King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:42 Mean?

Matthew 21:42 in the King James Version says “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become th... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Matthew 21:42 · KJV


Context

40

When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

41

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

42

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

43

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

44

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner—Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22-23, identifying Himself as the rejected stone (λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν, lithon hon apedokimasan). The 'builders' (religious leaders) assessed Messiah and rejected Him as unsuitable. Yet God made this rejected stone κεφαλὴν γωνίας (kephalēn gōnias)—the cornerstone, the foundation of the new temple (Eph 2:20).

This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes—God's wisdom inverts human evaluation. What experts reject, God exalts. The crucified carpenter becomes the cornerstone of salvation. Human rejection doesn't nullify divine purpose—it fulfills it. Jesus connects the parable's son to Messianic prophecy, making His identity unmistakable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 118 was sung during Passover celebrations—Jesus's hearers knew it intimately. The 'hosannas' of the Triumphal Entry (v.9) quoted this same psalm. Now Jesus reveals its Messianic meaning: the stone rejected by Israel's builders becomes the foundation of God's new temple, the Church, built of living stones (1 Pet 2:4-8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ as the 'rejected stone' comfort you when you face rejection for faithful obedience?
  2. In what areas might you be functioning as a 'builder' who rejects what God has chosen because it doesn't match your expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
λέγει1 of 29

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς2 of 29

unto 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

3 of 29
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 29

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Οὐδέποτε5 of 29

never

G3763

not even at any time, i.e., never at all

ἀνέγνωτε6 of 29

Did ye

G314

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

ἐν7 of 29

in

G1722

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

ταῖς8 of 29
G3588

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

γραφαῖς9 of 29

the scriptures

G1124

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

Λίθον10 of 29

The stone

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

ὃν11 of 29

which

G3739

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

ἀπεδοκίμασαν12 of 29

rejected

G593

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

οἱ13 of 29
G3588

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

οἰκοδομοῦντες14 of 29

the builders

G3618

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

αὕτη15 of 29

the same

G3778

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

ἐγένετο16 of 29

doing

G1096

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

εἰς17 of 29
G1519

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

κεφαλὴν18 of 29

the head

G2776

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

γωνίας·19 of 29

of the corner

G1137

an angle

παρὰ20 of 29

is

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

κυρίου21 of 29

the Lord's

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐγένετο22 of 29

doing

G1096

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

αὕτη23 of 29

the same

G3778

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

καὶ24 of 29

and

G2532

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

ἔστιν25 of 29

it is

G2076

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

θαυμαστὴ26 of 29

marvellous

G2298

wondered at, i.e., (by implication) wonderful

ἐν27 of 29

in

G1722

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

ὀφθαλμοῖς28 of 29

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

ἡμῶν29 of 29

our

G2257

of (or from) us


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 21:42 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 Matthew 21:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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