What does Mark 12:10 mean?

Explanation

Mark 12:10 references a part of a parable about the wicked husbandmen (tenants) which Jesus taught.

This specific verse is a quote from Psalm 118:22 and is used by Jesus to illustrate the rejection of the Messiah by the Jewish leaders, who were the builders in this metaphor.

Literally, the verse suggests that a stone discarded by builders was later found to be essential as the chief cornerstone, the foundational stone in the architecture of a building.

Metaphorically, Jesus is identifying Himself as the stone that, although rejected, becomes the cornerstone of God's kingdom on Earth.

The cornerstone was the most important stone in ancient construction because it was typically the first stone set in the construction and all other stones would be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Mark is generally considered to have been written between 65-70 AD, a time when Christians were experiencing persecution.

Mark often presents Jesus as the suffering servant who endures rejection and death but is ultimately vindicated by God, just as the rejected stone becomes the head of the corner.

This passage reflects the early Christian belief that although Jesus was rejected and crucified by the Jewish authorities (and by extension, by Rome), He was raised by God and given a place of preeminence.

The historical context includes a period of tension between the nascent Christian community and the Jewish religious establishment.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse serves as a prophecy of both Jesus' rejection and his ultimate exaltation. It goes to the heart of the Christian belief that Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church. Different theological perspectives might emphasize this in various ways:

• Traditional Christian theology sees Jesus as the foundation upon which the church is built.
• Reformed theologians might highlight the sovereignty of God in exalting Jesus despite human rejection.
• Liberation theologians could interpret the verse as hope for the marginalized, as Jesus, the rejected one, becomes the cornerstone, suggesting that God often works through the unexpected and the downtrodden.

Practical Applications

For an individual believer, this verse can be a reminder that rejection by the world can be followed by vindication and honor from God.

It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith even when they face rejection or failure.

The teaching can also be applied to community life, signaling the importance of not dismissing individuals or ideas that at first seem unimportant or unimpressive, as they may turn out to be vital.

Cross-References

• Psalm 118:22-23: "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."

• Matthew 21:42: "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?"
• Acts 4:11: "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner."
• Ephesians 2:20: "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;"

Language Study

The key phrase in this verse is "head of the corner," from the Greek κεφαλὴν γωνίας (kephalēn gōnias). κεφαλὴν (kephalēn) means "head" or "chief," and γωνίας (gōnias) means "corner" or "angle," suggesting the cornerstone or capstone in architectural terms.

This reflects the importance of Jesus' role as the essential, unifying cornerstone in the spiritual building, i.e., the church.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a cornerstone is not unique to Judaism or Christianity. In various ancient cultures, cornerstones had ceremonial significance and were often part of the foundation ritual of buildings.

However, the particular application of the cornerstone as a metaphor for a central spiritual figure appears distinct in its biblical context, linking it to the idea of a foundational savior or messiah figure.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not typically weigh in on theological concepts such as the cornerstone, as it is a metaphorical representation rather than a phenomenon that can be evaluated with scientific methods.

However, the principle of a cornerstone in architecture is supported by engineering and architectural practices as an essential element in designing and constructing a stable and aligned structure.

Commentaries

Different commentators have offered various interpretations of Mark 12:10:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary emphasizes how God raises the humble, illustrating God's providence in exalting Jesus as the cornerstone despite human rejection.
• The MacArthur Study Bible notes that Jesus quotes Psalm 118 to show how the religious leaders, through their plans to destroy Him, were actually fulfilling prophecy.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament points out that this verse serves as a key to understanding the parable of the tenants, as it identifies Jesus as the son who is killed and the stone that is originally rejected.
• William Barclay states that the chief cornerstone was the most important part of the building because it set the lines for the whole foundation, thus Jesus setting the lines for spiritual life.

These commentaries reflect the common understanding of Jesus as the unexpected yet central figure in God's salvific plan, as seen through Christian doctrinal lenses.