Luke 20:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 20:18
18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Chapter Context
Luke 20 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, creation, truth. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 20:18
18 Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Analysis
Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder—Jesus extends the stone imagery to describe two forms of encounter with Him, both resulting in destruction, but with different implications. "Fall upon" (πεσὼν, pesōn) suggests stumbling over the stone in the path—those who encounter Jesus and reject Him will be "broken" (συνθλασθήσεται, synthlasthēsetai, shattered). This describes Israel's current stumbling over Messiah (Romans 9:32-33, 1 Peter 2:8).
The second image is more severe: "on whomsoever it shall fall" (ἐφ' ὃν δ' ἂν πέσῃ, eph' hon d' an pesē) describes active judgment—the stone falling on someone. This person will be ground to powder (λικμήσει, likmēsei, pulverized like wheat at threshing, crushed completely). This prophesies eschatological judgment at Christ's return (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45, where the stone crushes the kingdoms). The stone is either stumbling block or crushing judge—there is no neutral encounter with Christ. To reject Him means destruction now (broken) and ultimate destruction later (pulverized).
Historical Context
This imagery combines Psalm 118:22 with Daniel 2:34-35, where the stone cut without hands crushes the kingdoms and becomes a mountain filling the earth. First-century Jews understood these prophecies messianically. Jesus applies them to Himself, warning that rejection brings judgment. The "breaking" occurred in 70 AD when Jerusalem fell. The final "grinding to powder" awaits Christ's return when every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10-11) and enemies become His footstool (Psalm 110:1). Those who reject the cornerstone face the crushing stone.
Reflection
- How do the two images (stumbling and crushing) represent both present and future judgment for rejecting Christ?
- What does the certainty of destruction either way teach about the urgency of embracing Jesus as cornerstone?
- Why is it impossible to encounter Jesus neutrally—why must every person either build on Him or be destroyed by Him?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 12:3, Matthew 21:34, 21:44