King James Version

What Does Mark 12:10 Mean?

Mark 12:10 in the King James Version says “And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:”

Mark 12:10 · KJV

Context

8

And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard.

9

What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others.

10

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

11

This was the Lord's doing , and it is marvellous in our eyes?

12

And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In the parable of the vineyard tenants, Jesus said: 'Have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner' (Οὐδὲ τὴν γραφὴν ταύτην ἀνέγνωτε, Λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας;). This quotes Psalm 118:22-23, applying it to Himself. The 'builders' are Israel's leaders who rejected Jesus. The 'cornerstone' (kephalēn gōnias, κεφαλὴν γωνίας) is the foundational stone determining building alignment. Jesus, rejected by religious authorities, becomes foundation of God's new temple, the church (Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:6-8). This reversal—rejected stone becoming essential—illustrates gospel paradox: what humans despise, God exalts. The crucified Christ becomes salvation's cornerstone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118 was messianic psalm sung at Passover and Feast of Tabernacles. The 'stone' imagery had building/temple associations. Jesus applied it to Himself after the parable condemning Jewish leaders for killing God's son (Mark 12:1-9). Early church extensively used this text (Acts 4:11; Romans 9:32-33; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-8). Peter, quoting this before the Sanhedrin, identified them as the 'builders' who rejected Jesus (Acts 4:11). The imagery became foundational for ecclesiology—Christ as cornerstone, apostles/prophets as foundation, believers as living stones (1 Peter 2:5). The rejected stone's exaltation demonstrates God's sovereignty reversing human judgments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the rejected stone becoming cornerstone illustrate the gospel pattern of God exalting what humans despise?
  2. What does Christ as cornerstone teach about His centrality to the church's foundation and identity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
οὐδὲ1 of 15

“not”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

τὴν2 of 15
G3588

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

γραφὴν3 of 15

“scripture”

G1124

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

οὗτος4 of 15

“is”

G3778

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

ἀνέγνωτε5 of 15

“And have ye”

G314

to know again, i.e., (by extension) to read

Λίθον6 of 15

“The stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ὃν7 of 15

“which”

G3739

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

ἀπεδοκίμασαν8 of 15

“rejected”

G593

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

οἱ9 of 15
G3588

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

οἰκοδομοῦντες10 of 15

“the builders”

G3618

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

οὗτος11 of 15

“is”

G3778

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

ἐγενήθη12 of 15
G1096

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

εἰς13 of 15

“become”

G1519

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

κεφαλὴν14 of 15

“the head”

G2776

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

γωνίας·15 of 15

“of the corner”

G1137

an angle

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 12:10 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 Mark 12:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:22-231 Peter 2:7-8Isaiah 28:16Luke 20:17-18Acts 4:11-12Matthew 21:42

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