King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:44 Mean?

Matthew 21:44 in the King James Version says “And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 21:44 · KJV

Context

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.

45

And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

46

But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Read Matthew 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken (καὶ ὁ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὸν λίθον τοῦτον συνθλασθήσεται)—The participle πίπτω (piptō, 'to fall') pictures stumbling over the stone (Christ), while συνθλάω (synthlaō, 'to shatter, to break in pieces') shows complete destruction. This alludes to Isaiah 8:14-15, where Yahweh becomes 'a stone of stumbling' to both houses of Israel. Those who reject Christ as cornerstone (21:42) make Him a crushing stone. To fall on the stone is to encounter Christ in His first coming and be broken by offense at His humility.

But on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder (ἐφ' ὃν δ' ἂν πέσῃ, λικμήσει αὐτόν)—The verb λικμάω (likmaō, 'to winnow, to grind to powder, to pulverize') pictures total obliteration. This is Christ's second coming in judgment (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45—the stone that crushes kingdoms). The two-fold imagery shows two encounters with Christ: stumble over Him now and be broken in repentance, or have Him fall on you then and be pulverized in judgment. There's no third option—neutral indifference to Christ is impossible.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke this in the temple (21:23) to chief priests and elders after entering Jerusalem (21:1-11). The parable of the wicked tenants (21:33-41) and this stone saying condemned Israel's leaders for rejecting God's messengers and Son. Within 40 years (AD 70), Rome destroyed Jerusalem—the stone fell, grinding the old covenant order to powder. The Jewish leaders understood Jesus claimed messianic authority (v. 45), hence their rage.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you been broken by falling on Christ in repentance, or do you risk Him falling on you in judgment?
  2. How does Christ as both stumbling stone (offense) and crushing stone (judgment) reveal the impossibility of neutrality toward Him?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ2 of 15
G3588

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

πέσῃ3 of 15

“it shall fall”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἐφ'4 of 15

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸν5 of 15
G3588

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

λίθον6 of 15

“stone”

G3037

a stone (literally or figuratively)

τοῦτον7 of 15

“this”

G5126

this (person, as objective of verb or preposition)

συνθλασθήσεται·8 of 15

“shall be broken”

G4917

to dash together, i.e., shatter

ἐφ'9 of 15

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὃν10 of 15
G3739

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

δ'11 of 15

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν12 of 15

“whomsoever”

G302

whatsoever

πέσῃ13 of 15

“it shall fall”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

λικμήσει14 of 15

“it will grind”

G3039

to winnow, i.e., (by analogy), to triturate

αὐτόν15 of 15

“him”

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

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 21:44 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 21:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 8:14-151 Peter 2:8Daniel 2:34-35Daniel 2:44-45Romans 9:33Luke 20:18

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 21 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes