foundational role in God's kingdom and His dual nature as a source of salvation for some and judgment for others. The verse also employs **Hyperbole** and vivid **Imagery** in describing the consequences: "shall be broken" and "grind him to powder." These are not literal physical outcomes but exaggerated, dramatic portrayals of spiritual and eternal devastation, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Antithetical Parallelism**, contrasting two distinct scenarios and their outcomes: falling *upon* the stone versus the stone falling *upon* someone. This structure effectively highlights the two different ways one can encounter Christ and the corresponding, yet equally dire, consequences of rejecting Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 20:18 is a profound theological statement on Christology and eschatology. It asserts Jesus's divine authority and His ultimate role as the arbiter of human destiny. He is not merely a prophet or teacher, but the very "stone" upon whom all humanity will either build their salvation or meet their destruction. The verse underscores the absolute seriousness of one's response to Jesus, revealing that neutrality is impossible. To reject Him, whether by stumbling over His claims or by actively opposing His reign, incurs a devastating divine judgment, ranging from spiritual brokenness to utter pulverization, a complete and irreversible undoing of one's existence in the face of God's righteous wrath. This powerful imagery serves as a stark warning, particularly to the religious leaders of Jesus's day who were actively plotting against Him, and to all who would similarly refuse to acknowledge His messianic identity and divine authority.

* [Isaiah 8:14-15](/isaiah/8-14-15 "Isaiah 8:14-15 - A Stone of Stumbling and Rock of Offense")
* [Daniel 2:44-45](/daniel/2-44-45 "Daniel 2:44-45 - God's Kingdom Crushes All Others")
* [1 Peter 2:6-8](/1_peter/2-6-8 "1 Peter 2:6-8 - Christ as the Living Stone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 20:18 is a sobering reminder that our relationship with Jesus Christ is not passive; it demands a decisive response. We are confronted with the reality that Jesus is either the solid foundation upon which we build our lives, leading to salvation and eternal security, or He is the "stone" over which we stumble, leading to spiritual ruin, or the ultimate instrument of divine judgment that utterly crushes those in rebellion. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts: are we humbly submitting to His authority, embracing His teachings, and building our lives upon Him as the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Chief Cornerstone")? Or are we, like the wicked husbandmen, resisting His call, denying His identity, and effectively sealing our own fate? The imagery of being "broken" or "ground to powder" vividly portrays the devastating consequences of rejecting the Son of God. It compels us to recognize the urgency of repentance and faith, understanding that to stand against Christ is to invite an inescapable and complete judgment. This passage calls us to a posture of humility, surrender, and worship, acknowledging Him as the Lord of all, upon whom our eternal destiny rests.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "falling upon" Jesus, perhaps by resisting His truth or stumbling over His demands in my life?**
* **How does the imagery of being "ground to powder" deepen my understanding of the severity of God's judgment against persistent rebellion?**
* **How can I ensure that Jesus is the "cornerstone" of my life, rather than a "stumbling stone" or an instrument of judgment?**

### FAQ

**What is the meaning of "that stone" in Luke 20:18?**

Answer: "That stone" unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ Himself. This is made clear by the preceding verse, [Luke 20:17](/luke/20-17 "Luke 20:17 - The Rejected Stone"), where Jesus quotes [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone"): "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner." Jesus applies this Old Testament prophecy directly to Himself, asserting His identity as the Messiah, the foundational and essential element of God's kingdom, yet paradoxically rejected by the very religious leaders who should have recognized Him.

**What is the difference between "shall be broken" and "will grind him to powder"?**

Answer: These two phrases describe different degrees or aspects of divine judgment, both severe. "Shall be broken" (Greek _synthláō_) implies a shattering or crushing, a severe injury or ruin that results from stumbling over or opposing Christ. It suggests a personal devastation, perhaps a judgment experienced in this life or a lesser degree of eternal ruin. "Will grind him to powder" (Greek _likmáō_), on the more intense hand, signifies complete pulverization or annihilation, leaving no trace. This imagery, echoing [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - The Stone that Crushes Kingdoms"), suggests an overwhelming, inescapable, and ultimate divine judgment against those who actively and defiantly reject or rebel against Jesus. The first is a consequence of encountering Him in opposition; the second is a direct, active judgment *from* Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 20:18 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's identity as both the rejected Stone and the triumphant Judge. He is the very "stone" prophesied throughout the Old Testament, the one whom the builders (Israel's religious leaders) rejected, yet whom God made the [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Chief Cornerstone") of His new spiritual temple ([1 Peter 2:4-8](/1_peter/2-4-8 "1 Peter 2:4-8 - Christ, the Living Stone")). Those who, like the chief priests and scribes, stumble over His claims and refuse to believe in Him will find themselves spiritually "broken" by their own opposition and unbelief. However, the ultimate fulfillment points to Jesus's future role as the sovereign King and Judge. Just as the stone in Daniel's vision crushed all earthly kingdoms ([Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone that Crushes Kingdoms")), so too will Christ, at His second coming, descend in power and glory to execute final judgment upon all who have defiantly rejected Him. On that day, His divine authority will "grind to powder" every opposing force and individual, revealing Him as the one before whom [every knee will bow](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow") and [every tongue confess](/romans/14-11 "Romans 14:11 - Every Tongue Shall Confess") Him as Lord, whether in salvation or in utter destruction. Thus, Luke 20:18 is a chilling prophecy of Christ's ultimate victory and the inescapable reality of His righteous judgment.

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.

Isaiah 8:15

And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Daniel 2:45

Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

Matthew 21:44

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Daniel 2:34

Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet [that were] of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.

Daniel 2:35

Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.