Luke 20:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:17
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?
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, judgment. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-47: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 20:17
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?
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 118:22, Isaiah 28:16, Zechariah 3:9, Matthew 21:42, Mark 12:10, Acts 4:11