Psalm 118:22 kjv
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Psalm 118:22 nkjv
The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.
Psalm 118:22 niv
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
Psalm 118:22 esv
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Psalm 118:22 nlt
The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
Psalm 118 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 28:16 | "Therefore thus says the Lord God: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone... a tried stone, a precious cornerstone...'" | Prophecy of a cornerstone laid by God, often linked to the Messiah. |
| Zech 3:9 | "For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes, I will engrave its inscription..." | Messianic imagery of a divinely chosen and foundational stone. |
| Dan 2:34-35 | "You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image..." | Stone representing God's kingdom overcoming earthly kingdoms. |
| Matt 21:42 | "Jesus said to them, 'Did you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone which the builders rejected... This was the Lord’s doing...”'" | Jesus quotes Ps 118:22, identifying Himself as the rejected stone. |
| Mark 12:10-11 | "Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected... This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?" | Mark's account of Jesus' application to Himself, including verse 23. |
| Luke 20:17-18 | "He looked at them and said, 'What then is this that is written: “The stone which the builders rejected... Whoever falls on that stone will be broken...'" | Luke emphasizes the dual aspect: rejection brings judgment, acceptance brings life. |
| Acts 4:11-12 | "This Jesus is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the chief cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else..." | Peter directly applies the verse to Jesus and declares His unique salvation. |
| Rom 9:32-33 | "...they stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense...'" | Connects the stone of stumbling (from Isa 8:14 and 28:16) with rejection of Christ. |
| Eph 2:20 | "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone," | Christ's foundational role in the Church. |
| 1 Pet 2:4 | "As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious," | Peter reaffirms Christ as the rejected, chosen stone. |
| 1 Pet 2:6-8 | "For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a cornerstone... But for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone...”'" | Elaborates on Christ as cornerstone for believers and a stumbling block for disobedient. |
| Gen 49:24 | "...from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel." | Prophetic association of a future leader with the strength of a stone in Israel. |
| Ps 78:67-72 | "...he rejected the tent of Joseph; he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim... He chose David His servant..." | God's rejection of one and unexpected choice/exaltation of another. |
| Ps 1:6 | "...but the way of the wicked will perish." | The ultimate end of those who oppose God's chosen way. |
| Ps 2:7-8 | "I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son... Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations...'" | Divine declaration and establishment of God's Anointed King. |
| Ps 8:4-6 | "What is man that You are mindful of him... You have crowned him with glory and honor." | Speaks to humanity's exaltation, though in NT fulfilled in Christ as perfect man. |
| Isa 53:3 | "He was despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." | Direct prophecy of the Messiah's rejection by humanity. |
| Phil 2:6-11 | "who, being in the form of God... He humbled Himself and became obedient... Therefore God also has highly exalted Him..." | Christ's self-emptying followed by ultimate divine exaltation. |
| Col 1:17-18 | "And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church..." | Christ's preeminence and centrality in creation and the Church. |
| Heb 12:2 | "...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." | Focus on Jesus' suffering and eventual exaltation through divine purpose. |
Psalm 118 verses
Psalm 118 22 Meaning
This verse articulates a profound truth about divine reversal and exaltation: an object, person, or principle initially scorned and cast aside by those entrusted with building or leadership is ultimately chosen by God to become the most vital, indispensable element—the chief cornerstone. It signifies that human rejection does not deter God's ultimate purpose and placement, often elevating the unexpected or despised to a position of supreme importance and authority.
Psalm 118 22 Context
Psalm 118 is the final psalm of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung by Jews at the three major annual feasts: Passover, Weeks (Pentecost), and Tabernacles. Specifically, its association with Passover imbues it with themes of deliverance, salvation, and the Lord's enduring steadfast love. The psalmist expresses deep gratitude to the Lord for His goodness and for delivering him from his enemies. Throughout the psalm, there's a strong emphasis on trusting in the Lord rather than in human power or alliances. Verse 22 appears in a section (verses 19-27) where the psalmist moves towards a triumphant celebration and an acclamation of the Lord's actions, perhaps after experiencing profound opposition and divine rescue. In its original setting, "the stone" could have referred to the nation of Israel, or to a specific individual—perhaps the king, or even the psalmist himself—who was overlooked or attacked but then divinely established. The "builders" might have represented hostile nations or opposing leaders who sought to impede God's purposes for Israel or His chosen leader.
