### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word λίθος (líthos), Strong's number `{{G3037}}`, is a primary word denoting "a stone." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Literally, λίθος refers to a physical rock or stone, used for various purposes: as building material (e.g., for walls, foundations, temples), as a boundary marker, a weight, a weapon, a millstone, or a tombstone. Figuratively, it can represent hardness (a heart of stone), immovability, permanence, a foundation, a stumbling block, or even a precious stone (though often in compound forms or specific contexts). The fundamental concept of solidity and unyielding nature is inherent in its core meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λίθος appears frequently in the New Testament, often with significant theological weight.
1. **Literal Uses:**
* **Building Material:** Jesus speaks of the stones of the temple being thrown down [[Matthew 24:2]]. Water jars "made of stone" are mentioned at Cana [[John 2:6]].
* **Tombstones:** A "large stone" was rolled in front of Jesus' tomb [[Matthew 27:60]], and the women found it rolled away [[Matthew 28:2]]. Similarly, a stone covered Lazarus' tomb [[John 11:38]].
* **Millstones:** Jesus warns against causing a "little one" to stumble, stating it would be better for a "large millstone" (often μύλος ὀνικός, a millstone turned by a donkey) to be hung around one's neck [[Matthew 18:6]], [[Luke 17:2]]. This imagery conveys severe judgment.
* **Stoning:** The Jewish leaders attempt to stone Jesus [[John 8:7]], [[John 10:31]], illustrating a form of capital punishment.
2. **Figurative Uses:**
* **Cornerstone/Foundation Stone:** This is perhaps the most profound metaphorical use. Quoting [[Psalm 118:22]], Jesus refers to himself as "the stone that the builders rejected" which "has become the cornerstone" [[Matthew 21:42]]. Peter reiterates this in his sermon [[Acts 4:11]], and Paul in [[Ephesians 2:20]]. [[1 Peter 2:6]] speaks of Christ as a "chosen and precious cornerstone." This highlights Christ's essential role as the foundation of God's spiritual house.
* **Stumbling Block:** Parallel to the cornerstone imagery, λίθος also describes Christ as a "stone of stumbling" (λίθος προσκόμματος) for those who disobey or reject him [[Romans 9:33]], [[1 Peter 2:8]]. This paradox underscores the two-fold response to Christ: salvation for believers, judgment for unbelievers.
* **Living Stones:** In a remarkable extension of the metaphor, Peter describes believers as "living stones" (λίθοι ζῶντες) being built into a "spiritual house" with Christ as the chief cornerstone [[1 Peter 2:5]]. This emphasizes the corporate nature of the church and the active participation of individual believers in God's redemptive work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary Hebrew equivalent to λίθος is `{{H68}}` ('eben), which shares a remarkably similar range of literal and figurative meanings, including foundation stones, boundary markers, and symbols of strength or hardness.
Concepts closely associated with λίθος include:
* **Foundation:** The idea of a stable and essential base, particularly for the church built upon Christ.
* **Building/Edifice:** The construction of a spiritual temple or house, often contrasted with physical structures.
* **Rejection and Acceptance:** The dynamic of the "rejected stone" becoming the "cornerstone" is central.
* **Judgment:** The heavy weight of a millstone symbolizes severe divine retribution.
* **Hardness of Heart:** Though not always using λίθος directly for "heart of stone" in the NT (cf. `{{G4460}}` poroo), the concept is intrinsically linked to the unyielding nature of stone.
* **Permanence/Immutability:** A stone's enduring nature often signifies God's unchanging character or promises.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λίθος is profound and multifaceted, primarily revolving around the person and work of Jesus Christ and the nature of the church.
1. **Christological Foundation:** The most significant theological application is the identification of Jesus Christ as the "cornerstone" (λίθος ἀκρογωνιαῖος). This metaphor, rooted in Old Testament prophecy ([[Psalm 118:22]], [[Isaiah 28:16]]), establishes Christ as the indispensable and unifying foundation of God's redemptive plan and the church. He is the ultimate point of reference and stability.
2. **Paradox of Christ:** Christ is simultaneously the "precious cornerstone" for those who believe and the "stone of stumbling" for those who reject Him [[1 Peter 2:7-8]]. This highlights the dual response to the Gospel: salvation for those who trust, and judgment for those who refuse to build their lives on Him.
3. **Ecclesiological Identity:** The concept of believers as "living stones" [[1 Peter 2:5]] is crucial for understanding the nature of the church. It portrays the church not as a static institution, but as a dynamic, Spirit-indwelt community, actively being built by God with Christ as its head. Each believer, though an individual "stone," is part of a larger, unified spiritual edifice.
4. **Divine Judgment:** The imagery of the millstone [[Matthew 18:6]] serves as a stark warning of the severe consequences for those who cause others, especially vulnerable believers, to stumble or fall away from faith.
### Summary
λίθος (líthos), meaning "stone," is a remarkably versatile and theologically rich term in the New Testament. Beyond its literal uses for physical objects like building materials, grave markers, and millstones, it carries profound figurative weight. Most significantly, λίθος describes Jesus Christ as the divinely appointed "cornerstone" [[Ephesians 2:20]], the essential foundation upon which God's spiritual temple, the church, is built. This same "stone" paradoxically becomes a "stumbling block" [[Romans 9:33]] for those who reject Him. Furthermore, believers themselves are transformed into "living stones" [[1 Peter 2:5]], integrated into this sacred edifice. The multifaceted use of λίθος thus encapsulates core tenets of Christology, ecclesiology, and divine judgment, underscoring the enduring and foundational nature of God's redemptive work.
TRV