1 Peter 2:6-8
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)
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Here, Peter isn't just quoting a prophecy; he's highlighting that the Messiah is the very foundation of God's plan, a "cornerstone" chosen and incredibly valuable. This means that placing your trust in Jesus isn't just a good idea—it's the only secure place to build your life, guaranteeing you won't be ultimately disappointed.
Peter is building on his earlier message about Jesus being the "living stone" that believers are being built into as a spiritual house. He uses Old Testament prophecy, specifically Isaiah, to show that this idea of Jesus as a foundational, precious stone isn't a new one. This affirmation in Isaiah assures believers that trusting in this chosen stone means they will never be disappointed or disgraced.
The Bible calls Jesus a stone laid in Zion. What makes this stone so significant, and why is it called 'chosen and precious'?
This verse is quoting Isaiah 28:16, a powerful prophecy about God's plan.
The Foundation Stone
Peter uses this imagery to point directly to Jesus Christ. He's not just any stone; he's the cornerstone. In ancient building, the cornerstone was the first stone laid, determining the position and alignment of the entire structure. It had to be perfectly cut, strong, and accurately placed.
Chosen and Precious
God Himself declares that this stone is 'chosen and precious'. This means Jesus was not an accidental choice, nor is he of little value. He is God's deliberate, ultimate selection for salvation, highly esteemed and invaluable in His eyes. Anyone who builds their life on this foundation, by believing in Him, is secure.
The promise is clear: 'whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.' What does it truly mean to believe, and how does this prevent shame?
This isn't just about a historical belief that Jesus existed. It's about active, trusting faith.
The Nature of True Belief
To 'believe in him' means to place your complete trust and reliance on Jesus Christ. It's an act of surrender, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior. It’s understanding that your hope, security, and salvation are entirely dependent on Him.
The Guarantee Against Shame
Why 'will not be put to shame'? Because building your life on the chosen and precious cornerstone means your foundation is unshakeable. When the storms of life hit, when critics mock, or when we face our own failures, our identity and worth are rooted in Christ, not in our performance or the world's approval. His work on the cross and His resurrection secure our standing before God, freeing us from the ultimate shame of eternal separation. Our hope in Him is never in vain.
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
Peter quotes Isaiah to assure his readers that the foundation of God's eternal house is not a physical building, but a person—Jesus—who was prophesied long before his earthly ministry. This offers hope and security amidst the trials they faced.
c. 1000 BC
King David Captures Jerusalem
David conquers the Jebusite city and establishes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a unified kingdom. This city would become the central place for worship and God's presence.
c. 960 BC
Solomon Builds the First Temple
David's son, Solomon, builds a magnificent Temple in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, fulfilling his father's vision. This Temple becomes the focal point of Israelite religious life and a symbol of God's dwelling among His people.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah's Prophecy
The prophet Isaiah delivers a prophecy (recorded in Isaiah 28:16) containing the core message about a precious cornerstone to be laid in Zion. This oracle speaks to a time of judgment and future hope.
586 BC
Babylonian Conquest of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the First Temple, and exile many of the people. This devastating event deeply impacted the Jewish people's understanding of God's promises and their future.
This is the direct Old Testament prophecy Peter is quoting, showing the continuity of God's plan for a chosen cornerstone from the very beginning.
Matthew 21:42Jesus himself quotes this same passage, referring to himself as the stone the builders rejected but which became the cornerstone, highlighting his central role.
Romans 9:33Paul echoes this concept, warning that disbelief in Christ leads to stumbling, but belief brings salvation, reinforcing the idea that trusting the cornerstone is essential for security.
Acts 4:11Peter himself uses this prophecy earlier in Acts to defend Jesus' authority, emphasizing that Jesus is the 'stone of the cornerstone' in whom alone there is salvation, connecting it directly to the early church's message.
Here, Peter isn't just quoting a prophecy; he's highlighting that the Messiah is the very foundation of God's plan, a "cornerstone" chosen and incredibly valuable. This means that placing your trust in Jesus isn't just a good idea—it's the only secure place to build your life, guaranteeing you won't be ultimately disappointed.
Peter is building on his earlier message about Jesus being the "living stone" that believers are being built into as a spiritual house. He uses Old Testament prophecy, specifically Isaiah, to show that this idea of Jesus as a foundational, precious stone isn't a new one. This affirmation in Isaiah assures believers that trusting in this chosen stone means they will never be disappointed or disgraced.
Peter is building on his earlier message about Jesus being the "living stone" that believers are being built into as a spiritual house. He uses Old Testament prophecy, specifically Isaiah, to show that this idea of Jesus as a foundational, precious stone isn't a new one. This affirmation in Isaiah assures believers that trusting in this chosen stone means they will never be disappointed or disgraced.
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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.
516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
After the return from Babylonian exile, the Jewish people rebuild and dedicate the Second Temple. Though less grand than the first, it represented a restoration of worship and a sign of God's faithfulness.
c. 40-30 BC
Herod the Great Rebuilds the Temple
Herod undertakes a massive, decades-long project to renovate and expand the Second Temple, making it a grand structure once again. This is the Temple in use during Jesus' lifetime.
"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…" — Here, Peter isn't just quoting a prophecy; he's highlighting that the Messiah *is* the very foundation of God's plan, a "cornerstone" chosen and incredibly valuable. This means that placing your trus…