The Meaning of 1 Peter 2:6 Explained

1 Peter 2:6

KJV: Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

YLT: Wherefore, also, it is contained in the Writing: 'Lo, I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, choice, precious, and he who is believing on him may not be put to shame;'

Darby: Because it is contained in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Zion a corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be put to shame.

ASV: Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Wherefore  also  it is contained  in  the scripture,  Behold,  I lay  in  Sion  a chief corner  stone,  elect,  precious:  and  he that believeth  on  him  shall  not be  confounded. 

What does 1 Peter 2:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Before going on, however, Peter elaborated on the foundation of this building, the church. "Zion" here refers to the heavenly Jerusalem, that larger eschatological entity of which the church will be a part (cf. Revelation 21:14). The "corner stone" refers to the main stone on which the building rests. It does not refer to a modern corner stone or to the last stone the mason put at the top of the building, the keystone ( Isaiah 28:16; cf. Ephesians 2:20). In view of this, it seems that the rock (Gr. petra, a large stone) to which Jesus referred in Matthew 16:18 was not Peter (Gr. Petros, a small stone) but Himself. Jesus, not Peter, much less Judaism, is the foundation upon which God has promised to build the church (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11).
Isaiah promised that those who believe on the Stone will never (Gr. ou me, the strongest negative) be disappointed.
Peter clarified two relationships of the believer in these verses (4-6). He rests on Christ as a building rests on its foundation. Furthermore he relates to every other believer as the stones of a building under construction relate to one another. We need each other, should support each other, and should work together to build the church in the world.

Context Summary

1 Peter 2:1-10 - Building On The Precious Corner-Stone
It is easy to lay aside malice, guile and evil speaking, when we are constantly feeding on the unadulterated milk of spiritual truth. If you have tasted of the grace of Jesus, you will not want to sip of the wine of Sodom. Drink, O beloved, eat and drink abundantly, that we may grow, casting aside sinful and childish things.
The changing imagery of the next paragraph is remarkable. As we touch the Living Stone we live, and we touch others who are touching Him, and so a temple begins to grow up. Then we become a holy priesthood in the temple, and finally the sacrifices which are offered within its precincts. If Christ is not that Living Stone for you, He will be your undoing.
All that God said of His ancient people may be realized by us in and through Christ. Compare 1 Peter 2:9 with Exodus 19:6. Thus songs of praise are ever ascending to Him who has called us into His light. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Peter 2

1  He exhorts to put away wickedness;
4  showing that Christ is the foundation whereupon they are built
11  He beseeches them also to abstain from sinful desires;
13  to be obedient to authorities;
18  and teaches servants how to obey their masters;
20  patiently suffering for well doing, after the example of Christ

Greek Commentary for 1 Peter 2:6

It is contained [περιεχει]
Present active (here intransitive, to contain, only N.T. example) of περιεχω — periechō old verb, to surround, transitive in Luke 5:9 to seize (only other N.T. example). The formula with περιεχει — periechei is in Josephus (Ant. XI. 7). This Scripture Paul in Ephesians 2:20 uses the same word, making Christ the chief corner stone (the only other N.T. example). In Isaiah the metaphor is rather a foundation stone. Peter and Paul make it “the primary foundation stone at the structure” (W. W. Lloyd). [source]
On him [επ αυτωι]
That is, “on it” (this corner stone, that is, Christ).Shall not be put to shame (ου μη καταισχυντηι — ou mē kataischunthēi). Strong negatives ου μη — ou mē with first aorist passive subjunctive of καταισχυνω — kataischunō old verb, to put to shame (Romans 5:5). [source]
Shall not be put to shame [ου μη καταισχυντηι]
Strong negatives ου μη — ou mē with first aorist passive subjunctive of καταισχυνω — kataischunō old verb, to put to shame (Romans 5:5). [source]
It is contained [περιέχει]
From περί , round about, and ἔχω , to hold. Hence, to contain or comprehend. So Luke 5:9,he was astonished ( θάμβος αὐτὸν περιέσχεν )lit., astonishment held him, encompassed. Also, Acts 23:25, “He wrote a letter after this manner ( περιέχουσαν τὸν τύπον τοῦτον )lit., containing this form. The verb here is impersonal. The kindred word περιοχή occurs only in Acts 8:32, rendered place; i.e., the passage of scripture: either the contents of the passage or the section of the book circumscribed or marked off. [source]
Behold I lay, etc []
See Romans 9:33. [source]
In the scripture [ἐν γραφῇ]
The best texts reject the article. Γραφή means a passage of scripture. See on Mark 12:10. Hence Rev., in scripture; margin, in a scripture. [source]
Precious []
See on 1 Peter 2:4. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Peter 2:6

