Luke 20:18
What does Luke 20:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 20:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 20:18 means
Jesus continued to expound on the significance of the rejected Stone, delivering a solemn warning: "Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust." This verse speaks of two forms of judgment. To "fall on that stone" implies stumbling over Christ, rejecting Him in unbelief, resulting in spiritual brokenness. To have the stone "fall on him" speaks of a devastating, active judgment from Christ Himself, utterly crushing those who have definitively opposed Him. It underscores the inescapable and severe consequences of either rejecting or actively contending against Jesus, the cornerstone of God's redemptive plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Every one that falleth on that stone shall be broken to pieces; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Everyone falling on that stone will be broken, but the man on whom the stone comes down will be crushed to dust.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862every one who hath fallen on that stone shall be broken, and on whom it may fall, it will crush him to pieces.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be bruised: and upon whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Every one falling on this stone shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder.
Context
This verse builds directly on the imagery of Jesus as the rejected cornerstone from the previous verse, elaborating on the consequences of encountering this divine figure. It serves as a stern warning to both the religious leaders and the people present, immediately before the scribes and chief priests grasp the direct accusation of the parable and seek to apprehend Jesus.
v.17But he looked upon them, and said, What then is this that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner?
v.18This passage
v.19And the scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him in that very hour; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he spake this parable against them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 2:34
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them in pieces.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:16
forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always: but the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
- Zechariah 12:3
And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples; all that burden themselves with it shall be sore wounded; and all the nations of the earth shall be gathered together against it.
- Matthew 21:34
And when the season of the fruits drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, to receive his fruits.
- Daniel 2:44
And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
- Matthew 21:44
And he that falleth on this stone shall be broken to pieces: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will scatter him as dust.
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