King James Version

What Does Isaiah 28:16 Mean?

Isaiah 28:16 in the King James Version says “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner ston...” — study this verse from Isaiah chapter 28 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.”

Isaiah 28:16 · KJV

Faith

Context

14

Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.

15

Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through , it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:

16

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

17

Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.

18

And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. trodden: Heb. a treading down to it

Read Isaiah 28 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste. Against false refuges (v.15), God provides true foundation. I lay in Zion (yissad be-Tsiyon, יִסַּד בְּצִיּוֹן, I have founded in Zion) emphasizes God's sovereign act. The fourfold description of a stone (even, אֶבֶן): a tried stone (even bochan, אֶבֶן בֹּחַן, a testing stone, proven stone), a precious corner stone (pinnat yiqrat, פִּנַּת יִקְרַת, corner of preciousness), a sure foundation (musar musad, מוּסָד מוּסָד, foundation established/founded). This stone is tested, precious, and permanently established.

New Testament universally applies this to Christ: Romans 9:33, 1 Peter 2:6-8 quote this directly. Jesus is the cornerstone rejected by builders (Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11). Ephesians 2:20 identifies Christ as chief cornerstone on which the church is built. He that believeth shall not make haste (lo yachish, לֹא יָחִישׁ, shall not hurry, panic, flee in haste) or as 1 Peter 2:6 translates, "shall not be confounded/ashamed." Believers in Christ have unshakable foundation—no need for panicked self-protection or anxious scheming. Trust in the tested, precious cornerstone brings calm confidence versus the frantic covenant-making of verse 15.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This prophecy awaited Christ for full fulfillment. Jesus is the stone tested through temptation and suffering, proven perfectly obedient. He's precious to believers (1 Peter 2:7), the cornerstone aligning the entire building (church). Those who build on Him won't be shaken when storms come (Matthew 7:24-27). Jewish leaders rejected this stone and stumbled (Romans 9:32-33). Gentiles believed and were built on it (Ephesians 2:19-22). The church rests on Christ's sure foundation, not shifting political alliances or human strategies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is Christ the 'tried stone'—tested and proven—and why does this matter for believers' confidence?
  2. What does it mean practically that those who believe in Christ 'shall not make haste' (won't panic or flee)?
  3. In what areas of life are you building on Christ the cornerstone versus building on false foundations that will crumble?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לָכֵ֗ן1 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כֹּ֤ה2 of 18
H3541

properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now

אָמַר֙3 of 18

“Therefore thus saith”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲדֹנָ֣י4 of 18

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֔ה5 of 18

“GOD”

H3069

god

הִנְנִ֛י6 of 18
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

מוּסָּ֔ד7 of 18

“Behold I lay”

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

בְּצִיּ֖וֹן8 of 18

“in Zion”

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

אֶ֣בֶן9 of 18

“for a foundation a stone”

H68

a stone

אֶ֣בֶן10 of 18

“for a foundation a stone”

H68

a stone

בֹּ֜חַן11 of 18

“a tried”

H976

trial

פִּנַּ֤ת12 of 18

“corner”

H6438

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

יִקְרַת֙13 of 18

“a precious”

H3368

valuable (objectively or subjectively)

מוּסָ֣ד14 of 18

“foundation”

H4143

a foundation

מוּסָּ֔ד15 of 18

“Behold I lay”

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

הַֽמַּאֲמִ֖ין16 of 18

“he that believeth”

H539

properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen

לֹ֥א17 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָחִֽישׁ׃18 of 18

“shall not make haste”

H2363

to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Isaiah 28:16 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 Isaiah 28:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:22Acts 4:11-121 Peter 2:6-8Luke 20:17-18Romans 9:33Mark 12:10

Places in This Verse

ZionSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E148 verses across 19 books
View all places in Isaiah 28 →

Test Your Knowledge

Isaiah 28 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterIsaiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Isaiah 28 with CommentaryAll Isaiah ChaptersComplete Isaiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes