Matthew 21:42
New International Version
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

New Living Translation
Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord ’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’

English Standard Version
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus says to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone that those building rejected, this has become the chief corner. This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?

King James Bible
Jesus 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?

New King James Version
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’?

New American Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘A STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’?

NASB 1995
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES ‘?

NASB 1977
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’?

Legacy Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; THIS CAME ABOUT FROM THE LORD, AND IT IS MARVELOUS IN OUR EYES’?

Amplified Bible
Jesus asked them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘THE [very] STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED and THREW AWAY, HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE; THIS IS THE LORD’S DOING, AND IT IS MARVELOUS and WONDERFUL IN OUR EYES’?

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is what the Lord has done and it is wonderful in our eyes?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes?

American Standard Version
Jesus 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 marvelous in our eyes?

Contemporary English Version
Jesus replied, "You surely know that the Scriptures say, 'The stone the builders tossed aside is now the most important stone of all. This is something the Lord has done, and it is amazing to us.'

English Revised Version
Jesus 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 marvelous in our eyes?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus asked them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The Lord is responsible for this, and it is amazing for us to see'?

Good News Translation
Jesus said to them, "Haven't you ever read what the Scriptures say? 'The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. This was done by the Lord; what a wonderful sight it is!'

International Standard Version
Jesus asked them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes.'?

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, ?Have you never read in the Scriptures: ?The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes??

NET Bible
Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?

New Heart English Bible
Jesus said to them, "Did you 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. It is marvelous in our eyes?'

Webster's Bible Translation
Jesus saith to 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 marvelous in our eyes?

Weymouth New Testament
"Have you never read in the Scriptures," said Jesus, "'The Stone which the builders rejected has been made the Cornerstone: this Cornerstone came from the Lord, and is wonderful in our eyes'?

World English Bible
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord. It is marvelous in our eyes’?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Jesus says to them, “Did you never read in the Writings: A stone that the builders disallowed, it became head of a corner; from the LORD has this come to pass, and it is wonderful in our eyes?

Berean Literal Bible
Jesus says to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone that those building rejected, this has become the chief corner. This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?

Young's Literal Translation
Jesus 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.

Smith's Literal Translation
Jesus says to them, Have ye never read in the writings, The stone which the builders disapproved of, this was for the head of the corner? This was from the Lord, and it was wonderful in your eyes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Jesus 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Jesus said to them: “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders have rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?’

New American Bible
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’?

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes’?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the scripture, The stone which the builders rejected, the same became the cornerstone; this was from the Lord, and it is a marvel in our eyes?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Yeshua said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was from the presence of THE LORD JEHOVAH, and it is a wonder in our eyes?”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Jesus said to them: Did you never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner?

Godbey New Testament
Jesus says, Have you not read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same has come to be the head of the corner: this was with the Lord, and is marvelous in our eyes?

Haweis New Testament
Jesus saith unto them, Have ye not read in the Scriptures, ?The stone, which the builders rejected; the same is become the head of the corner; this is done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.?

Mace New Testament
Jesus reply'd, did ye never read in the scriptures, " that very stone which the builders rejected, is become the principal stone of the angle, this the Lord effected, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

Weymouth New Testament
"Have you never read in the Scriptures," said Jesus, "'The Stone which the builders rejected has been made the Cornerstone: this Cornerstone came from the Lord, and is wonderful in our eyes'?

Worrell New Testament
Jesus saith to them, "Did ye never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made head of a corner; this was from the Lord, and it is marvellous in our eyes?'

Worsley New Testament
Then saith Jesus to them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, "The stone which the builders refused, is made the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Parable of the Wicked Tenants
41“He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.” 42 Jesus said to them, Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.…

Cross References
Psalm 118:22-23
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Acts 4:11
This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’

1 Peter 2:7
To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”

Isaiah 28:16
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.

Mark 12:10-11
Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. / This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

Luke 20:17
But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?

Ephesians 2:20
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.

Romans 9:32-33
Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, / as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

1 Corinthians 3:11
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Daniel 2:34-35
As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them. / Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Zechariah 10:4
The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together.

