probably akin to γόνυ; an angle:--corner, quarter.
Transliteration:gōnía
Pronunciation:go-nee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G1137 (γωνία, *gōnía*) denotes primarily an "angle" or "corner." Its etymological root is likely connected to γόνυ (gonu, "knee"), suggesting a bend or joint. In its most literal sense, it refers to the physical corner of a building or structure. However, its semantic range extends to encompass broader applications:
1. **Literal Corner:** The point where two lines or surfaces meet, forming an angle. This is its most basic architectural meaning.
2. **Quarter/Region:** By extension, it can refer to a specific region or "quarter" of a larger area, as in the "four corners of the earth," signifying the cardinal points or the entirety of the world.
3. **Figurative "Hidden Place":** In a negative sense, it can denote a secluded or obscure place, implying something done in secret or without public knowledge.
4. **Cornerstone:** Most significantly, it is used in the phrase "head of the corner" or "cornerstone," referring to the principal stone laid at the corner of a building, essential for its stability and alignment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1137 appears 9 times in the New Testament, with distinct contextual nuances:
* **Public vs. Hidden:** In [[Acts 26:26]], Paul declares before King Agrippa, "For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly; for I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner." Here, "in a corner" signifies something hidden or secret, emphasizing the public and widely known nature of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and the subsequent apostolic proclamation. The events of salvation history were not obscure but openly manifested.
* **Geographical Extent:** The phrase "four corners of the earth" appears in the book of Revelation ([[Revelation 7:1]], [[Revelation 20:8]]). This is a common biblical idiom, often found in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Isaiah 11:12]]), signifying the uttermost parts of the world, encompassing all directions and peoples. In Revelation, it refers to the global reach of divine judgment and the universal scope of God's sovereignty, whether restraining destructive forces or gathering the nations for final conflict.
* **The Cornerstone (Most Prominent Use):** This is the most theologically rich application of G1137, found in direct quotations of [[Psalm 118:22]] or allusions to it.
* In [[Matthew 21:42]], [[Mark 12:10]], and [[Luke 20:17]], Jesus quotes [[Psalm 118:22]] after the parable of the wicked tenants, applying it to Himself: "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This highlights His rejection by the religious authorities but His ultimate exaltation by God as the indispensable foundation of His new spiritual temple, the Church.
* [[Acts 4:11]] records Peter's declaration to the Sanhedrin concerning Jesus: "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone." Here, the application is explicit and accusatory, identifying the Jewish leaders as the "builders" who rejected God's chosen "stone."
* [[1 Peter 2:7]] reiterates this theme: "So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'" This verse contrasts the honor given to believers who embrace Christ with the judgment faced by those who reject Him, emphasizing Christ's pivotal and indispensable role in God's redemptive plan. The related word `{{G204}}` (ἀκρογωνιαῖος, *akrogōniaios*), "cornerstone," is also used in [[Ephesians 2:20]] and [[1 Peter 2:6]] to explicitly refer to Christ as the chief cornerstone.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G1137 is enriched by its connections to several related words and theological concepts:
* **`{{G1119}}` (γόνυ, *gonu*):** "Knee." The proposed etymological link underscores the physical nature of a bend or joint, providing a concrete image for "corner."
* **`{{G3037}}` (λίθος, *lithos*):** "Stone." This is crucial in the "cornerstone" passages, as γωνία modifies λίθος to form the significant theological concept.
* **`{{G204}}` (ἀκρογωνιαῖος, *akrogōniaios*):** "Cornerstone" or "chief cornerstone." This compound adjective directly incorporates γωνία and specifies the preeminent stone at the corner, often used to refer to Christ.
* **`{{G3618}}` (οἰκοδομέω, *oikodomeō*):** "To build." The concept of the "cornerstone" inherently relates to the act of building and the structure of a spiritual edifice, the Church.
* **`{{H6438}}` (פִּנָּה, *pinnah*):** The Hebrew equivalent often translated "corner" or "cornerstone" in the Old Testament, particularly in passages like [[Psalm 118:22]] and [[Isaiah 28:16]], which are foundational for the New Testament's use of G1137 in the cornerstone motif.
* **Concepts:** Foundation, stability, centrality, rejection, exaltation, universality, public witness, divine sovereignty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1137 is profound, primarily due to its application in the "cornerstone" motif:
* **Christ as the Indispensable Cornerstone:** The most vital theological contribution of G1137 is its role in portraying Jesus Christ as the rejected stone who became the "head of the corner." This imagery, drawn from [[Psalm 118:22]] and [[Isaiah 28:16]], underscores several truths:
* **Divine Sovereignty:** Despite human rejection (especially by the religious builders of His day), God's plan prevailed, elevating Christ to the position of ultimate importance and authority.
* **Centrality of Christ:** As the cornerstone, Jesus is the essential and unifying element of God's spiritual temple, the Church. He provides the alignment and stability for the entire structure, ensuring its integrity and growth ([[Ephesians 2:20-22]]).
* **Foundation for Salvation:** Belief in Christ, the cornerstone, leads to honor and salvation, while rejection leads to stumbling and judgment ([[1 Peter 2:6-8]]). He is the point of decision for humanity.
* **Fulfillment of Prophecy:** The repeated use of this imagery confirms Jesus' identity as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament.
* **Universality of God's Plan:** The "four corners of the earth" imagery in Revelation highlights the global scope of God's dominion, judgment, and ultimate redemption. No part of creation is outside His purview, and His redemptive plan encompasses all nations.
* **Openness of God's Work:** The statement "not done in a corner" (Acts 26:26) affirms the transparency and public nature of God's saving acts in Christ and the apostolic witness. God's truth is not hidden in secret societies but is openly proclaimed for all to see and hear.
### Summary
The Greek word G1137 (γωνία, *gōnía*) fundamentally means "angle" or "corner." While it can denote a literal corner, a geographical quarter, or a hidden place, its most significant biblical usage is in the phrase "head of the corner" or "cornerstone." This powerful metaphor, rooted in Old Testament prophecy, unequivocally identifies Jesus Christ as the foundational and indispensable stone of God's spiritual building, the Church. Though rejected by human builders, He was divinely exalted to be the central and unifying element, providing stability and alignment for all who believe. Furthermore, G1137 also conveys the universality of God's sovereignty over the "four corners of the earth" and the public, transparent nature of His redemptive work, which was "not done in a corner." Thus, G1137 carries profound theological weight, underscoring Christ's supremacy, the Church's foundation, and the global reach of God's divine plan.
TRV