King James Version

What Does Luke 20:17 Mean?

Luke 20:17 in the King James Version says “And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is beco...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?”

Luke 20:17 · KJV

Context

15

So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them?

16

He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid .

17

And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?

18

Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

19

And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them.

Read Luke 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Jesus looks directly at them (ἐμβλέψας, emblepsas, gazing intently) and quotes Psalm 118:22. The phrase "What is this then that is written" (Τί οὖν ἐστιν τὸ γεγραμμένον τοῦτο, ti oun estin to gegrammenon touto) appeals to Scripture's authority—they cannot dismiss the written word. The "stone" (λίθος, lithos) represents the Messiah; the "builders" (οἰκοδομοῦντες, oikodomountes) are Israel's leaders who should have recognized and honored Him.

The irony is devastating: the stone the expert builders "rejected" (ἀπεδοκίμασαν, apedokimasan, tested and deemed unworthy) becomes "the head of the corner" (κεφαλὴν γωνίας, kephalēn gōnias, the cornerstone). The cornerstone was the most critical stone in ancient construction, bearing weight and aligning the whole structure. Jesus prophesies His resurrection and exaltation: though rejected and killed, He will be vindicated as the foundation of God's true temple (Ephesians 2:20-22). The builders' expertise becomes their condemnation—they should have recognized the cornerstone but rejected it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118:22 was already understood messianically in first-century Judaism. The psalm was sung during Passover and messianic expectations. Peter later quoted this verse in Acts 4:11 and 1 Peter 2:7, identifying Jesus as the rejected-but-exalted stone. Paul developed the temple imagery in Ephesians 2:19-22, describing the church as God's temple built on Jesus the cornerstone. The religious leaders' rejection of Jesus—culminating in crucifixion—paradoxically established Him as the foundation of God's new covenant people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the cornerstone imagery reveal God's ability to use even human rejection to accomplish His purposes?
  2. What does the builders' expert rejection of the cornerstone teach about the danger of religious expertise without spiritual discernment?
  3. Why is Jesus' resurrection the ultimate vindication proving He is the cornerstone?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ὁ1 of 21
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐμβλέψας3 of 21

“he beheld”

G1689

to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly

αὐτοῖς4 of 21

“them”

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

εἶπεν5 of 21

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Τί6 of 21

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν7 of 21

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐστιν8 of 21

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ9 of 21
G3588

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

γεγραμμένον10 of 21

“that is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

τοῦτο·11 of 21

“this”

G5124

that thing

Λίθον12 of 21

“The stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ὃν13 of 21

“which”

G3739

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

ἀπεδοκίμασαν14 of 21

“rejected”

G593

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

οἱ15 of 21
G3588

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

οἰκοδομοῦντες16 of 21

“the builders”

G3618

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

οὗτος17 of 21

“the same”

G3778

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

ἐγενήθη18 of 21

“is become”

G1096

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

εἰς19 of 21

“of”

G1519

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

κεφαλὴν20 of 21

“the head”

G2776

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

γωνίας21 of 21

“the corner”

G1137

an angle

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 20:17 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 Luke 20:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:22Isaiah 28:16Acts 4:11Matthew 21:421 Peter 2:7-8Mark 12:10

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