Luke 20:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 20:17 mean?

Luke 20:17 describes Jesus looking at the people around him and quoting Scripture, saying, “The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.” Jesus is pointing out that something or someone dismissed as unimportant has become the most important part of God’s plan.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to religious leaders who are questioning his authority. By quoting this line from Scripture, Jesus is comparing himself to a stone that builders (the leaders) have rejected, but which God has made the cornerstone—the most crucial stone in a building’s foundation. This statement challenges the leaders’ rejection of him and hints at his central role in God’s work.

The Greek behind Luke 20:17

• ἡ γωνία (hē gōnia, “corner”): This word means “corner” and refers to the cornerstone, the key stone that holds a structure together. In ancient building, the cornerstone was essential for stability, so the image is about something foundational and irreplaceable.
• ἀπεδοκίμασαν (apedokimasan, “rejected”): This word means to reject after testing or examining. It suggests the builders (the leaders) made a deliberate judgment to dismiss the stone (Jesus), not just a casual oversight.
• κεφαλὴν (kephalēn, “head”): This means “head” or “chief,” emphasizing the idea of highest importance or authority. The rejected stone becomes not just any part of the building, but the chief or most important part.

Why Luke 20:17 matters

• Luke 20:17 helps clarify that Jesus saw himself fulfilling a prophecy from Scripture, not just making a new claim about his identity.
• The verse highlights the irony that those in authority, who should recognize what is valuable, are the very ones who miss it, while God overturns their judgment.
• This statement ties into the larger conversation in Luke 20, where Jesus is challenging the religious leaders’ understanding and authority, showing that God’s plan does not depend on human approval.