The Cornerstone

In the Bible, the cornerstone represents the essential stone that aligns and supports an entire structure, as referenced in Psalm 118:22 where the stone rejected by builders becomes the chief cornerstone. This imagery is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who was rejected by the religious authorities of his time yet was exalted by God as the foundation of salvation and the church. The New Testament writers, including Peter and Paul, apply this symbol to emphasize that what humans dismissed, God has made indispensable for eternal redemption. This concept underscores the theme of divine reversal and the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan.

0:00

Auto Play

Details

Symbolizes: Christ as foundation, rejected by builders but chosen by God

Old Testament Type

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner (Psalm 118:22)

New Testament Fulfillment

Jesus applies this to Himself after being rejected by Israel's leaders (Matthew 21:42); Peter calls Him the 'chief corner stone' (1 Peter 2:6)

Key Passages

Stone the Builders Rejected

Psalms 118:22-23

T²²he stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

²³ This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Jesus Quotes It

Matthew 21:42-44

J⁴²esus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

⁴³ Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. ⁴⁴ And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Chief Corner Stone

1 Peter 2:6-7

W⁶herefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

⁷ Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

Did You Know?

The cornerstone determines the alignment of the entire building. If it is crooked, everything built on it will be crooked. Jesus is the cornerstone of the church and of every life built on Him.

The religious leaders rejected the cornerstone. Peter declared that there is salvation in no one else. The stone the builders rejected has become the only foundation that will last.

A building is only as strong as its cornerstone. Lives built on anything other than Christ will eventually crack and fall. He alone is the sure foundation.