King James Version

What Does 1 Peter 2:7 Mean?

1 Peter 2:7 in the King James Version says “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disall... — study this verse from 1 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Peter 2:7 · KJV


Context

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.

9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: peculiar: or, purchased praises: or, virtues


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Peter addresses believers directly: "Unto you therefore which believe he is precious" (hymin oun hē timē tois pisteuousin)—literally "to you who believe is the honor/value." Christ's preciousness belongs to believers who recognize His worth. The contrast follows: "but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner" (apeithous in de lithos hon apedokimasan hoi oikodomountes, houtos egenēthē eis kephalēn gōnias). Peter quotes Psalm 118:22—rejected stone became chief cornerstone. Disobedient builders (Jewish leaders) rejected Christ, yet God exalted Him. The irony: what humans rejected, God made supreme.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Psalm 118:22 quotation was Jesus's favorite self-description (Matthew 21:42). Religious leaders indeed rejected Jesus, but resurrection vindicated God's choice. For Peter's readers (many rejected by family/society for faith), this provided comfort: human rejection doesn't nullify God's approval. The contrast between believers finding Christ precious and unbelievers stumbling over Him runs throughout Scripture (1 Corinthians 1:23—Christ is stumbling block to some, wisdom to others).

Reflection Questions

  1. How is Christ's 'preciousness' evident in your priorities, affections, and daily choices?
  2. What does it mean that the same Christ who is precious to believers causes others to stumble?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὑμῖν1 of 18

Unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

οὖν2 of 18

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

οἱ3 of 18

which

G3588

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

τιμὴ4 of 18

he is precious

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

οἱ5 of 18

which

G3588

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

πιστεύουσιν6 of 18

believe

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

ἀπειθοῦσιν7 of 18

unto them which be disobedient

G544

to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely)

δὲ8 of 18

but

G1161

but, and, etc

Λίθον9 of 18

the stone

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ὃν10 of 18

which

G3739

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

ἀπεδοκίμασαν11 of 18

disallowed

G593

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

οἱ12 of 18

which

G3588

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

οἰκοδομοῦντες13 of 18

the builders

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

οὗτος14 of 18

the same

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐγενήθη15 of 18

is made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς16 of 18
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

κεφαλὴν17 of 18

the head

G2776

the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

γωνίας18 of 18

of the corner

G1137

an angle


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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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