Luke 5:9 He was astonished [θάμβος περιέσχεν αὐτὸν]
Lit., amazement encompassed him. See on 1 Peter 2:6. [source]
Acts 8:32 The place of the scripture [ἡ περιοχὴ τῆς γραφῆς]
Strictly, the contents of the passage. See on Mark 12:10; and 1 Peter 2:6. [source]
Acts 4:11 Of you the builders [υπ υμων των οικοδομων]
The experts, the architects, had rejected Jesus for their building (Psalm 118:22) as Jesus himself had pointed out (Matthew 21:42; Luke 21:17). This very Rejected Stone God had made the head of the corner (either the highest corner stone right under the roof or the corner stone under the building, Isaiah 28:16) as Jesus showed, as Peter here declares and repeats later (1 Peter 2:6.). [source]
Acts 8:32 The place [ε περιοχη]
See the verb περιεχει — periechei so used in 1 Peter 2:6. The word is used either of the section as in Codex A before the beginning of Mark or the contents of a passage. He was here reading one particular passage (Isaiah 53:7.). The quotation is from the lxx which has some variations from the Hebrew. [source]
Romans 5:5 Maketh not ashamed [οὑ καταισχύνει]
Mostly in Paul; elsewhere only in Luke 13:17; 1 Peter 2:6; 1 Peter 3:16. Rev., putteth not to shame, thus giving better the strong sense of the word, to disgrace or dishonor. [source]
Romans 4:5 Believeth on Him [πιστεύοντι ἐπὶ τὸν]
The verb πιστεύω tobelieve is used in the New Testament as follows: 1. Transitively, with the accusative and dative: to entrust something to one, Luke 16:11; John 2:24. In the passive, to be entrusted with something, Romans 3:2; 1 Corinthians 9:17; Galatians 2:7. With the simple accusative, to believe a thing, John 11:26; 1 John 4:16. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. With the infinitive, Acts 15:11. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
3. With ὅτι that Matthew 9:28; Mark 11:24; James 2:19. Especially frequent in John: John 4:21; John 11:27, John 11:42; John 13:19; John 14:10, John 14:11; John 16:27, John 16:30, etc. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
4. With the simple dative, meaning to believe a person or thing, that they are true or speak the truth, John 2:22; John 4:21; John 5:46. See on John 1:12; see on John 2:22, John 2:23; see on John 8:31; see on John 10:37. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
5. With the preposition ἐν inNot frequent, and questioned in some of the passages cited for illustration. In John 3:15, ἐν αὐτῷ inHim, is probably to be construed with have eternal life. The formula occurs nowhere else in John. In Mark 1:15we find πιστεύετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ believein the gospel. The kindred noun πίστις faithoccurs in this combination. Thus Galatians 3:26, though some join in Christ Jesus with sons. See also Ephesians 1:15; Colossians 1:4; 1 Timothy 3:13; 2 Timothy 3:15; Romans 3:25. This preposition indicates the sphere in which faith moves, rather than the object to which it is directed, though instances occur in the Septuagint where it plainly indicates the direction of faith, Psalm 78:22; Jeremiah 12:6. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
6. With the preposition ἐπί uponon to, unto. a. With the accusative, Romans 4:5; Acts 9:42; Acts 11:17; Acts 16:31; Acts 22:19. The preposition carries the idea of mental direction with a view to resting upon, which latter idea is conveyed by the same preposition. b. With the dative, 1 Timothy 1:16; Luke 24:25; compare Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6. The dative expresses absolute superposition. Christ as the object of faith, is the basis on which faith rests. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
7. With the preposition εἰς into Matthew 18:6; John 2:11; Acts 19:4; Romans 10:14; Galatians 2:16; Philemon 1:29, etc. The preposition conveys the idea of the absolute transference of trust from one's self to another. Literally the phrase means to believe into. See on John 1:12; see on John 2:23; see on John 9:35; see on John 12:44.Is counted for righteousness ( λογίζεται εἰς δικαιοσύνην )Rev., is reckoned. See on Romans 4:3. The preposition εἰς has the force of as, not the telic meaning with a view to, or in order that he may be (righteous); nor strictly, in the place of righteousness. Faith is not a substitute for righteousness, since righteousness is involved in faith. When a man is reckoned righteous through faith, it is not a legal fiction. He is not indeed a perfect man, but God does not reckon something which has no real existence. Faith is the germ of righteousness, of life in God. God recognizes no true life apart from holiness, and “he that believeth on the Son hath life.” He is not merely regarded in the law's eye as living. God accepts the germ, not in place of the fruit, but as containing the fruit. “Abraham believed God … . No soul comes into such a relation of trust without having God's investment upon it; and whatever there may be in God's righteousness - love, truth, sacrifice - will be rightfully imputed or counted to be in it, because, being united to Him, it will have them coming over derivatively from Him” (Bushnell). The idea of logical sequence is inherent in λογίζεται isreckoned - the sequence of character upon faith. Where there is faith there is, logically, righteousness, and the righteousness is from faith unto faith (Romans 1:17). Nevertheless, in the highest development of the righteousness of faith, it will remain true that the man is justified, not by the works of righteousness, which are the fruit of faith, but by the faith which, in making him a partaker of the life and righteousness of God, generates and inspires the works. Observe that the believer's own faith is reckoned as righteousness. “In no passage in Paul's writings or in other parts of the New Testament, where the phrase to reckon for or the verb to reckon alone is used, is there a declaration that anything belonging to one person is imputed, accounted, or reckoned to another, or a formal statement that Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers” (President Dwight, “Notes on Meyer”). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

