1 Peter 2:7
What does 1 Peter 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Peter 2:7 means
For those who believe, Christ’s worth is experienced as “preciousness.” Faith recognizes His value. But for those who disbelieve, Scripture’s pattern holds: the stone rejected by the builders has become the head of the corner. Human assessment failed; God exalted the very One discarded. This exposes the tragedy of unbelief and the sovereignty of God’s reversal—He honors whom the world despises. The same Christ who is the believer’s treasure is the unbeliever’s contradiction. The builders’ rejection recalls religious leaders and any who presume to construct life or religion without Him, only to find that God’s saving architecture centers on Christ alone.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Unto 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,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the value is for you who have faith; but it is said for those without faith, The very stone which the builders put on one side, was made the chief stone of the building;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to you, then, who are believing <FI>is<Fi> the preciousness; and to the unbelieving, a stone that the builders disapproved of, this one did become for the head of a corner,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To you therefore that believe, he is honour: but to them that believe not, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890To you therefore who believe [is] the preciousness; but to the disobedient, the stone which the builders cast away as worthless, this is become head of [the] corner,
Context
Verse 7 continues the scriptural exposition begun in verse 6. It draws a practical line between two responses—faith and unbelief—and their opposite outcomes: honor or offense. The movement prepares for verse 8, which adds another text showing that the rejected stone becomes a stumbling stone. Together, verses 6–8 explain the mixed reactions to Christ and set up the contrasting identity of the church in verses 9–10 as the people who receive and proclaim His excellencies.
v.6Because 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.
v.7This passage
v.8and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 28:5
In that day will Jehovah of hosts become a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people;
- 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;
- Hebrews 4:11
Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, that no man fall after the same example of disobedience.
- Romans 10:21
But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
- John 4:42
and they said to the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy speaking: for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world.
- Philippians 3:7
Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
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