Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

1 PETER 2:7KJV
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1 Peter 2:7 (KJV)

What does 1 Peter 2:7 mean?

1 Peter 2:7 says that for those who trust in Jesus, he is extremely valuable, but for those who reject him, the very one they dismissed has become the most important foundation. The verse uses the image of a rejected stone becoming the cornerstone to show the difference between belief and rejection.

Peter is writing to early Christians, many of whom faced opposition and felt like outsiders. He draws from Old Testament imagery to explain that faith in Jesus gives people a special connection to what God is building, while those who refuse to believe miss out on this. The verse highlights both the honor believers receive and the surprising way God works through what others overlook.

The Greek behind 1 Peter 2:7

  • "precious" (τιμή, timē): This word means "honor" or "value." Peter is saying that Jesus holds a place of great worth for those who believe, not just in a sentimental sense but as someone truly honored.
  • "disobedient" (ἀπειθέω, apeitheō): This word carries the sense of refusing to be persuaded or being unwilling to believe, not just breaking rules. It highlights a heart-level rejection, not just an outward act.
  • "stone" (λίθος, lithos) and "head of the corner" (κεφαλὴ γωνίας, kephalē gōnias): These words refer to a key building stone, the cornerstone, which is essential for the whole structure. The image is of something rejected as useless but actually being the most important part.

Why 1 Peter 2:7 matters

  • 1 Peter 2:7 clears up that faith in Jesus is not just a private feeling but connects believers to something foundational and honored in God’s plan.
  • The verse shows that rejection of Jesus is not just a neutral choice; it means missing out on the very thing God has made central.
  • This verse ties the experience of early Christians to the larger story of God’s work, using the image of the cornerstone to show that what seems rejected or weak can actually be most important.

Where else these words appear

“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?

“corner” Greek G1137 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Mark 12:10 And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
  • Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

“disobedient” Greek G544 · used in 16 verses

  • John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
  • Romans 10:21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
  • Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

“builders” Greek G3618 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 4:29 And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.