Word Analysis
- The stone (אֶבֶן, 'even): A specific, singular noun referring to a block of stone used in construction. In biblical symbolism, a stone often represents strength, stability, permanence, a foundation, or a significant individual. The definite article ("the") points to a particular, divinely designated stone, not just any stone.
- which the builders (מָאָסוּ בּוֹנִים, ma'asu bonim):
- the builders (בּוֹנִים, bonim): Plural participle meaning "those who are building," referring to skilled architects or master masons, responsible for erecting a structure. Metaphorically, these represent human authorities, leaders, or those in positions of power who determine what is valuable or fit for God's purposes, often referring to religious and societal leadership.
- rejected (מָאָסוּ, ma'asu): From the verb ma'as, meaning "to reject," "despise," "spurn," "refuse," or "cast aside as worthless." It implies a deliberate and scornful act, not a casual oversight. This is a strong term indicating disdain and a decision that something is unfit or unusable for their project.
- Has become (הָיְתָה, hayetah): A verb in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with lasting effect. It signifies a definitive, undeniable, and established transformation. The change of state is a divinely ordained reality.
- the chief cornerstone (רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה, rosh pinnah):
- chief (רֹאשׁ, rosh): Literally "head," signifying preeminence, leadership, highest position, or principal importance.
- cornerstone (פִּנָּה, pinnah): Refers to the corner. In ancient architecture, this stone could be either:
- The foundational cornerstone: Laid at the very bottom corner, joining and aligning two walls and determining the orientation and stability of the entire structure. It bears the weight and ensures proper construction.
- The capstone/key-stone/top-stone: The uppermost stone that brings the building to completion, uniting and securing the walls, often adorned or of crowning significance.Regardless of the precise architectural understanding, rosh pinnah undeniably signifies the most vital, essential, and honored stone, indispensable to the integrity and completion of the entire edifice.
Psalm 118 22 Commentary
Psalm 118:22 captures the essence of divine sovereignty triumphing over human shortsightedness and rebellion. The "builders" represent those in positions of authority—religious, political, or social—who assume they know best how to construct or govern. Their rejection of the "stone" implies their assessment that it is unsuitable, perhaps too unconventional, humble, or challenging to their established norms. Yet, this very stone, despite their scorn, is miraculously elevated by God to become the chief cornerstone. This illustrates a radical reversal of fortunes, a hallmark of God's ways (e.g., God choosing David, the youngest shepherd, over his elder brothers).
The New Testament interprets this verse as a direct prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The Jewish leaders, who were "builders" of the religious system of their day, rejected Jesus, seeing Him as an ordinary man, a blasphemer, and a threat to their authority and traditions (Matt 21:42-45, Acts 4:11). Despite their powerful rejection and crucifixion, God powerfully raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to the highest place (Phil 2:9-11), establishing Him as the very foundation and unifying principle of the Church (Eph 2:20) and indeed all of creation. Christ, the "stone," rejected by His own people, has become the essential, preeminent element of God's redemptive plan and kingdom. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan is not thwarted by human opposition, but rather gloriously fulfilled, often in ways that contradict human expectations and judgments. For believers, Christ is the solid foundation; for unbelievers, He remains a stumbling block, illustrating the profound difference in how one receives or rejects God's chosen "stone."
Bonus SectionThe prophetic interpretation of this verse gained such prominence that it became a foundational statement in the early Christian preaching, especially in the sermons of Peter (Acts 4:11, 1 Pet 2:7). It directly addresses the scandal of a crucified Messiah and presents it not as a defeat, but as a divinely ordained triumph and necessary fulfillment of prophecy. The imagery of the "cornerstone" also emphasizes Christ's unique role in uniting what was once separated—Jew and Gentile—into one new building, the Church, showcasing His centrality and unifying power (Eph 2:19-22). This verse demonstrates a core biblical theme: God delights in exalting the humble and overturning human pride, revealing His wisdom to be vastly superior to any human judgment.