For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Notice how Peter emphasizes that God himself is laying this stone. This isn't just any foundation; it's God's active, deliberate placement of Jesus, showing that our trust is anchored in divine initiative, not just human choice. Because God initiated it, those who believe in Him can rest assured they won't be disappointed.
For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is explaining to believers, scattered and facing hardship, that they are part of God's new spiritual house. He's just called them living stones, now he reinforces this by quoting Isaiah to show that Jesus Himself is the foundation of this spiritual house. Those who place their trust in Jesus, the chosen cornerstone, will ultimately find security and vindication, not disappointment.
Ever feel like you're building your life on shaky ground? Peter points us to an unshakeable foundation.
This verse isn't just a nice thought; it's a quote from ancient prophecy about someone incredibly important.
The Cornerstone Prophecy
Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, a powerful Old Testament prophecy. God declares, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious."
What does it mean to 'not be put to shame'? It's a promise of ultimate security and vindication.
This isn't about never facing hardship, but about never facing ultimate defeat or disgrace because of your trust in Him.
Security in Belief
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The second part of the prophecy, "whoever believes in him will not be put to shame," is the direct result of relying on this precious cornerstone.
This promise contrasts sharply with the shame that comes from relying on human strength, worldly wisdom, or idols, which are all destined to fail.
Understand the original words
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This verse quotes Isaiah, speaking to a people who have experienced the glory of the Temple, its destruction, exile, and rebuilding. Peter's audience, facing their own trials, is reminded that God's ultimate, eternal foundation is His chosen Cornerstone, Jesus, in whom true security is found, not in earthly structures or circumstances.
c. 1000 BC
King David Conquers Jerusalem
David captures the Jebusite city of Jerusalem, making it his capital and the political and spiritual center of Israel. This event lays the groundwork for Jerusalem's future significance.
c. 960 BC
Solomon Builds the First Temple
David's son, Solomon, builds the magnificent First Temple on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem, fulfilling his father's vision. This structure becomes the focal point of Israelite worship and national identity.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Prophet Isaiah's Ministry Begins
Isaiah, a prophet of Judah, begins his prophetic ministry in Jerusalem during a time of both prosperity and underlying moral decay. His prophecies often address the nation's spiritual state and future.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem. Isaiah offers prophetic counsel to King Hezekiah, and the city is miraculously spared, reinforcing belief in God's protection.
586 BC
Babylonian Destruction of Jerusalem
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile a large portion of the population. This catastrophic event marks a severe crisis of faith for the Judeans.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile and Temple Rebuilding
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, some Judeans return from Babylonian exile and begin rebuilding the Temple. This period is marked by challenges and a renewed, though often fragile, hope.
This is the direct Old Testament quote Peter is using, showing that the foundation Jesus provides was prophesied long before His coming.
Psalm 118:22This Psalm speaks of a stone rejected by builders but chosen as the cornerstone, echoing Jesus' rejection by religious leaders but His ultimate purpose in God's plan.
Romans 9:33Paul also references this foundational stone and warns that belief in Jesus brings salvation, while stumbling over Him leads to destruction, highlighting the critical choice people face.
Acts 4:11Peter himself preached this same truth in Acts, calling Jesus the 'stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone,' linking his sermon directly to this foundational belief.
Notice how Peter emphasizes that God himself is laying this stone. This isn't just any foundation; it's God's active, deliberate placement of Jesus, showing that our trust is anchored in divine initiative, not just human choice. Because God initiated it, those who believe in Him can rest assured they won't be disappointed.
Peter is explaining to believers, scattered and facing hardship, that they are part of God's new spiritual house. He's just called them living stones, now he reinforces this by quoting Isaiah to show that Jesus Himself is the foundation of this spiritual house. Those who place their trust in Jesus, the chosen cornerstone, will ultimately find security and vindication, not disappointment.
Peter is explaining to believers, scattered and facing hardship, that they are part of God's new spiritual house. He's just called them living stones, now he reinforces this by quoting Isaiah to show that Jesus Himself is the foundation of this spiritual house. Those who place their trust in Jesus, the chosen cornerstone, will ultimately find security and vindication, not disappointment.
"For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”" — Notice how Peter emphasizes that God *himself* is laying this stone. This isn't just any foundation; it's God's active, deliberate placement of Jesus, showing that our trust is anchored in divine ini…
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Last reviewed October 2026