King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:6 Mean?

1 Peter 2:6 in the King James Version says “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he tha... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Peter 2:6 · KJV


Context

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.

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, precious: or, an honour

8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, introducing Scripture's testimony to Christ. "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture" (dioti periechei en graphē) appeals to written word's authority. The quotation: "Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious" (idou tithēmi en Siōn lithon akrogōniaion eklekton entimon). God lays the stone (divine initiative), in Zion (covenant community), a cornerstone (foundation upon which everything rests), elect (divinely chosen), precious (infinitely valuable). The promise: "he that believeth on him shall not be confounded" (ho pisteuōn ep' autō ou mē kataischynthē)—believers won't be ashamed/disappointed. Faith in Christ brings security, never shame.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah's prophecy promised Messiah as covenant foundation. Peter, echoing Jesus (Matthew 21:42), affirms fulfillment in Christ. First-century believers facing shame from society (mocked for faith) received assurance: trusting Christ never brings ultimate shame but vindication. Cornerstone imagery signifies Christ's foundational role—entire spiritual building depends on Him. Early church, rejected by Judaism and Rome, found identity as God's new temple built on Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing Christ is God's elect, precious cornerstone strengthen your confidence when faith brings social shame or rejection?
  2. What does it mean practically that believers 'shall not be put to shame'—both now and at final judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
διὸ1 of 22

Wherefore

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

καὶ2 of 22

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περιέχει3 of 22

it is contained

G4023

to hold all around, i.e., include, clasp (figuratively)

ἐν4 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ5 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γραφῇ6 of 22

the scripture

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

Ἰδού,7 of 22

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

τίθημι8 of 22

I lay

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

ἐν9 of 22

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Σιὼν10 of 22

Sion

G4622

sion (i.e., tsijon), a hill of jerusalem; figuratively, the church (militant or triumphant)

λίθον11 of 22

stone

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ἀκρογωνιαῖον12 of 22

a chief corner

G204

belonging to the extreme corner

ἐκλεκτὸν13 of 22

elect

G1588

select; by implication, favorite

ἔντιμον14 of 22

precious

G1784

valued (figuratively)

καὶ15 of 22

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

16 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πιστεύων17 of 22

he that believeth

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐπ'18 of 22

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῷ19 of 22

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐ20 of 22
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ21 of 22
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

καταισχυνθῇ22 of 22

confounded

G2617

to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush


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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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