Matthew 21:42
Jesus 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?
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 29
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 29
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 29
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφαῖς
the scriptures
G1124
γραφαῖς
the scriptures
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
9 of 29
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ὃν
which
G3739
ὃν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 29
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπεδοκίμασαν
rejected
G593
ἀπεδοκίμασαν
rejected
Strong's:
G593
Word #:
12 of 29
to disapprove, i.e., (by implication) to repudiate
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκοδομοῦντες
the builders
G3618
οἰκοδομοῦντες
the builders
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
14 of 29
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
αὕτη
the same
G3778
αὕτη
the same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 29
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐγένετο
doing
G1096
ἐγένετο
doing
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
16 of 29
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
εἰς
G1519
εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
κεφαλὴν
the head
G2776
κεφαλὴν
the head
Strong's:
G2776
Word #:
18 of 29
the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively
παρὰ
is
G3844
παρὰ
is
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
20 of 29
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
κυρίου
the Lord's
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord's
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
21 of 29
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐγένετο
doing
G1096
ἐγένετο
doing
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
22 of 29
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
αὕτη
the same
G3778
αὕτη
the same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
23 of 29
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
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.Acts 4:11This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.Ephesians 2:20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;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.Habakkuk 1:5Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.
Historical Context
Psalm 118 was sung during Passover celebrations—Jesus's hearers knew it intimately. The 'hosannas' of the Triumphal Entry (v.9) quoted this same psalm. Now Jesus reveals its Messianic meaning: the stone rejected by Israel's builders becomes the foundation of God's new temple, the Church, built of living stones (1 Pet 2:4-8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ as the 'rejected stone' comfort you when you face rejection for faithful obedience?
- In what areas might you be functioning as a 'builder' who rejects what God has chosen because it doesn't match your expectations?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner—Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23, identifying Himself as the rejected stone (λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν, lithon hon apedokimasan). The 'builders' (religious leaders) assessed Messiah and rejected Him as unsuitable. Yet God made this rejected stone κεφαλὴν γωνίας (kephalēn gōnias)—the cornerstone, the foundation of the new temple (Eph 2:20).
This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes—God's wisdom inverts human evaluation. What experts reject, God exalts. The crucified carpenter becomes the cornerstone of salvation. Human rejection doesn't nullify divine purpose—it fulfills it. Jesus connects the parable's son to Messianic prophecy, making His identity unmistakable.