Matthew 21:44

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whosoever shall fall {G4098} on {G1909} this {G5126} 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 this stone will be broken in pieces; but if it falls on him, he will be crushed to powder!"

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And he that falleth on this stone shall be broken to pieces: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:44 delivers a profound and stark warning from Jesus, concluding His Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. It vividly portrays two distinct and severe consequences for those who encounter Him: either one stumbles over Him and is broken by their rejection, or He falls upon them in judgment, utterly crushing them. This verse underscores Jesus' divine authority as the Messiah and the inevitable, devastating outcome for those who refuse to acknowledge or submit to His sovereign rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to the [Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen](/matthew/21-33-43 "Matthew 21:33-43 - The Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen"), which Jesus tells immediately after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the temple. In the parable, God is the landowner, Israel is the vineyard, the prophets are the servants, and Jesus Himself is the son. The "husbandmen" clearly represent the Jewish religious leaders who repeatedly rejected God's messengers and were about to reject and kill His Son. Prior to this verse, Jesus quotes [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), declaring, "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." Matthew 21:44 directly follows this quotation, interpreting the implications of this "stone" for those who interact with it, thus intensifying the warning to the chief priests and Pharisees who understood He was speaking about them (as noted in [Matthew 21:45](/matthew/21-45 "Matthew 21:45 - The Chief Priests Understand")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "stone" was deeply significant in ancient Jewish thought, drawing from various Old Testament prophecies. The concept of a "stumbling stone" or "rock of offense" resonated with passages like [Isaiah 8:14-15](/isaiah/8-14-15 "Isaiah 8:14-15 - A Stone of Stumbling and a Rock of Offense"), where God Himself is a stone over which many in Israel would stumble and be broken. Furthermore, the powerful imagery of a stone "grinding to powder" directly alludes to [Daniel 2:34-35](/daniel/2-34-35 "Daniel 2:34-35 - The Stone that Crushes the Image") and [Daniel 2:44-45](/daniel/2-44-45 "Daniel 2:44-45 - God's Kingdom Will Crush All Others"), where a stone cut without human hands strikes the great statue representing earthly kingdoms, utterly destroying them and growing into a great mountain that fills the whole earth. This would have been understood by Jesus' audience as a clear reference to the establishment of God's eternal, invincible kingdom, which would supersede and annihilate all human opposition.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Messianic Identity and Authority of Jesus** as the divine "stone" of God's redemptive plan, whether as the indispensable cornerstone or a rock of judgment. This verse also highlights the **Consequences of Rejecting Christ**, presenting two escalating forms of judgment: a self-inflicted spiritual breaking for those who stumble in unbelief, and a complete, overwhelming destruction for those upon whom Christ's judgment actively falls. Finally, it powerfully underscores the **Inevitable Triumph of God's Kingdom**, asserting that Christ's reign will ultimately prevail, bringing judgment upon all who stand against it, much like the stone in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and Daniel's Interpretation") obliterates all other kingdoms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** This word refers to a literal stone, but in this context, it carries immense figurative weight. As seen in the preceding verse ([Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Cornerstone")), Jesus identifies Himself as the "stone which the builders refused," drawing from [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone Rejected"). This "stone" is simultaneously the foundation of God's kingdom and the object of judgment.
* **broken (Greek, _synthláō'_):** Derived from "syn" (together with) and "thlao" (to crush), this verb means "to dash together" or "to shatter." It implies a severe, damaging impact, resulting in fragmentation or spiritual ruin for those who stumble over Christ. It suggests a consequence of internal collapse due to rejection or unbelief.
* **grind to powder (Greek, _likmáō'_):** This word literally means "to winnow" or "to scatter like chaff." In the context of a stone, it signifies pulverization, complete destruction, and dispersal. This imagery evokes the finality and totality of ultimate judgment, leaving nothing substantial behind, akin to the crushing power of the stone in [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - The Stone that Crushes Kingdoms").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken:"** This clause describes the consequence for those who "fall" upon the stone, meaning they stumble over Christ, are offended by His claims, or reject His teachings and identity. This "falling" is often a result of unbelief, pride, or a refusal to humble oneself before Him. The consequence, "shall be broken," signifies a spiritual shattering, a severe judgment that leads to ruin and inability to stand before God. It implies a self-inflicted spiritual collapse due to their opposition or rejection of Jesus.
* **"but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."** This second clause presents an even more severe and active form of judgment. Here, the "stone" (Jesus) is the active agent, falling upon those who are His persistent enemies, who actively oppose His kingdom, or who stubbornly resist God's will. The phrase "grind him to powder" uses imagery of complete pulverization and dispersal, leaving nothing substantial behind. This signifies utter destruction, a final and overwhelming judgment from which there is no recovery, akin to the complete annihilation of earthly kingdoms by God's kingdom in Daniel's prophecy.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 21:44 is rich in **Symbolism** and **Metaphor**, with "this stone" serving as a powerful and multi-faceted symbol for Jesus Christ Himself. It represents both the cornerstone of salvation and the rock of offense and judgment. The verse employs striking **Imagery**, particularly in the phrases "shall be broken" and "grind him to powder," which evoke vivid pictures of destruction and complete ruin, emphasizing the severity of the consequences. There is also a clear **Antithesis** or **Parallelism** at play, contrasting two distinct types of interaction with the stone and their corresponding, escalating outcomes, thereby highlighting the binary nature of one's response to Christ. The phrase "grind him to powder" also functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the destructive outcome to underscore the absolute finality and totality of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the dual nature of Christ's presence in the world: He is either the foundation upon which one builds for eternal life or the stumbling block over which one falls into ruin. It reveals that neutrality towards Jesus is impossible; one's interaction with Him inevitably leads to a transformative outcome, whether for salvation or for judgment. The escalating severity from being "broken" to being "ground to powder" illustrates the increasing weight of divine judgment upon those who move from passive rejection to active, persistent opposition against God's Messiah. This passage underscores God's sovereignty and the unstoppable advance of His kingdom, which will ultimately triumph over all resistance.

