1 Peter 2 6

1 Peter 2:6 kjv

Wherefore 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.

1 Peter 2:6 nkjv

Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame."

1 Peter 2:6 niv

For in Scripture it says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

1 Peter 2:6 esv

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."

1 Peter 2:6 nlt

As the Scriptures say, "I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem,
chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced."

1 Peter 2 verses

1 Peter 2 6 Meaning

1 Peter 2:6 states that it is affirmed in Scripture that God has laid in Zion a unique, supremely important stone: Christ. He is divinely chosen and profoundly valuable. This prophecy carries the promise that anyone who places their trust and belief in Him will absolutely never face disappointment, humiliation, or ultimate disgrace. It assures believers of unwavering security and ultimate vindication through faith in Jesus, the foundational cornerstone of God's spiritual edifice.

1 Peter 2 6 Context

1 Peter 2:6 is situated within Peter’s discourse (1 Pet 2:1-10) on the identity and spiritual privileges of believers in Christ. Peter has just urged them to cleanse themselves from sin and hunger for God’s Word (v.1-3). He then introduces Christ as the “living stone” (v.4) and explains that believers, like "living stones," are being built upon Him into a "spiritual house" and "holy priesthood" (v.5). Verse 6 provides the Old Testament prophetic foundation for this truth, quoting Isaiah 28:16 to establish Christ's divine election and foundational importance. This sets the stage for distinguishing between those who find Christ precious and those for whom He becomes a stumbling block (v.7-8), before concluding with the glorious corporate identity of believers as a chosen, royal, and holy nation (v.9-10). Historically, Peter is writing to Christians facing persecution and societal pressure in Asia Minor. The message aims to anchor their identity, hope, and security in Christ, demonstrating that their faith is built upon God’s enduring prophetic word and promises, thus alleviating the cultural fear of being put to shame for their faith.

1 Peter 2 6 Word analysis

• Therefore: Connects the preceding points about believers being built on Christ with the scriptural foundation provided in this verse.
• it is contained in the Scripture: Signifies divine authority and revelation; Peter grounds his teaching firmly in God’s inspired Word. It validates the theological claims about Christ.
• Behold (Greek: idou): An emphatic interjection drawing immediate attention to a profound and certain truth, highlighting its importance.
• I lay (Greek: tithēmi): Indicates God’s sovereign and deliberate act; it's an intentional establishment by the divine architect.
• in Zion (Greek: en Siōn): Refers to Mount Zion, often used synonymously with Jerusalem; it’s the place associated with God's dwelling, His temple, and His chosen people, symbolizing the spiritual city and location of His divine plan.
• a chief cornerstone (Greek: akrogōniaion): Akron means extreme/peak, and gōnia means corner. It denotes the most vital, initial stone laid at the corner of a building's foundation, establishing alignment and stability for the entire structure. It implies supreme importance, preeminence, and unifying power, not merely "a" cornerstone but the crucial one.
• elect (Greek: eklekton): Chosen, selected, picked out by God. Emphasizes divine preference and appointment for a specific purpose; Christ's role is not accidental but pre-ordained and divinely approved.
• precious (Greek: entimon): Of great worth, honored, valuable, highly esteemed. Highlights Christ’s immeasurable intrinsic value and the high regard in which He is held by God. It conveys dignity and rare significance.
• And he who believes on Him: Points to a specific human response – active faith, trust, and reliance. "On Him" (Greek: ep' autō) indicates the object and ground of that belief.
• will by no means be put to shame (Greek: ou mē kataischynthē): The strongest possible Greek negative particle (double negative ou mē) indicating an absolute, unconditional denial: "never ever." "Be put to shame" means to be disgraced, humiliated, disappointed, or suffer public ignominy. The promise is an assurance of ultimate vindication, honor, and unfailing hope for all who trust in Christ, regardless of present circumstances or external judgment.

Words-group analysis

• "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious": This phrase encapsulates God’s direct, intentional, and sovereign action. It reveals that the ultimate foundation for humanity’s salvation and for the spiritual house (the Church) is Christ Himself, chosen by God and possessing supreme value and honor in His eyes. The location "in Zion" grounds this cosmic truth in Israel’s prophetic history, signaling a fulfillment tied to God's historic purposes for His people.
• "And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame": This provides the human consequence and divine assurance arising from God's act. It offers profound comfort and security. Despite any earthly shame or suffering Christians endure for their faith, God promises their hope in Christ will never prove futile, and they will ultimately receive honor and vindication before God. This promise combats the cultural pressure of public shame and disappointment that was prevalent for early believers.

1 Peter 2 6 Bonus section

The term "chief cornerstone" (ἀκρογωνιαῖον) often specifically implies a foundation stone – the crucial first stone laid at the very corner of a building, which then dictates the angle and alignment for all subsequent stones, ensuring the stability and structure of the entire edifice. This reinforces Christ's indispensable role in both the individual believer's life and the corporate body of the Church. His position means all aspects of Christian life and community are ordered and upheld by Him. This verse acts as a strong polemic against any alternative foundation or source of security, implicitly challenging those who sought their basis in human achievements, national identity, or pagan deities. It firmly asserts that God Himself has laid this unique and only sure foundation, demonstrating His singular authority and the exclusive saving power of Christ.

1 Peter 2 6 Commentary

1 Peter 2:6 is a vital scripture that undergirds the New Testament understanding of Jesus Christ as the absolute core of God’s redemptive plan. By quoting and applying Isaiah 28:16, Peter emphatically declares Christ’s preeminence as the divine foundation. He is not merely "a" stone but the chief cornerstone—the indispensable, supreme, and uniting element upon which God is building His spiritual temple. The descriptions "elect" and "precious" underscore Christ's intrinsic divine worth and His specific selection by God to accomplish salvation. This truth offers profound stability for believers: those who entrust themselves to this divinely appointed and highly valued Christ will never experience the disappointment of shattered hope or the ignominy of being utterly disgraced. In a culture where honor and shame were paramount, this was an extraordinary promise of divine validation and ultimate vindication, reassuring believers amidst persecution that their faith, though seemingly bringing immediate worldly dishonor, would ultimately result in eternal glory and security in God. It’s a promise of hope against all despair, built upon the sure foundation of God's unchanging character and Christ's supreme sacrifice.