Ephesians 2:20 Chief corner-stone [ἀκρογωνίαου]
Only here and 1 Peter 2:6. [source]
Ephesians 2:20 The foundation [επι τωι τεμελιωι]
Repetition of επι — epi with the locative case. See note on 1 Corinthians 3:11 for this word. Of the apostles and prophets (τον αποστολων και προπητων — ton apostolōn kai prophētōn). Genitive of apposition with τεμελιωι — themeliōi consisting in. If one is surprised that Paul should refer so to the apostles, he being one himself, Peter does the same thing (2 Peter 3:2). Paul repeats this language in Ephesians 3:5. Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone Genitive absolute. The compound ακρογωνιαιος — akrogōniaios occurs only in the lxx (first in Isa 28:16) and in the N.T. (here, 1 Peter 2:6). Λιτος — Lithos (stone) is understood. Jesus had spoken of himself as the stone, rejected by the Jewish builders (experts), but chosen of God as the head of the corner (Matthew 21:42), εις κεπαλην γωνιας — eis kephalēn gōnias “The ακρογωνιαιος — akrogōniaios here is the primary foundation-stone at the angle of the structure by which the architect fixes a standard for the bearings of the walls and cross-walls throughout” (W. W. Lloyd). [source]
Ephesians 2:20 Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone [οντως ακρογωνιανιου αυτου Χριστου Ιησου]
Genitive absolute. The compound ακρογωνιαιος — akrogōniaios occurs only in the lxx (first in Isa 28:16) and in the N.T. (here, 1 Peter 2:6). Λιτος — Lithos (stone) is understood. Jesus had spoken of himself as the stone, rejected by the Jewish builders (experts), but chosen of God as the head of the corner (Matthew 21:42), εις κεπαλην γωνιας — eis kephalēn gōnias “The ακρογωνιαιος — akrogōniaios here is the primary foundation-stone at the angle of the structure by which the architect fixes a standard for the bearings of the walls and cross-walls throughout” (W. W. Lloyd). [source]
1 Timothy 1:16 Believe [πιστευ.ειν]
This verb, so frequent in Paul, occurs six times in the pastorals. In two instances, 1 Timothy 1:11; Titus 1:3, it is passive, in the sense of to be intrusted with. Here in the Pauline sense of believing on Christ. In 1 Timothy 3:16, passive, of Christ believed on in the world. In 2 Timothy 1:12, of God the Father, in whom the writer confides to keep the trust committed to him. In Titus 3:8, of belief in God. With ἐπὶ uponand the dative, Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6(all citations), and Romans 4:18; Luke 24:25. [source]
2 Timothy 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable [πασα γραπη τεοπνευστος και ωπελιμος]
There are two matters of doubt in this clause. One is the absence of the article η — hē before γραπη — graphē whether that makes it mean “every scripture” or “all scripture” as of necessity if present. Unfortunately, there are examples both ways with both πας — pās and γραπη — graphē Twice we find γραπη — graphē in the singular without the article and yet definite (1 Peter 2:6; 2 Peter 1:20). We have πας Ισραηλ — pās Israēl (Romans 11:26) for all Israel (Robertson, Grammar, p. 772). So far as the grammatical usage goes, one can render here either “all scripture” or “every scripture.” There is no copula (εστιν — estin) in the Greek and so one has to insert it either before the και — kai or after it. If before, as is more natural, then the meaning is: “All scripture (or every scripture) is inspired of God and profitable.” In this form there is a definite assertion of inspiration. That can be true also of the second way, making “inspired of God” descriptive of “every scripture,” and putting εστιν — estin (is) after και — kai “All scripture (or every scripture), inspired of God, is also profitable.” [source]
Hebrews 4:11 Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief [ἵνα μὴ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ τις ὑποδείγματι πέσῃ τῆς ἀπειθείας]
