And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

EPHESIANS 2:20KJV
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Ephesians 2:20 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 2:20 mean?

Ephesians 2:20 says that believers are like a building set firmly on a foundation, which is the teaching and witness of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the most important part—the chief cornerstone. This means that the whole community of Christians depends on Jesus and the message first given through his earliest followers.

Paul, writing to Gentile Christians in Ephesus, is explaining how they are fully included in God’s people. He uses the image of a building to show how Jews and Gentiles together are part of one spiritual structure, grounded in the message about Jesus. The verse stresses unity and the essential role of Jesus as the one who holds everything together.

The Greek behind Ephesians 2:20

  • ἀκρογωνιαῖος (akrogōniaios, "corner"): This word refers to the "chief corner stone," the main stone that holds a building together. In ancient construction, this stone set the alignment and stability for the whole structure, highlighting how Jesus is central and irreplaceable.
  • θεμέλιος (themelios, "foundation"): This word points to the base or groundwork of a building. Here, it means the original message and authority given through the apostles (those sent by Jesus) and prophets (those who spoke God’s word), showing that the Christian faith is built on their testimony.
  • ἀπόστολος (apostolos, "apostles") and προφήτης (prophētēs, "prophets"): These terms refer to the earliest leaders and messengers of God’s word. Paul is saying the church is not built on new ideas, but on the message first entrusted to these people.

Why Ephesians 2:20 matters

  • Ephesians 2:20 clarifies that the Christian community is not based on personal opinions or later traditions, but on the original message about Jesus as delivered by the apostles and prophets.
  • The verse emphasizes that Jesus is not just another part of the foundation, but the cornerstone—meaning everything depends on him for stability and direction.
  • This image helps explain the unity Paul describes in the wider passage: both Jews and Gentiles are equally part of God’s household, joined together by the same foundation and the same cornerstone.

Where else these words appear

“corner” Greek G204 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Peter 2:6 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.

“built” Greek G2026 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
  • Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

“foundation” Greek G2310 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

“apostles” Greek G652 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
  • 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.