Peter’s quoting Isaiah, and the emphasis isn't just on Jesus being precious, but on God actively choosing and laying this stone in Zion. This means salvation isn't a happy accident but a deliberate, divinely orchestrated foundation for all who trust him. Whoever builds their life on this chosen stone won't be shaken or disgraced, no matter the world's storms.
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.” 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,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Peter is building on his previous message about spiritual growth and belonging to God's people. He’s explaining that as believers, we're like living stones being built into a spiritual house, and this verse from Isaiah is the foundation for why Jesus is central to that identity. It assures believers that their faith in him, the chosen cornerstone, is absolutely secure and will never lead to ultimate disappointment.
Why would God himself describe a single stone as 'chosen and precious'? This verse points to someone incredibly significant for our faith.
The Foundation of Zion
Peter is quoting Isaiah 28:16, a powerful prophecy. He applies it directly to Jesus Christ. God declares that He is placing a special stone in Zion, which refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual center of His promises. This isn't just any stone; it's a 'cornerstone.' In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the most important stone, laid first and dictating the placement of all other stones. It had to be perfectly cut and positioned.
Chosen and Precious
This stone is 'chosen'—selected by God for a specific, vital purpose. It's also 'precious,' indicating immense value and importance. This highlights that Jesus isn't an accidental part of God's plan, but the central, indispensable piece. His worth is determined by God's own estimation.
What does it mean to 'not be put to shame,' and how is it connected to believing in this cornerstone?
The Promise of Security
The verse concludes with a profound promise: 'whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.' This is a direct consequence of trusting in the cornerstone God has laid.
What 'Shame' Means Here
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'Put to shame' doesn't just mean feeling embarrassed. In biblical terms, it often refers to facing judgment, failure, or ultimate disappointment. Those who rely on their own strength, wisdom, or worldly systems will eventually be disgraced when they fail to stand the test. But those who place their trust in Jesus, God's chosen cornerstone, are secure. Their faith is not in vain; it is built on the unshakeable foundation of God's own plan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peter reminds his audience, who are suffering hardship and possibly facing slander, that their faith is built upon a divine promise made centuries earlier and fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the very cornerstone of their salvation.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies Cornerstone
The prophet Isaiah speaks of a future "stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation" that God will lay in Zion, promising security to those who trust in it.
c. 520 BC
Temple Rebuilding Begins
After the return from exile, the Jewish people begin rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a significant act of faith and restoration.
c. 20 BC - AD 30
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the promised Messiah and the cornerstone, begins his public ministry, teaches, performs miracles, is crucified, and rises from the dead.
c. AD 30s
Early Church Growth
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers his followers, leading to the rapid spread of the Christian message throughout Judea and beyond.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading to persecution of Christians, who were falsely blamed by Emperor Nero.
c. AD 65-67— this verse
Peter Writes His First Letter
The Apostle Peter writes his first letter from Rome (or a nearby location) to encourage believers scattered throughout Asia Minor, who were facing trials and persecution.
This passage is the direct Old Testament source Peter is quoting, highlighting Jesus as the foundational stone of God's people and assuring those who trust Him will not be hurried or put to shame.
Romans 9:33Paul echoes Isaiah's prophecy, stating that Jesus is a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, showing that belief brings salvation while disbelief leads to ruin, a crucial contrast to Peter's assurance.
Acts 4:11Peter himself refers to Jesus as the cornerstone in his sermon to the Sanhedrin, emphasizing that salvation is found only in Him, reinforcing the central theme of the verse.
Ephesians 2:20This verse describes believers as built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone, expanding on Jesus' role as the central, unifying element of the church.
Peter’s quoting Isaiah, and the emphasis isn't just on Jesus being precious, but on God actively choosing and laying this stone in Zion. This means salvation isn't a happy accident but a deliberate, divinely orchestrated foundation for all who trust him. Whoever builds their life on this chosen stone won't be shaken or disgraced, no matter the world's storms.
Peter is building on his previous message about spiritual growth and belonging to God's people. He’s explaining that as believers, we're like living stones being built into a spiritual house, and this verse from Isaiah is the foundation for why Jesus is central to that identity. It assures believers that their faith in him, the chosen cornerstone, is absolutely secure and will never lead to ultimate disappointment.
Peter is building on his previous message about spiritual growth and belonging to God's people. He’s explaining that as believers, we're like living stones being built into a spiritual house, and this verse from Isaiah is the foundation for why Jesus is central to that identity. It assures believers that their faith in him, the chosen cornerstone, is absolutely secure and will never lead to ultimate 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.” So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not beli…" — Peter’s quoting Isaiah, and the emphasis isn't just on Jesus being precious, but on God *actively choosing* and *laying* this stone in Zion. This means salvation isn't a happy accident but a delibera…
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Last reviewed October 2026