Matthew 21:42
What does Matthew 21:42 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:42 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:42 means
Jesus then quoted Psalm 118:22-23, referring to "The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner." He identified Himself as this rejected stone, the essential foundation of God's new spiritual structure. This prophecy, fulfilled in His rejection and ultimate exaltation, underscored that His crucifixion was part of God's sovereign plan and that He would be vindicated, becoming the cornerstone of the church.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus 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?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus 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?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus says to them, Did you never see in the Writings, The stone which the builders put on one side, the same has been made the chief stone of the building: this was the Lord's doing, and it is a wonder in our eyes?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to them, `Did ye never read in the Writings, A stone that the builders disallowed, it became head of a corner; from the Lord hath this come to pass, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to them: Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? By the Lord this has been done; and it is wonderful in our eyes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to them, Have ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which they that builded rejected, this has become the corner-stone: this is of [the] Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes?
Context
This verse introduces a powerful Old Testament prophecy, directly following the religious leaders' self-condemning answer about the vineyard. Jesus uses this scripture to explicitly identify Himself as the rejected Stone, deepening the parable's application and immediately preceding His direct pronouncement about the Kingdom of God. This quotation solidifies the messianic identity of Jesus and the divine plan for His rejection.
v.41They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will let out the vineyard unto other husbandmen, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
v.42This passage
v.43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 28:16
therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste.
- Ephesians 2:20
being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone;
- Luke 20:17
But 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?
- Psalms 118:22
The stone which the builders rejected Is become the head of the corner.
- Acts 13:40
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken in the prophets:
- Habakkuk 1:5
Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvellously; for I am working a work in your days, which ye will not believe though it be told you.
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