1 Peter 2:7 — Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
Extended Explanation
Peter is continuing his teaching about Jesus being the cornerstone — the solid foundation of faith and life. In this verse, he makes a clear distinction between two kinds of people. First, he speaks to believers: to them, Jesus is precious. That means valuable, treasured, and deeply important. When you know Jesus, you see how good, strong, and life-giving He is. He becomes everything to you.
But Peter also points out that not everyone believes. Some people reject Jesus. To them, He is just another stone — something they don’t want, something they push aside. But God has made that very stone the cornerstone. Whether people accept Him or not, Jesus is still the foundation of everything God is doing.
Peter quotes from Psalm 118:22 to show that this rejection of Jesus was foretold long ago. It wasn’t a surprise to God. What the world rejected, God exalted.
Historical Context
Peter’s readers were early Christians, scattered across parts of the Roman Empire. Many of them were Gentiles, outsiders in Jewish culture, and now also outsiders in their new faith communities because of the world’s rejection of Jesus.
Peter wanted them to understand that rejection is nothing new. Jesus Himself was rejected by the religious leaders of His day. People turned away from Him, mocked Him, and ultimately crucified Him. But God made Jesus the cornerstone anyway.
For these believers, who were feeling rejected by society, Peter’s words were both a comfort and a challenge. They were being reminded that their faith was precious, even if the world didn’t see it that way.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches a key truth: what you do with Jesus matters. There are only two options — believe and find Him precious, or reject Him and miss the foundation of life.
It also shows that God’s plan isn’t stopped by human rejection. People can reject Jesus, but God has still made Him the cornerstone. God’s purposes are sure and unshakable.
Additionally, this verse reveals that faith isn’t something neutral. It’s a dividing line. How a person responds to Jesus reveals the condition of their heart.
Literary Analysis
Peter continues using the stone imagery, building on what he has already said in verses 4-6. He uses a contrast structure: “To you who believe” versus “to those who do not believe.”
The word “precious” is important. It’s a heart word. It doesn’t just mean valuable in general — it means valuable to you, something you treasure.
Peter quotes from Psalm 118:22, showing that this truth has deep roots in God’s Word and God’s plan.
The verse is short but weighty. It draws a line in the sand: belief leads to honor and value; rejection leads to loss.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 118:22 — “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
- Matthew 21:42 — Jesus said, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
- Acts 4:11 — “Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’”
- Romans 9:33 — “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble… and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse is a reminder of the treasure they have in Jesus. The world may overlook or reject Him, but for those who believe, He is precious beyond words. This truth should shape how Christians live — valuing Jesus above everything else.
It’s also a challenge to remember that not everyone will see Jesus the same way. There will always be rejection, mockery, or indifference toward Him. But that doesn’t change who He is or how valuable He is.
For the Christian, this verse is a call to keep treasuring Jesus and to remember that faith in Him is not wasted or misplaced.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is not limited by human rejection. Even when people rejected Jesus, God still lifted Him up as the cornerstone.
It also shows that God’s love reaches out to both groups mentioned in this verse — those who believe and those who don’t. God offers Jesus to all. The dividing line is not God’s love but how people respond to it.
God’s love is seen in how He gives something precious — His own Son — and invites people to trust in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is centered on Jesus. He is the stone, the cornerstone, the one who was rejected and yet became the foundation.
Peter is showing that everything in the life of faith is built on Jesus. He is precious to those who believe because He gave His life, rose from the dead, and offers eternal life.
Jesus Himself spoke these words in Matthew 21:42, applying them to His rejection by the religious leaders. In Acts 4:11, Peter boldly preached the same message: Jesus is the cornerstone, and salvation is found in Him alone.
This verse invites every person to ask: Is Jesus precious to me?
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is “precious”?
- How have you experienced the world’s rejection of Jesus or His teachings?
- Why do you think so many people still reject Jesus today?
- How can you treasure Jesus more deeply in your daily life?
- How does this verse encourage you when you feel rejected or misunderstood because of your faith?