Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5269 cornerstone

A stone that can be in the foundation, above ground level or at the summit of the roof (the “capstone”). The cornerstone of a large building gives it a reliable and firm foundation, leading to the cohesion and stability of the whole building. In Scripture, such foundation-stones are taken as symbolic of the basis of faith in Jesus Christ and the church. Jesus Christ is thus represented as both the foundation upon which the church is built, and the capstone which crowns the whole.

The place of the cornerstone in buildings

Job 38:4-6 See also Jeremiah 51:26; 1 Peter 2:4-8

The cornerstone is prominent, indispensable and should be reliable

Isaiah 28:16 See also Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 19:13

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church

Ephesians 2:19-22 See also 1 Peter 2:5-6; Isaiah 28:16

The cornerstone is a sure foundation for believers, but a stumbling-block for unbelievers

Rejection of the cornerstone leads to stumbling and rejection

Matthew 21:42-44 pp Mark 12:10-11 pp Luke 20:17-18 See also Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 8:13-15; Romans 9:33; Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:7-8

Reliance on the cornerstone gives security to believers

1 Peter 2:6-7 See also Isaiah 28:16; Acts 4:10-12; Ephesians 2:20-22

The capstone as the crowning glory of a building

Psalm 118:22

For all the following NT references, NIV footnote is “cornerstone”:

Matthew 21:42-44 pp Mark 12:10 pp Luke 20:17-18; Acts 4:10-12; 1 Peter 2:4-8

See also

1670  symbols
2212  Christ, head of church
5317  foundation
5604  walls
7024  church, nature of