1 Peter 2:6
What does 1 Peter 2:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 2:6 means
Peter cites Scripture to show that God Himself has laid a chosen, precious cornerstone in Zion and promises that the one who believes in Him will not be put to shame. The cornerstone is Christ. God’s building rests on Him, not on human merit or tradition. To trust this stone is to share in His honor; the ultimate verdict will vindicate believers, even if they now endure disdain. Shame here speaks of final disappointment or disgrace—what faith in Christ will never meet. God’s word guarantees stability and security to all who come to His appointed foundation, assuring them that their confidence will prove well placed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Because 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
King James Version · 1611Wherefore 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Because 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Because it is said in the Writings, See, I am placing a keystone in Zion, of great and special value; and the man who has faith in him will not be put to shame.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Wherefore, 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;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore it is said in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him shall not be confounded.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Because 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.
Context
After presenting Christ as the living stone and believers as a spiritual house (vv.4–5), verse 6 supplies biblical warrant for the cornerstone theme. It underscores two truths: God’s initiative in laying the stone and the believer’s assurance of vindication. Verses 7–8 will then sharpen the divide: for believers the stone is precious, but for disbelievers it becomes the very point of stumbling. The flow roots Christian identity and experience in God’s prophetic plan.
v.5ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
v.6This passage
v.7For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 1:4
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:
- Zechariah 10:4
From him shall come forth the corner-stone, from him the nail, from him the battle bow, from him every ruler together.
- Psalms 40:14
Let them be put to shame and confounded together That seek after my soul to destroy it: Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor That delight in my hurt.
- Romans 9:32
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling;
- Isaiah 42:1
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles.
- Isaiah 41:11
Behold, all they that are incensed against thee shall be put to shame and confounded: they that strive with thee shall be as nothing, and shall perish.
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