This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

ACTS 4:11KJV
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Acts 4:11 (KJV)

What does Acts 4:11 mean?

Acts 4:11 says that Jesus is the “stone” rejected by the religious leaders (“builders”), but God has made him the most important part of the foundation (“the head of the corner”). The verse points out that the very one dismissed as unimportant is now central to God’s plan.

Peter is speaking to the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin) after being arrested for healing a man in Jesus’ name. He quotes from Psalm 118:22 to show that, although the leaders rejected Jesus, God has given him the highest place of honor. This statement challenges the council’s authority and highlights how God’s ways often overturn human expectations.

The Greek behind Acts 4:11

  • λίθος (lithos, “stone”): This word refers to a building stone, not a pebble. The image is of something meant for construction, not something insignificant.
  • ἐξουθενέω (exoutheneō, “set at nought”): This verb means to treat with contempt or to consider worthless. The verse emphasizes that the leaders didn’t just overlook Jesus—they actively dismissed him as unworthy.
  • κεφαλή (kephalē, “head”): This means “head” or “chief,” and in this context, it refers to the most important or foundational stone in a building, often understood as the cornerstone.
  • γωνία (gōnia, “corner”): This word means “corner,” and together with “head,” it points to the cornerstone, a crucial part of ancient building practices that held two walls together.

Why Acts 4:11 matters

  • Acts 4:11 clarifies that rejection by human authorities does not mean rejection by God; in fact, God can choose what people overlook.
  • The verse connects Jesus directly to Old Testament prophecy, showing continuity between Israel’s scriptures and the message about Jesus.
  • It sets up the boldness of Peter and the early Christians, who claim that Jesus is essential for salvation even when facing opposition from powerful leaders.

Where else these words appear

“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:
  • 1 Peter 2:7 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,

“nought” Greek G1848 · used in 11 verses

  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

“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 7:47 But Solomon built him an house.

“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.