Πέσῃ fallis to be taken absolutely; not, fall into the same example. Υ̓πόδειγμα examplemostly in Hebrews. Rejected as unclassical by the Attic rhetoricians. Originally a sign which suggests something: a partial suggestion as distinct from a complete expression. See Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:23. Thus Christ's washing of the disciples' feet (John 13:15) was a typical suggestion of the whole field and duty of ministry. See on 1 Peter 2:6. It is not easy to give the exact force of ἐν inStrictly speaking, the “example of disobedience” is conceived as that in which the falling takes place. The fall is viewed in the sphere of example. Comp. 1Corinthians href="/desk/?q=1co+2:7&sr=1">1 Corinthians 2:7. Rend. that no man fall in the same example of disobedience: the same as that in which they fell. [source]
1 Peter 3:16 That they may be put to shame [ινα καταισχυντωσιν]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist passive subjunctive of καταισχυνω — kataischunō old verb, to put to shame (Luke 13:17; 1 Peter 2:6).Wherein ye are spoken against (εν ωι καταλαλειστε — en hōi katalaleisthe). Present passive indicative of καταλαλεω — katalaleō for which see 1 Peter 2:12 with εν ωι — en hōi also. Peter may be recalling (Hart) his own experience at Pentecost when the Jews first scoffed and others were cut to the heart (Acts 2:13, Acts 2:37).Who revile Articular present active participle of επηρεαζω — epēreazō old verb (from επηρεια — epēreia spiteful abuse), to insult, in N.T. only here and Luke 6:28.In Christ (εν Χριστωι — en Christōi). Paul‘s common mystical phrase that Peter has three times (here, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 Peter 5:14), not in John, though the idea is constantly in John. Peter here gives a new turn (cf. 1 Peter 2:12) to αναστροπη — anastrophē (manner of life). “Constantly the apostle repeats his phrases with new significance and in a new light” (Bigg). [source]
2 Peter 1:1 Like precious [ἰσότιμον]
Only here in New Testament. The word should be written like precious. Compare precious in 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 1:19; 1 Peter 2:4, 1 Peter 2:6, 1 Peter 2:7. Not the same in measure to all, but having an equal value and honor to those who receive it, as admitting them to the same Christian privileges. [source]
Revelation 21:14 Names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb [ονοματα των δωδεκα αποστολων του αρνιου]
Jesus had spoken of twelve thrones for the apostles (Matthew 19:28); names of all twelve are here written, not just that of Peter, as some would argue from Matthew 16:18. As a matter of fact, Christ is the corner stone or ακρογωνιαιον — akrogōniaion (1 Peter 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 2:20), though rejected by the Sanhedrin (Matthew 21:42.). One may wonder if the name of Judas is on that stone or that of Matthias. [source]
Revelation 21:14 Twelve foundations [τεμελιους δωδεκα]
Foundation stones, old adjective (from τεμα — thema from τιτημι — tithēmi), here as in 1 Corinthians 3:11.; 2 Timothy 2:19, with λιτους — lithous (stones understood), though often neuter substantive to τεμελιον — themelion (Luke 6:48.; Acts 16:26). See Isaiah 28:16; Hebrews 11:10. Twelve because of the twelve apostles as foundation stones (Ephesians 2:20).On them (επ αυτων — ep' autōn). On the twelve foundation stones.Names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb Jesus had spoken of twelve thrones for the apostles (Matthew 19:28); names of all twelve are here written, not just that of Peter, as some would argue from Matthew 16:18. As a matter of fact, Christ is the corner stone or ακρογωνιαιον — akrogōniaion (1 Peter 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 2:20), though rejected by the Sanhedrin (Matthew 21:42.). One may wonder if the name of Judas is on that stone or that of Matthias. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Peter 2:6 mean?

