Psalms 118:22
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 118:22
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights that what human builders, blinded by their own plans, discard as worthless can become the essential, foundational element in God's ultimate design. It's a reminder that God's perspective on value and importance is vastly different from ours, often elevating the seemingly insignificant to the most crucial position.
This psalm is a jubilant song of thanksgiving for deliverance, likely sung during a festival celebrating a victory or a national event. It moves from acknowledging past struggles and rejection to proclaiming God's powerful intervention that has elevated what was once overlooked to a position of supreme importance. The verse is part of a progression describing how God turns a disastrous situation into a triumph, highlighting the divine reversal of fortunes.
Ever feel overlooked or counted out? This verse shouts that God has a plan that defies human opinion.
This psalm celebrates a victory, and verse 22 points to a surprising turn of events. Imagine a construction project where the most crucial stone, meant to hold everything together, is tossed aside by the very people in charge of building. That's the picture here.
This highlights God’s ability to take what the world dismisses and make it the very center of His plan. It’s a powerful reminder that human rejection doesn't equal divine failure.
This ancient psalm echoes with a truth that transformed history – the story of Jesus.
While this verse could speak to the nation of Israel or even individuals like King David, its deepest meaning points directly to Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers repeatedly quote this very verse to describe Him.
Understand the original words
eben · Hebrew Noun
A hard, solid mineral mass; in Scripture, frequently used as a metaphor for God's stability, protection, or the foundation of the faith (often pointing toward the Messiah).
rosh pinnah · Hebrew Noun phrase
The chief stone at the corner of a building, which binds two walls together and provides the foundational level and direction for the entire structure.
While this verse could hint at the rejection and eventual triumph of figures like David or Zerubbabel, its most profound meaning, as recognized by Jesus and the apostles, points to Jesus Christ himself. He was the rejected stone whom the religious 'builders' of His day refused, yet God sovereignly made Him the cornerstone of His eternal Church.
c. 1000 BC
David United the Kingdom
After years of rejection and persecution by King Saul, David was finally anointed and united all the tribes of Israel under his rule. This event exemplifies a leader being initially despised but later becoming central.
c. 520 BC
Zerubbabel Leads Jerusalem Reconstruction
Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, led the Jewish exiles back from Babylon and began rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Despite facing opposition from surrounding peoples, he was instrumental in the restoration.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus Rejected by Jewish Leaders
Jesus, seen by many as the promised Messiah, was rejected by the chief priests, scribes, and elders of Israel, who saw Him as a threat and had Him crucified.
c. 33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was executed as a criminal, considered a rejected stone by the religious and political authorities of His time.
Jesus directly quotes this verse and applies it to himself, highlighting his rejection by religious leaders and his ultimate exaltation by God as the foundation of his kingdom.
Acts 4:11Peter uses this same passage to confront the Jewish council, emphasizing that Jesus, the 'stone rejected by you builders,' is the only way to salvation.
1 Peter 2:7Peter explains that for believers, Jesus is precious as the cornerstone, but for those who disobey, he is the stone they stumbled over, referencing this psalm's theme of rejection and exaltation.
Isaiah 28:16This prophetic verse speaks of God laying a cornerstone in Zion, a precious foundation stone, which connects to the idea of a vital stone that some would reject but God would establish.
Ephesians 2:20This passage describes the church as built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone, showing how the rejected stone unites God's people.
pulpitPsalms 118:22: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."
Verse 22. - The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. The primary and literal meaning seems to be - " Israel, which the great of the world, those who think to arrange the world ac cording to their own ideas, have rejected and would fain have cast aside, has, nevertheless, despite their rejection, attained to eminence, and been advanced, by the course of events, into s…
clarkePsalms 118:22: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner."
The stone which the builders refused - See a full elucidation of these two verses in the notes on Matthew 21:42 (note).
The verse highlights that what human builders, blinded by their own plans, discard as worthless can become the essential, foundational element in God's ultimate design. It's a reminder that God's perspective on value and importance is vastly different from ours, often elevating the seemingly insignificant to the most crucial position.
This psalm is a jubilant song of thanksgiving for deliverance, likely sung during a festival celebrating a victory or a national event. It moves from acknowledging past struggles and rejection to proclaiming God's powerful intervention that has elevated what was once overlooked to a position of supreme importance. The verse is part of a progression describing how God turns a disastrous situation into a triumph, highlighting the divine reversal of fortunes.
This psalm is a jubilant song of thanksgiving for deliverance, likely sung during a festival celebrating a victory or a national event. It moves from acknowledging past struggles and rejection to proclaiming God's powerful intervention that has elevated what was once overlooked to a position of supreme importance. The verse is part of a progression describing how God turns a disastrous situation into a triumph, highlighting the divine reversal of fortunes.
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This shows that Jesus's perceived failure on the cross was actually the very means by which God achieved His ultimate victory and established His kingdom.
c. 30-40 AD
Jesus Exalted as Cornerstone
Following His resurrection and ascension, Jesus was recognized by His followers as the cornerstone of the new spiritual building, the Church, uniting Jews and Gentiles.
c. 40-60 AD
Apostles Preach Christ's Exaltation
The apostles Peter and Paul frequently preached that Jesus, though rejected by men, was chosen by God and highly exalted, becoming the cornerstone of the Church.
"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." — The verse highlights that what human builders, blinded by their own plans, discard as worthless can become the essential, foundational element in God's ultimate design. It's a reminder that God's per…