Devine Scripture

1 Peter 2:8

What does 1 Peter 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Peter 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Peter 2:8 means

Peter adds that Christ is “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence.” Those who refuse to believe trip over Him because they disobey the word. Christ and His gospel confront human pride and self-reliance; rejection leads to falling, not stability. The phrase “whereunto also they were appointed” affirms God’s sovereignty: the outcome of stumbling for the disobedient was foretold and fits His righteous ordering. Yet responsibility lies with those who reject the word. Scripture holds both truths without contradiction—God is not surprised, and unbelief remains culpable. The verse soberly warns that neutrality toward Christ is impossible; He is either the foundation or the obstacle.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And, A stone of falling, a rock of trouble; the word is the cause of their fall, because they go against it, and this was the purpose of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence--who are stumbling at the word, being unbelieving, --to which also they were set;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And a stone of stumbling and a rock of scandal, to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, whereunto also they are set.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and a stone of stumbling and rock of offence; [who] stumble at the word, being disobedient to which also they have been appointed.

Context

Completing the triad of quotations begun in verse 6, verse 8 explains why some stumble—disobedience to the word. This closes the section on Christ’s honor and offense (vv. 4–8). With that contrast established, verses 9–10 turn to the church’s positive identity and mission: a chosen, royal, holy people who proclaim God’s excellencies. The rhetorical move is from the tragic destiny of unbelief to the gracious privileges and calling of those who have believed.

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;

v.8This passage

v.9But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Peter 2:7

    For 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;

  • Exodus 9:16

    but in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:16

    to the one a savor from death unto death; to the other a savor from life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

  • Romans 9:22

    What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction:

  • Jude 1:4

    For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Peter 2:3

    And in covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose sentence now from of old lingereth not, and their destruction slumbereth not.

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