* [Isaiah 8:14-15](/isaiah/8-14-15 "Isaiah 8:14-15 - A Stone of Stumbling and a Rock of Offense")
* [Daniel 2:44-45](/daniel/2-44-45 "Daniel 2:44-45 - God's Kingdom Will Crush All Others")
* [1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - Christ, the Cornerstone and Stumbling Stone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 21:44 serves as a timeless and urgent call to self-examination regarding our posture toward Jesus Christ. It forces us to confront the reality that our eternal destiny is inextricably linked to how we respond to Him. Are we building our lives upon Him as the secure and indispensable cornerstone, trusting in His saving work and submitting to His Lordship? Or are we, through unbelief, pride, or disobedience, stumbling over Him, finding His claims offensive, or His demands too challenging? The verse warns that such a posture leads to spiritual brokenness. Furthermore, it paints a sobering picture of the ultimate, irreversible judgment that awaits those who actively and persistently set themselves against Christ and His kingdom. This should compel us to humble ourselves, embrace His grace, and align our lives with His truth, recognizing that He is not merely a historical figure but the living, sovereign King whose judgment is both just and inescapable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "falling on this stone" by resisting Christ's authority or truth in my life?**
* **What does it mean for me to build my life *on* this stone, rather than stumble over it?**
* **How does the imagery of being "ground to powder" impact my understanding of God's justice and the seriousness of rejecting Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the "stone" in Matthew 21:44?**

Answer: The "stone" in [Matthew 21:44](/matthew/21-44 "Matthew 21:44 - The Stone of Judgment") is a powerful metaphor for Jesus Christ Himself. This imagery is drawn directly from Old Testament prophecies, particularly [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), which Jesus quotes in [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Cornerstone Rejected"). He is the Messiah, the foundation of God's redemptive plan, and the one upon whom all humanity's eternal destiny hinges. He is either the cornerstone upon which faith is built or the rock of offense over which people stumble, leading to judgment.

**What is the difference between "fall on this stone" and "on whomsoever it shall fall"?**

Answer: These two phrases describe distinct, though related, forms of judgment based on one's interaction with Jesus, the "stone." To "fall on this stone" refers to a self-inflicted spiritual consequence for those who stumble over Christ due to unbelief, pride, or rejection of His teachings. It implies a breaking or shattering of their spiritual state. In contrast, "on whomsoever it shall fall" describes a direct, active, and overwhelming judgment executed by Christ Himself upon those who are His persistent enemies or who stubbornly oppose His kingdom. This latter phrase, particularly with the imagery of being "ground to powder," signifies complete and utter destruction, a final and inescapable divine reckoning. This distinction highlights the escalating severity of consequences for those who reject the Son of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:44 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' dual role as both the rejected cornerstone and the sovereign judge. As the "stone which the builders refused" ([Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Cornerstone Rejected")), Jesus embodies the prophetic truth that the very one deemed unworthy by human religious authorities would become the indispensable head of God's new spiritual temple. His crucifixion was the ultimate act of "falling on this stone" by humanity, leading to their spiritual brokenness and condemnation. Yet, in His resurrection and ascension, Jesus is revealed as the triumphant "stone" upon whom the kingdom of God is built, and from whom all judgment proceeds. The warning of the stone "grinding to powder" foreshadows His glorious return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who will execute righteous judgment upon all who have opposed Him and His kingdom ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Warrior King")). Every knee will ultimately bow to Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")), either in humble submission or in utter defeat, demonstrating that Christ is the ultimate arbiter of all destinies, the one who brings both salvation to those who believe and crushing judgment to those who refuse to acknowledge His reign.

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.

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.

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.

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.