To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

1 PETER 2:4KJV
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1 Peter 2:4 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:4 mean?

1 Peter 2:4 describes Jesus as a "living stone" who was rejected by people but chosen and valued by God. The verse invites believers to come to Jesus, recognizing his true worth even though he was dismissed by others.

Peter is writing to early Christians scattered across different regions, encouraging them to see Jesus in a new light. The "living stone" image points to something strong and enduring, yet alive, hinting at both Jesus’ resurrection and his foundational role for believers. The verse sets up a contrast between human rejection and God’s approval, urging readers to align their view with God’s rather than the world’s.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:4

  • "Living" (ζῶν, zōn): This word means alive or full of life. Calling Jesus a "living stone" stresses that he is not just a symbol or memory, but active and life-giving.
  • "Stone" (λίθος, lithos): This term often refers to a building stone. Peter is hinting at Jesus as the foundation for a spiritual house, which he develops in the next verses.
  • "Disallowed" (ἀποδοκιμάζω, apodokimazō): This word means rejected after examination. It suggests that people looked at Jesus and decided he was unfit, but God saw him as precious.
  • "Precious" (ἔντιμος, entimos): This means highly valued or honored. The verse stresses that God’s view of Jesus is the opposite of human rejection.

Why 1 Peter 2:4 matters

  • The verse clears up that being rejected by people does not mean someone is rejected by God; in fact, Jesus himself experienced this.
  • It emphasizes that Jesus is both the foundation and source of life for believers, not just a historical figure.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Peter calls believers to see themselves as part of a spiritual building with Jesus as the cornerstone, shaping their identity and purpose.

Where else these words appear

“precious” Greek G1784 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
  • Luke 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;
  • Philippians 2:29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

“disallowed” Greek G593 · used in 9 verses

  • 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?
  • Mark 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
  • 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?

“chosen” Greek G1588 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
  • 2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

“stone” Greek G3037 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.