1 Peter 2:7
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1 Peter 2:7
Peter contrasts belief and unbelief regarding Jesus the cornerstone. To believers, Jesus is “precious,” a fitting response to the one who was rejected by his contemporaries. To those who are disobedient—the non-believing world—the stone is “the head of the corner” and a stumbling block. This duality mirrors Jesus’ own reception in his ministry and the ongoing tension in the gospel: it reveals judgment to some and salvation to others. The metaphor of the builders discarding the stone highlights human refusal to recognize God’s gracious recipient in Jesus. The verse attaches to the larger argument of “you are a chosen people,” showing that acceptance or rejection of Christ reshapes one’s status and destiny.
Key themes include rejection and fulfillment, the turning point of faith, and the integrity of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus is both the object of faith and a test: trust leads to identity as God’s people; refusal leads to spiritual stumbling. The verse foreshadows the New Testament’s inclusive vocation—the inclusion of Gentiles, and the responsibility of believers to live in a way that invites others to reconsider their stance toward Christ.
If you’re a believer, cultivate a deep sense of reverence for Jesus as precious and worthy of every aspect of your life. If you’re exploring faith, examine the barrier that keeps you from recognizing Jesus’ lordship. Practical steps: read Scripture about Jesus, seek community that helps you understand him, and test your beliefs by how they shape your daily decisions. For those who feel sidelined or dismissed by society, remember God’s economy often reverses human expectations—what seems discarded may be foundational.
Cross-References: Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14; Acts 4:11-12; Romans 9:32-33; 1 Corinthians 1:23-24