Isaiah 8:14-15
And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. / Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.”

1 Peter 2:4-6
As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, / you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. / For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

Acts 2:36
Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

Romans 10:11
It is just as the Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”


Treasury of Scripture

Jesus said to them, Did you 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 marvelous in our eyes?

Did.

Matthew 21:16
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

The stone.

Psalm 118:22,23
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner…

Isaiah 28:16
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Zechariah 3:8,9
Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH…

and it is.

Habakkuk 1:5
Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

Acts 13:40,41
Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; …

Ephesians 3:3-9
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, …

Jump to Previous
Builders Building Capstone Chief Corner Cornerstone Disallowed Eyes Head Jesus Lord's Marvellous Marvelous Read Rejected Scriptures Side Stone Wonder Wonderful Writings
Jump to Next
Builders Building Capstone Chief Corner Cornerstone Disallowed Eyes Head Jesus Lord's Marvellous Marvelous Read Rejected Scriptures Side Stone Wonder Wonderful Writings
Matthew 21
1. Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey
12. drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple;
17. curses the fig tree;
23. puts to silence the priests and elders,
28. and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons,
33. and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them.














Jesus said to them
This phrase introduces the speaker, Jesus, who is central to the Christian faith as the Son of God and the Messiah. In the context of Matthew 21, Jesus is addressing the religious leaders of His time. The authority of Jesus is emphasized here, as He speaks with divine wisdom and insight. The Greek word for "said" is "λέγω" (legō), which implies a declaration or proclamation, underscoring the importance of His words.

Have you never read
This rhetorical question challenges the religious leaders' understanding of the Scriptures. Jesus often used this phrase to point out their lack of true comprehension despite their familiarity with the text. The Greek word for "read" is "ἀναγινώσκω" (anaginōskō), which means to know accurately or to recognize. It suggests that reading Scripture should lead to deeper understanding and transformation.

‘The stone the builders rejected
This phrase refers to Psalm 118:22, a messianic prophecy. The "stone" symbolizes Jesus Himself, and the "builders" represent the religious leaders who failed to recognize His messianic role. The Greek word for "rejected" is "ἀποδοκιμάζω" (apodokimazō), meaning to disapprove or repudiate. Historically, stones were carefully selected for construction, and a rejected stone was deemed unfit. This imagery highlights the leaders' grave error in dismissing Jesus.

has become the cornerstone
The "cornerstone" is the most crucial stone in a building's foundation, ensuring stability and alignment. In Greek, "κεφαλή γωνίας" (kephalē gōnias) is used, indicating the head or chief cornerstone. This transformation from rejected stone to cornerstone signifies Jesus' exaltation and essential role in God's redemptive plan. It reflects the divine reversal where what was dismissed by man is honored by God.

This is from the Lord
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty and divine orchestration. The Greek word "παρά" (para) implies origin or source, indicating that this outcome is God's doing. It reassures believers that God's purposes prevail despite human opposition. The historical context of Israel's reliance on God's intervention reinforces the message of divine providence.

and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
The word "marvelous" in Greek is "θαυμαστός" (thaumastos), meaning wonderful or astonishing. This phrase invites reflection on the awe-inspiring nature of God's work. The transformation of the rejected stone into the cornerstone is a testament to God's power and wisdom. It encourages believers to view God's actions with wonder and gratitude, recognizing His hand in the unfolding of history and personal lives.

