Luke 20:17
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐμβλέψας
he beheld
G1689
ἐμβλέψας
he beheld
Strong's:
G1689
Word #:
3 of 21
to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 21
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
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
6 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγραμμένον
that is written
G1125
γεγραμμένον
that is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
10 of 21
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπεδοκίμασαν
rejected
G593
ἀπεδοκίμασαν
rejected
Strong's:
G593
Word #:
14 of 21
to disapprove, i.e., (by implication) to repudiate
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκοδομοῦντες
the builders
G3618
οἰκοδομοῦντες
the builders
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
16 of 21
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
οὗτος
the same
G3778
οὗτος
the same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
17 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐγενήθη
is become
G1096
ἐγενήθη
is become
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
18 of 21
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 #:
19 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Psalms 118:22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.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.Acts 4:11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.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?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 118:22 was already understood messianically in first-century Judaism. The psalm was sung during Passover and messianic expectations. Peter later quoted this verse in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7, identifying Jesus as the rejected-but-exalted stone. Paul developed the temple imagery in Ephesians 2:19-22, describing the church as God's temple built on Jesus the cornerstone. The religious leaders' rejection of Jesus—culminating in crucifixion—paradoxically established Him as the foundation of God's new covenant people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cornerstone imagery reveal God's ability to use even human rejection to accomplish His purposes?
- What does the builders' expert rejection of the cornerstone teach about the danger of religious expertise without spiritual discernment?
- Why is Jesus' resurrection the ultimate vindication proving He is the cornerstone?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Jesus looks directly at them (ἐμβλέψας, emblepsas, gazing intently) and quotes Psalm 118:22. The phrase "What is this then that is written" (Τί οὖν ἐστιν τὸ γεγραμμένον τοῦτο, ti oun estin to gegrammenon touto) appeals to Scripture's authority—they cannot dismiss the written word. The "stone" (λίθος, lithos) represents the Messiah; the "builders" (οἰκοδομοῦντες, oikodomountes) are Israel's leaders who should have recognized and honored Him.
The irony is devastating: the stone the expert builders "rejected" (ἀπεδοκίμασαν, apedokimasan, tested and deemed unworthy) becomes "the head of the corner" (κεφαλὴν γωνίας, kephalēn gōnias, the cornerstone). The cornerstone was the most critical stone in ancient construction, bearing weight and aligning the whole structure. Jesus prophesies His resurrection and exaltation: though rejected and killed, He will be vindicated as the foundation of God's true temple (Ephesians 2:20-22). The builders' expertise becomes their condemnation—they should have recognized the cornerstone but rejected it.