Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

1 PETER 2:6KJV
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1 Peter 2:6 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:6 mean?

1 Peter 2:6 presents Jesus as the one God has chosen and values highly. By quoting Scripture, the verse says that a person who believes in him will not be put to shame. The promise supports the picture of Jesus as the essential stone in God’s building.

A cornerstone was an important stone in a building. “Sion” is another spelling of Zion, a name associated with Jerusalem. The quotation comes from Isaiah 28:16, where God speaks of laying a stone in Zion.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:6

  • “corner” — ἀκρογωνιαῖος (akrogōniaios): This word describes a stone at a prominent corner. It helps explain why the KJV calls it a “chief corner stone”: the image gives the stone a place of special importance.
  • “confounded” — καταισχύνω (kataischynō): The Greek word carries the sense of being put to shame or disgraced. Here, “shall not be confounded” promises that the person who believes will not be put to shame.

Why 1 Peter 2:6 matters

  • The choice of the stone is God’s own choice. The words “I lay” come from the Scripture quotation, and “elect, precious” describe the stone God places there.
  • The passage connects the stone with Jesus, not merely a building in Jerusalem. In the preceding verses, readers come to him as a “living stone,” and verse 7 says that the stone rejected by builders has become the head of the corner.
  • The promise is directed to the person who believes. The KJV says “he that believeth on him,” moving from the building image to a person’s response to the one represented by the stone.

Where else these words appear

“corner” Greek G204 · used in 2 verses

  • Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

“contained” Greek G4023 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 5:9 For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
  • Acts 23:25 And he wrote a letter after this manner:

“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:

“Sion” Greek G4622 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
  • Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
  • Hebrews 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,