1 Peter 2:6
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
περιέχει
it is contained
G4023
περιέχει
it is contained
Strong's:
G4023
Word #:
3 of 22
to hold all around, i.e., include, clasp (figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφῇ
the scripture
G1124
γραφῇ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
6 of 22
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
τίθημι
I lay
G5087
τίθημι
I lay
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
8 of 22
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
Σιὼν
Sion
G4622
Σιὼν
Sion
Strong's:
G4622
Word #:
10 of 22
sion (i.e., tsijon), a hill of jerusalem; figuratively, the church (militant or triumphant)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύων
he that believeth
G4100
πιστεύων
he that believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
17 of 22
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οὐ
G3756
Cross References
Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.1 Peter 2:4To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,Ephesians 2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;Zechariah 10:4Out of him came forth the corner, out of him the nail, out of him the battle bow, out of him every oppressor together.Mark 12:10And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:Romans 10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.Isaiah 50:7For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.Isaiah 42:1Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.Isaiah 54:4Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.John 7:38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
Historical Context
Isaiah's prophecy promised Messiah as covenant foundation. Peter, echoing Jesus (Matthew 21:42), affirms fulfillment in Christ. First-century believers facing shame from society (mocked for faith) received assurance: trusting Christ never brings ultimate shame but vindication. Cornerstone imagery signifies Christ's foundational role—entire spiritual building depends on Him. Early church, rejected by Judaism and Rome, found identity as God's new temple built on Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing Christ is God's elect, precious cornerstone strengthen your confidence when faith brings social shame or rejection?
- What does it mean practically that believers 'shall not be put to shame'—both now and at final judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, introducing Scripture's testimony to Christ. "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture" (dioti periechei en graphē) appeals to written word's authority. The quotation: "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious" (idou tithēmi en Siōn lithon akrogōniaion eklekton entimon). God lays the stone (divine initiative), in Zion (covenant community), a cornerstone (foundation upon which everything rests), elect (divinely chosen), precious (infinitely valuable). The promise: "he that believeth on him shall not be confounded" (ho pisteuōn ep' autō ou mē kataischynthē)—believers won't be ashamed/disappointed. Faith in Christ brings security, never shame.