Why Is Jesus Called the Cornerstone? (1 Peter 2:6-7)

In ancient construction, the cornerstone was the first and most crucial stone laid in the foundation of a building. It had to be perfectly aligned because every other stone would be set in reference to it. If the cornerstone was off, the whole structure would be unstable. Builders gave great care to choosing and placing it, knowing the entire building depended on its strength and accuracy.

Cornerstone Meaning in Scripture

This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 2:6-7, the apostle points to Old Testament prophecy to show how Christ fulfills God’s plan as the “chosen and precious cornerstone.” Peter quotes from Isaiah 28:16, which speaks of a sure foundation God Himself lays in Zion, and from Psalm 118:22, where the stone rejected by men becomes the cornerstone. These verses show that Jesus is not only central to our faith. He is the foundation upon which everything eternal must be built.

Jesus as the Cornerstone in 1 Peter 2:6-7

In 1 Peter 2:6-7, the apostle Peter draws directly from Old Testament prophecy to affirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s eternal building plan. Just as builders in ancient times carefully chose a cornerstone, God has appointed His Son to be the foundation of His spiritual house. Peter writes:

“For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’ So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’”
(1 Peter 2:6–7, ESV)

Though Christ is chosen and honored by God, He was and still is rejected by many. This rejection was foretold in Psalm 118:22:

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”

God’s purposes are never thwarted. What the world cast aside, He established as essential. Paul echoes this in Ephesians 2:20, reminding believers that they are:

“built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.”

Christ is not one of many stones in God’s plan; He is the cornerstone. Without Him, the entire structure of faith falls apart.

Originally published July 21, 2021.