The Stone the Builders Rejected Has Become the Cornerstone

The phrase "The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" is a prophetic statement that echoes through the scriptures, highlighting a central theme in YAHVAH's redemptive plan. This theme is not only pivotal in understanding the role of YAHSHUA but also in grasping the nature of YAHVAH's kingdom and His dealings with humanity. We will explore this theme by delving into various scriptures, uncovering its significance and implications for believers today.


In the ancient world, the cornerstone was the most crucial stone in a building. It was the first stone set in the construction of a foundation, determining the position of the entire structure. Thus, rejecting a stone that later becomes the cornerstone carries a message about reversal and redemption. This concept finds its ultimate fulfillment in YAHSHUA, who, though rejected by many during His earthly ministry, is the cornerstone of YAHVAH's eternal Kingdom.
 

The Prophecy in the Psalms

The phrase "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner" is found in Psalm 118:22 (KJV). This verse is a prophetic utterance that foreshadows the coming of YAHSHUA and the establishment of His kingdom. Let us consider the broader context of this Psalm:
 

 "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is YAHVAH's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which YAHVAH hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:22-24 ).

This passage speaks of YAHVAH's sovereign act of elevating what was rejected to a place of preeminence. It underscores that this divine reversal is YAHVAH's work and is to be marveled at and celebrated by His people.
 

YAHSHUA and the Fulfillment of the Prophecy

YAHSHUA explicitly identified Himself with this prophetic stone. In the New Testament, YAHSHUA quotes Psalm 118:22 in reference to Himself, thereby claiming its fulfillment in His person and mission. One significant instance is found in the Gospel of Matthew:
 

 "YAHSHUA 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 YAHVAH's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of YAHVAH shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder" (Matthew 21:42-44 ).

In this passage, YAHSHUA addresses the religious leaders who opposed Him. He warns them that their rejection of Him, the cornerstone, will lead to their downfall and the transfer of YAHVAH's kingdom to others who will bear its fruit. This was said against his own, the Jews. We are the others... This powerful statement underscores both YAHSHUA's central role in YAHVAH's redemptive plan and the grave consequences of rejecting Him.
 

The Apostolic Witness

The apostles continued to emphasize YAHSHUA as the cornerstone in their teachings. Peter, in particular, draws on this imagery in his epistles and speeches. In his address before the Sanhedrin, Peter boldly declares:
 

 "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:11-12).

Peter asserts that YAHSHUA, though rejected by the religious authorities, is the cornerstone of salvation. This declaration highlights the exclusivity and necessity of YAHSHUA for salvation, affirming that rejecting Him is tantamount to rejecting YAHVAH's provision for redemption.

Furthermore, in his epistle, Peter exhorts believers to come to YAHSHUA, the living stone:

 "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 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" (1 Peter 2:6-8).

Peter reinforces the dual aspect of YAHSHUA as the cornerstone: to believers, He is precious and foundational; to those who reject Him, He becomes a stone of stumbling and offense.
 

The Rejection and Suffering of YAHSHUA

The rejection of YAHSHUA by the builders (the religious leaders and many of the people of Israel) is a theme that runs throughout the Gospels. YAHSHUA's suffering and crucifixion were the culmination of this rejection. Isaiah's prophecy vividly portrays the suffering servant who was despised and rejected by men:
 

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of YAHVAH, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:3-5).

This passage captures the paradox of YAHSHUA's mission: through His rejection and suffering, He accomplished the ultimate act of redemption. YAHSHUA's death and resurrection are the foundation of the new covenant and the establishment of YAHVAH's kingdom.

The Cornerstone of the Church

The imagery of YAHSHUA as the cornerstone is foundational to the identity and mission of the Church. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes that the Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with YAHSHUA Himself being the chief cornerstone:
 

 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of YAHVAH; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, YAHSHUA Messiah himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in YAHVAH: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of YAHVAH through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22).

Paul highlights the unity and growth of the Church, which is anchored in YAHSHUA as the cornerstone. This cornerstone ensures the stability and coherence of the entire structure, which is the body of believers.
 

The Universal Scope of YAHSHUA's Mission

The rejection of YAHSHUA by the builders also signifies the opening of YAHVAH's redemptive plan to the Gentiles. The stone rejected by the builders (representing Israel's religious leaders) has become the cornerstone of a new and inclusive covenant community. Paul speaks of this mystery of inclusion in his letter to the Romans:
 

 "I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? YAHVAH forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?" (Romans 11:11-12).

Paul indicates that Israel's rejection of YAHSHUA has led to the riches of salvation being extended to the Gentiles. This expansion of YAHVAH's covenant community fulfills the promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed.

The Personal Application

Understanding YAHSHUA as the cornerstone has personal implications for believers. It calls for a recognition of YAHSHUA's central place in our lives and faith. He is not merely a component of our belief system but the foundation upon which our entire lives are built. YAHSHUA's role as the cornerstone demands our total allegiance and trust.

Believers are exhorted to build their lives upon the solid foundation of YAHSHUA's teachings and person. YAHSHUA Himself underscores this in His parable of the wise and foolish builders:
 

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matthew 7:24-27).

YAHSHUA's words call us to not only hear His teachings but to put them into practice, thereby establishing our lives on the unshakable foundation of the cornerstone.
 

The Call to Witness

As believers who recognize YAHSHUA as the cornerstone, we are also called to be witnesses of this truth to the world. The rejection of YAHSHUA by the builders and His subsequent exaltation as the cornerstone is a powerful testimony of YAHVAH's redemptive work. We are called to proclaim this message of hope and redemption, inviting others to build their lives upon YAHSHUA.

Peter exhorts believers to be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in them:

"But sanctify YAHVAH Elohim in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Messiah" (1 Peter 3:15-16).

Our witness is rooted in the transformative power of YAHSHUA, the cornerstone, and our lives should reflect the stability and hope that come from being grounded in Him.


The theme of "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" is a multifaceted revelation of  YAHVAH's redemptive plan. From the prophetic declaration in the Psalms to its fulfillment in YAHSHUA and its application to the Church and individual believers, this theme encapsulates the essence of YAHVAH's dealings with humanity.

YAHSHUA, though rejected and despised, has been exalted by YAHVAH to the place of utmost importance. He is the cornerstone of our faith, the foundation of the Church, and the basis of our hope and salvation. As believers, we are called to build our lives upon Him, live out His teachings, and proclaim His redemptive work to the world.

In recognizing YAHSHUA as the cornerstone, we join with the psalmist in declaring, "This is YAHVAHs doing; it is marvellous in our eyes" (Psalm 118:23). Let us rejoice and be glad in this divine work, continually finding our stability and purpose in YAHSHUA, the cornerstone of our lives.