King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:4 Mean?

1 Peter 2:4 in the King James Version says “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,” — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,”

1 Peter 2:4 · KJV

Context

2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby :

3

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

4

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. are: or, be ye

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter introduces Christ as living stone, foundation of spiritual house. "To whom coming" (pros hon prosechomenoi)—present participle indicating continuous action: believers keep coming to Christ. He is "a living stone" (lithon zōnta)—paradoxical imagery, as stones are typically dead/inert. Christ lives eternally, the cornerstone of God's building (the church). He is "disallowed indeed of men" (hypo anthrōpōn men apodedokimasmen on)—rejected by human builders who deemed Him unsuitable (fulfilled in Sanhedrin's rejection). Yet "chosen of God, and precious" (para de theō eklekton entimon)—God selected and valued Christ supremely. Human rejection doesn't nullify divine election. This anticipates verses 6-8's fuller development of cornerstone theme.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Peter alludes to Psalm 118:22 ("stone which builders rejected became chief cornerstone") and Isaiah 28:16 ("I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious"). Jesus applied Psalm 118:22 to Himself (Matthew 21:42). Religious leaders rejected Jesus, but God vindicated Him through resurrection and exaltation. For persecuted believers facing rejection by Roman society and Jewish communities, this provided enormous encouragement—they aligned with God's chosen one, not human rejecters. Early church understood itself as built upon Christ the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20-22).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's rejection by humans but election by God encourage you when facing rejection for faith?
  2. What does it mean practically to keep 'coming to' Christ as living stone in daily Christian life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
πρὸς1 of 14

“To”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὃν2 of 14

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

προσερχόμενοι3 of 14

“coming”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

λίθον4 of 14

“stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ζῶντα5 of 14

“as unto a living”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὸ6 of 14

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἀνθρώπων7 of 14

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μὲν8 of 14

“indeed”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον9 of 14

“disallowed”

G593

to disapprove, i.e., (by implication) to repudiate

παρὰ10 of 14

“of”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

δὲ11 of 14

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

θεῷ12 of 14

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐκλεκτὸν13 of 14

“chosen”

G1588

select; by implication, favorite

ἔντιμον14 of 14

“and precious”

G1784

valued (figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Peter 2:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Peter 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:22-23Acts 4:11-121 Peter 2:7Isaiah 28:16Luke 20:17-18Mark 12:10-11

Test Your Knowledge

1 Peter 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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