Therefore it is contained in Scripture Behold I lay Zion a stone a chosen cornerstone precious and the [one] believing on Him no not shall be put to shame
διότι περιέχει ἐν γραφῇ Ἰδοὺ τίθημι Σιὼν λίθον ἐκλεκτὸν ἀκρογωνιαῖον ἔντιμον καὶ πιστεύων ἐπ’ αὐτῷ οὐ μὴ καταισχυνθῇ

περιέχει  it  is  contained 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: περιέχω  
Sense: to surround, encompass.
γραφῇ  Scripture 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: γραφή  
Sense: a writing, thing written.
Ἰδοὺ  Behold 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ἰδού  
Sense: behold, see, lo.
τίθημι  I  lay 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: τίθημι  
Sense: to set, put, place.
Σιὼν  Zion 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Σιών  
Sense: the hill on which the higher and more ancient part of Jerusalem was built.
λίθον  a  stone 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: λίθος  
Sense: a stone.
ἐκλεκτὸν  a  chosen 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐκλεκτός  
Sense: picked out, chosen.
ἀκρογωνιαῖον  cornerstone 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀκρογωνιαῖος  
Sense: placed at an extreme corner, the corner foundation stone.
ἔντιμον  precious 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἔντιμος  
Sense: held in honour, prized, precious.
  the  [one] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πιστεύων  believing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πιστεύω  
Sense: to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.
οὐ  no 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὐ  
Sense: no, not; in direct questions expecting an affirmative answer.
καταισχυνθῇ  shall  be  put  to  shame 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: καταισχύνω  
Sense: to dishonour, disgrace.