living stoneλίθος ζῶν
lithos zon · Greek Noun phrase
Christ as the foundational, vital, and immutable presence of God’s plan. Unlike inanimate masonry, He possesses the very life of God and is the cornerstone of the spiritual temple.
holyἅγιος
hagios · Greek Adjective
Set apart for God’s exclusive use and presence. This implies moral purity, consecration, and distinctiveness from the standards of the world.
priesthoodἱεράτευμα
hierateuma · Greek Noun
The office of mediation between God and humanity. Under the New Covenant, every believer is empowered to access God directly and present their lives as a service of worship.
spiritual sacrificesπνευματικὰς θυσίας
pneumatikas thysias · Greek Noun phrase
Acts of worship, obedience, and self-offering that are intangible and inward, as opposed to the physical animal sacrifices of the Old Testament. These are rendered effective and acceptable only through the mediation of Christ.
Zionצִיּוֹן
Tsiyyon · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, this refers to the site of God’s redemptive presence and the location of the Temple in Jerusalem. Prophetically and typologically, it symbolizes the Messianic kingdom and the church.
cornerstoneἀκρογωνιαῖος
akrogōniaios · Greek Noun/Adjective
A block placed at the intersection of two walls to align and support a structure. In biblical metaphor, it refers to Christ as the foundational person upon whom the entire church is built.
believesπιστεύων
pisteuōn · Greek Verb
To place one's full trust, reliance, and confidence in the person and work of Jesus Christ for salvation. It implies an active, saving faith rather than mere intellectual assent.
put to shameκαταισχυνθῇ
kataischynthē · Greek Verb
To be disgraced or brought to public shame. In the context of faith, it is the promise that those who trust in Christ will not be disappointed or put to shame at the final judgment.
preciousἔντιμον
entimon · Greek Adjective
Valued highly; esteemed or of great worth. This term emphasizes the immense spiritual value God places on Christ, and by extension, on those identified with Him.
chosenἐκλεκτὸς
eklektos · Greek Adjective
A person who has been specially selected or elected by God for a specific purpose or relationship. This reflects the doctrine of divine election.
honorτιμὴ
timē · Greek Noun
A position of high regard, distinction, or weightiness. It is the status granted to believers because they are united to the honored Christ.
stumblingπρόσκομμα
proskomma · Greek Noun
An obstacle or impediment that causes one to trip and fall. Christ becomes a stumbling block to those who refuse to accept His humble, suffering nature as the path to salvation.
offenseσκανδάλου
skandalou · Greek Noun
A source of annoyance or cause for falling. It refers to that which causes an unbeliever to reject or turn away from the gospel message.
disobeyἀπειθοῦντες
apeithountes · Greek Verb
The refusal to submit to God’s revelation or authority. It characterizes the persistent state of unbelief in those who reject the gospel.
