What Jesus Said
“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?”
Where It Comes From
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
Original Language Note
The "head of the corner" (Hebrew: רֹאשׁ פִּנָּה, rosh pinnah; Greek: κεφαλὴ γωνίας) refers to the cornerstone — the first stone laid, which determines the alignment of the entire structure. Ancient buildings could not stand without a properly set cornerstone.
The Context
Jesus told the parable of the wicked tenants who killed the vineyard owner's servants and finally his son. The Jewish leaders realized He was speaking about them. He then quoted Psalm 118:22-23, identifying Himself as the rejected stone who would become the cornerstone.
Seeing Christ
The builders were the religious leaders of Israel — those tasked with constructing God's house. They examined Christ and rejected Him as unsuitable. But God overruled their verdict. The stone they threw aside became the most important stone of all — the one that holds the entire building together. The church is built upon Christ (Ephesians 2:20), and every believer is a living stone added to this structure (1 Peter 2:5). What the experts rejected, God exalted.
Answering the Skeptic
Jesus quotes this psalm after telling a parable that predicts His own rejection and death — showing His death was anticipated, not accidental. The psalm is from the Hallel (Psalms 113-118), sung during Passover, which the crowds had just sung during His triumphal entry ("Hosanna" = Psalm 118:25). Jesus is claiming to be the fulfillment of Israel's central liturgical celebration. The cornerstone imagery also appears in Isaiah 28:16 and Daniel 2:34-35, forming a rich Old Testament testimony to the Messiah who would be rejected yet ultimately triumph.