Isaiah Chapter 28 · Verse 16
Therefore 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.
Original Language Analysis
לָכֵ֗ן
H3651
לָכֵ֗ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 18
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
מוּסָּ֔ד
Behold I lay
H3245
מוּסָּ֔ד
Behold I lay
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
7 of 18
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
בְּצִיּ֖וֹן
in Zion
H6726
בְּצִיּ֖וֹן
in Zion
Strong's:
H6726
Word #:
8 of 18
tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem
פִּנַּ֤ת
corner
H6438
פִּנַּ֤ת
corner
Strong's:
H6438
Word #:
12 of 18
an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain
מוּסָּ֔ד
Behold I lay
H3245
מוּסָּ֔ד
Behold I lay
Strong's:
H3245
Word #:
15 of 18
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
הַֽמַּאֲמִ֖ין
he that believeth
H539
הַֽמַּאֲמִ֖ין
he that believeth
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
Cross References
Psalms 118:22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.Romans 9:33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.Mark 12:10And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:Matthew 21:42Jesus 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?Ephesians 2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;1 Corinthians 3:11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.Romans 10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.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.Genesis 49:24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)Isaiah 30:18And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
Historical Context
This prophecy awaited Christ for full fulfillment. Jesus is the stone tested through temptation and suffering, proven perfectly obedient. He's precious to believers (1 Peter 2:7), the cornerstone aligning the entire building (church). Those who build on Him won't be shaken when storms come (Matthew 7:24-27). Jewish leaders rejected this stone and stumbled (Romans 9:32-33). Gentiles believed and were built on it (Ephesians 2:19-22). The church rests on Christ's sure foundation, not shifting political alliances or human strategies.
Questions for Reflection
- How is Christ the 'tried stone'—tested and proven—and why does this matter for believers' confidence?
- What does it mean practically that those who believe in Christ 'shall not make haste' (won't panic or flee)?
- In what areas of life are you building on Christ the cornerstone versus building on false foundations that will crumble?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore 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. Against false refuges (v.15), God provides true foundation. I lay in Zion (yissad be-Tsiyon, יִסַּד בְּצִיּוֹן, I have founded in Zion) emphasizes God's sovereign act. The fourfold description of a stone (even, אֶבֶן): a tried stone (even bochan, אֶבֶן בֹּחַן, a testing stone, proven stone), a precious corner stone (pinnat yiqrat, פִּנַּת יִקְרַת, corner of preciousness), a sure foundation (musar musad, מוּסָד מוּסָד, foundation established/founded). This stone is tested, precious, and permanently established.
New Testament universally applies this to Christ: Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6-8 quote this directly. Jesus is the cornerstone rejected by builders (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11). Ephesians 2:20 identifies Christ as chief cornerstone on which the church is built. He that believeth shall not make haste (lo yachish, לֹא יָחִישׁ, shall not hurry, panic, flee in haste) or as 1 Peter 2:6 translates, "shall not be confounded/ashamed." Believers in Christ have unshakable foundation—no need for panicked self-protection or anxious scheming. Trust in the tested, precious cornerstone brings calm confidence versus the frantic covenant-making of verse 15.