1 Peter 2:4
What does 1 Peter 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 2:4 means
Believers are invited to keep coming to Christ, described as a “living stone.” Though rejected by people, He is chosen and precious to God. The stone imagery highlights stability and permanence; calling Him “living” shows He is not a cold block but the resurrected Lord who imparts life. Human judgment misread Him and cast Him aside, but God’s verdict stands: He is elect and priceless as the foundation of God’s saving plan. Faith approaches Him repeatedly, finding in the scorned Messiah the very support and vitality needed. Our acceptance with God rests not on human approval but on the worth God assigns to His Son.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious,
KJV
King James Version · 1611To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To whom you come, as to a living stone, not honoured by men, but of great and special value to God;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to whom coming--a living stone--by men, indeed, having been disapproved of, but with God choice, precious,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men but chosen and made honourable by God:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890To whom coming, a living stone, cast away indeed as worthless by men, but withGod chosen, precious,
Context
Moving from taste (v.3) to touch, verse 4 introduces Christ as the cornerstone of God’s new temple. The rejection-exaltation pattern anticipates the Scripture proofs to come (vv. 6–8). As believers come to Him, verse 5 will explain that they themselves become stones in a spiritual house and priests offering spiritual sacrifices. The flow presents Christ first as foundation, then the people’s identity and vocation derived from Him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 21:42
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; This was from the Lord, And it is marvellous in our eyes?
- John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
- Acts 4:11
He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner.
- Romans 5:10
For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life;
- 1 Peter 1:19
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ:
- Mark 12:10
Have ye not read even this scripture: The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner;
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