Acts 4:11
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτός
This
G3778
οὗτός
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑφ'
of
G5259
ὑφ'
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 15
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκοδόμούντων,
builders
G3618
οἰκοδόμούντων,
builders
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
10 of 15
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενόμενος
is become
G1096
γενόμενος
is become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 15
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
of
G1519
εἰς
of
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
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.Zechariah 3:9For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.
Historical Context
Psalm 118, recited during Passover, celebrated God's unexpected deliverance. Jesus quoted this verse predicting His rejection (Matthew 21:42). Peter now fulfills this prophecy, identifying the 'builders' (religious leaders) as Christ's rejectors. Ancient construction required cornerstones to align entire structures - Christ performs this role cosmically.
Questions for Reflection
- How does human rejection of Christ serve God's purposes in making Him cornerstone?
- What does it mean that Christ is the 'head of the corner' for the church's unity and stability?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter quotes Psalm 118:22 - 'the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner' - applying Israel's rejected-then-exalted stone to Christ. The Greek 'exouthenetheis' (set at nought) means 'counted as nothing,' revealing the depth of religious leaders' contempt. Yet God made this rejected stone the 'head of the corner' (Greek 'kephalēn gōnias,' cornerstone) - the critical stone uniting two walls, bearing the building's weight. The builders' rejection doesn't nullify God's choice.