(42) Did ye never read. . . .?--The quotation is remarkable as being found (Psalm 118:22) in the immediate context of the verse which had supplied the "hosanna" shouts of the multitude on the preceding day. In the primary meaning of the Psalm, the illustration seems to have been drawn from one of the stones, quarried, hewn, and marked, away from the site of the Temple, which the builders, ignorant of the head architect's plans, had put on one side, as having no place in the building, but which was found afterwards to be that on which the completeness of the structure depended, that on which, as the chief corner-stone, the two walls met and were bonded together. The Psalmist saw in this a parable of the choice of David to be king over Israel; perhaps, also, of the choice of Israel itself out of the nations of the world. Elsewhere, as in Ephesians 2:20, and in the language of later ages, Christ Himself is the chief corner-stone. Here the context gives a somewhat different application, and "the stone which the builders rejected" is found in the future converts from among the Gentiles, the nation bringing forth the fruits which Israel had not brought forth--the "corner-stone" of the great edifice of the Catholic Church of Christ. This meaning was obviously not incompatible with the other. As the mind of the Psalmist included both David and Israel under the same symbolism, so here the Christ identifies Himself, more or less completely, with the Church which is His body. (Comp. Ephesians 1:22-23.)

Verse 42. - Did ye never read? It is as though Christ said, "Ye have answered rightly. You profess to know the Scriptures well; do you not, then, apprehend that Holy Writ foretells that concerning Messiah and his enemies which you have just announced?" The imagery is changed, but the subject is the same as in the preceding parable. The vineyard is now a building; the husbandmen are the builders; the Son is the stone. In the Scriptures. The quotation is from Psalm 118:22, 23 - the same psalm which was used on the day of triumph when Christ was saluted with cries of "Hosanna!" and which, as some say, was first sung by Israel at the Feast of Tabernacles on the return from Captivity. The stone. This figure was generally understood to represent Messiah, on whom depended the existence and support of the kingdom of God. Many prophecies containing this metaphor were applied to him; e.g. Isaiah 28:16; Daniel 2:34; Zechariah 3:9; so that the Pharisees could be at no loss to understand the allusion, seeing that Jesus claimed to be that Stone. Rejected; as being not suitable to the building, or useless in its construction. So the husbandmen rejected the Son. The ignorance and contempt of men are overruled by the great Architect. The head of the corner. The cornerstone, which stands at the base and binds together two principal walls (see St. Paul's grand words, Ephesians 2:19-22). We learn that Christ unites Jew and Gentile in one holy house (comp. 1 Peter 2:6, 7). This (αὕτη), being feminine, is thought by some to refer to "head of the corner" (κεφαλὴν, γωνίας); but it is better to take it as used by a Hebrew idiom for the neuter, and to refer generally to what has preceded, viz. the settlement of the cornerstone in its destined position, which is effected by the Lord himself. The ultimate victory of the rejected Son is thus distinctly predicted (comp. Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

said
Λέγει (Legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

to them,
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“Have you never read
ἀνέγνωτε (anegnōte)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 314: To read, know again, know certainly, recognize, discern. From ana and ginosko; to know again, i.e. to read.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
ταῖς (tais)
Article - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Scriptures:
γραφαῖς (graphais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1124: (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.

‘[The] stone
Λίθον (Lithon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3037: A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

builders
οἰκοδομοῦντες (oikodomountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3618: From the same as oikodome; to be a house-builder, i.e. Construct or confirm.

rejected
ἀπεδοκίμασαν (apedokimasan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 593: To reject after testing (examination), disqualify. From apo and dokimazo; to disapprove, i.e. to repudiate.

has become
ἐγενήθη (egenēthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

the
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

cornerstone.
γωνίας (gōnias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1137: A corner; met: a secret place. Probably akin to gonu; an angle.

This
αὕτη (hautē)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

is
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

from
Παρὰ (Para)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

[the] Lord,
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

and
Καὶ (Kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

it is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

marvelous
θαυμαστὴ (thaumastē)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2298: To be wondered at, wonderful, marvelous. From thaumazo; wondered at, i.e. wonderful.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

eyes??
ὀφθαλμοῖς (ophthalmois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3788: The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy.


Links
Matthew 21:42 NIV
Matthew 21:42 NLT
Matthew 21:42 ESV
Matthew 21:42 NASB
Matthew 21:42 KJV

Matthew 21:42 BibleApps.com
Matthew 21:42 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 21:42 Chinese Bible
Matthew 21:42 French Bible
Matthew 21:42 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 21:42 Jesus said to them Did you never (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 21:41
Top of Page
Top of Page