What does Matthew 21:42 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 21:42 is a verse spoken by Jesus Christ in the context of a parable he shares with the religious leaders in Jerusalem.

The literal meaning of the verse refers to a stone that was initially rejected by builders but later becomes a cornerstone, which is an essential part of a building's foundation and structure.

Metaphorically, Jesus is referring to Himself as the stone that was rejected by the Jewish leaders and by extension, the people of Israel; yet He is the one appointed by God to be foundational to the Church and the Kingdom of God.

Thus, the verse conveys the idea of the vindication and ultimate exaltation of Jesus Christ, after His rejection and crucifixion.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the Gospel of Matthew, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience.

By the time the Gospel was written (between 70–110 AD), the early Christian church was experiencing growth among Gentiles as well as Jews.

The rejection of Jesus by the Jewish leaders had already occurred historically, with His crucifixion, and His resurrection had established Him as the "cornerstone" in the foundation of the Christian faith.

The quote that Jesus uses also appears in Psalm 118:22–23 and is a common motif in Second Temple Judaism referring to messianic expectations.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Matthew 21:42 highlights the sovereignty of God, who, despite the rejection of Jesus by men, ordains Him to be the cornerstone of salvation.

It also shifts messianic expectations from a nationalistic deliverer to a suffering yet exalted Savior.

This interpretation is prevalent in Christian theology, where the rejection of Jesus is seen as part of God's salvation plan.

Different theological perspectives might emphasize varying aspects of this passage.

For example, Reformed theology would point to God's providence and election in the establishment of Jesus as the cornerstone.

Liberation theology might see Jesus' rejection as indicative of God's solidarity with the oppressed and marginalized.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even in the face of rejection or adversity.

For Christians, it is a call to view Christ as the foundation of their faith and lives, despite what societal norms might dictate.

This can also lead to reflections on humility and the recognition that God's choices are often counterintuitive to human expectations.

Cross-References

• Psalm 118:22–23: "The stone which the builder refused is become the head stone of the corner.

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."

• Isaiah 28:16: "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."
• 1 Peter 2:7: "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."

Language Study

In the original Greek language, the term used for "stone" is "λίθος" (lithos), which typically signifies a stone or rock. The "builders" are "οἰκοδομέω" (oikodomeo), meaning those who build or construct.

The term for "rejected" is "ἀποδοκιμάζω" (apodokimazo), conveying the act of disapproving or deeming unworthy.

Finally, the "head of the corner," or "κεφαλὴν γωνίας" (kephalēn gōnias), indicates the cornerstone or capstone, which was crucial in ancient construction for the stability and alignment of the structure.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a cornerstone is not unique to Christianity and can be found in various other cultures where it often symbolizes the foundation of a building and, by extension, a society or community.

In Assyrian and Egyptian cultures, the ritual of laying a cornerstone had religious significance.

The idea of a rejected individual or entity later becoming foundational also has parallels in various hero myths and legends where a hero's worth is initially overlooked.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, this verse does not intersect directly with any empirical claims or investigations.

Any scientific discussion would likely be metaphorical or related to the principles of building and construction, such as the importance of a structurally sound foundation for any edifice, which metaphorically relates to the necessity of a sound foundational principle for belief systems.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars often interpret Matthew 21:42 as reflecting the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the life of Jesus Christ.

Craig S.

Keener in his commentary suggests that the verse underscores the unexpected reversal typical in Jesus' teachings, where the rejected becomes crucial.

N.T.

Wright points out that this verse speaks of God's sovereign choice overriding human rejection, indicating divine vindication.

Most commentaries agree that the verse is central to understanding Jesus’ messianic role and the nature of the Kingdom He came to establish.