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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Peter 2:4 As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_peter/2-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/60_1Pe_02_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Peter 2:4 - The Living Stone" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God's sight," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_peter/2-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_peter/2-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_peter/">1 Peter</a> > <a href="/1_peter/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_peter/2-3.htm" title="1 Peter 2:3">◄</a> 1 Peter 2:4 <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm" title="1 Peter 2:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_peter/2.htm">New International Version</a> As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— <a href="/nlt/1_peter/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. <a href="/esv/1_peter/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, <a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, <a href="/blb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Coming to Him, a living stone, indeed rejected by men, but chosen and precious in the sight of God, <a href="/kjv/1_peter/2.htm">King James Bible</a> To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, <a href="/nkjv/1_peter/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, <a href="/nasb_/1_peter/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, <a href="/nasb77/1_peter/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, <a href="/lsb/1_peter/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, <a href="/amp/1_peter/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. <a href="/csb/1_peter/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God— <a href="/hcsb/1_peter/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Coming to Him, a living stone—rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God— <a href="/asv/1_peter/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, <a href="/cev/1_peter/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Come to Jesus Christ. He is the living stone people have rejected, but which God has chosen and highly honored. <a href="/erv/1_peter/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> unto whom coming, a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but with God elect, precious, <a href="/gwt/1_peter/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You are coming to Christ, the living stone who was rejected by humans but was chosen as precious by God. <a href="/gnt/1_peter/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Come to the Lord, the living stone rejected by people as worthless but chosen by God as valuable. <a href="/isv/1_peter/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> As you come to him, the living stone who was rejected by people but was chosen and precious in God's sight, <a href="/msb/1_peter/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God?s sight, <a href="/net/1_peter/2.htm">NET Bible</a> So as you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen and priceless in God's sight, <a href="/nheb/1_peter/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> coming to him, a living stone, though rejected by people but chosen by God, precious. <a href="/wbt/1_peter/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> To whom coming as to a living stone, disallowed indeed by men, but chosen by God, and precious, <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Come to Him, the ever-living Stone, rejected indeed by men as worthless, but in God's esteem chosen and held in honour. <a href="/web/1_peter/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Come to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_peter/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> to whom coming—a living stone—having indeed been disapproved of by men, but with God—choice [and] precious, <a href="/blb/1_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Coming to Him, a living stone, indeed rejected by men, but chosen and precious in the sight of God, <a href="/ylt/1_peter/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> to whom coming -- a living stone -- by men, indeed, having been disapproved of, but with God choice, precious, <a href="/slt/1_peter/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> To whom approaching, a living stone, truly disapproved of by men, and chosen by God, highly valued,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_peter/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen and made honourable by God: <a href="/cpdv/1_peter/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And approaching him as if he were a living stone, rejected by men, certainly, but elect and honored by God, <a href="/nabre/1_peter/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, <a href="/nrsvce/1_peter/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_peter/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The one to whom you are coming is the living stone, whom men have rejected, and yet he is chosen and precious with God; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_peter/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He to whom you draw near, The Living Stone, whom the children of men have rejected, and is chosen and precious to God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_peter/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by man, but in the sight of God, chosen and precious, <a href="/godbey/1_peter/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Unto whom going forth, to a living stone, indeed rejected by men, but elect with God, precious, <a href="/haweis/1_peter/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Whom approaching, as the living stone, rejected indeed of men, but elect of God, and honourable, <a href="/mace/1_peter/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> which however rejected it is by men, is the precious stone, which God has chosen: and <a href="/wey/1_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Come to Him, the ever-living Stone, rejected indeed by men as worthless, but in God's esteem chosen and held in honour. <a href="/worrell/1_peter/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> to Whom coming, a Living Stone, rejected, indeed, by men, but with God Elect, Precious, <a href="/worsley/1_peter/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> to whom coming as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen of God, <a href="/parallel/1_peter/2-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1h9-AlUcaGE?start=269" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_peter/2.htm">The Living Stone</a> 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4<a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proserchomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">As you come</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: Pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">Him,</a> <a href="/greek/2198.htm" title="2198: zōnta (V-PPA-AMS) -- To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.">the living</a> <a href="/greek/3037.htm" title="3037: lithon (N-AMS) -- A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.">stone,</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/593.htm" title="593: apodedokimasmenon (V-RPM/P-AMS) -- To reject after testing (examination), disqualify. From apo and dokimazo; to disapprove, i.e. to repudiate.">rejected</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1588.htm" title="1588: eklekton (Adj-AMS) -- From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.">chosen</a> <a href="/greek/1784.htm" title="1784: entimon (Adj-AMS) -- (held precious, hence) precious, honored, honorable in rank. From en and time; valued.">and precious</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">in God’s</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">sight,</a> 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22</a> The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a> Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a> This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20-22</a> built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. / And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit. <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32-33</a> Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, / as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” <a href="/mark/12-10.htm">Mark 12:10</a> Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. <a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Luke 20:17</a> But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a> For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. <a href="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Isaiah 8:14</a> And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. <a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a> He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. <a href="/john/6-37.htm">John 6:37</a> Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. <a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Hebrews 4:14</a> Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. <a href="/hebrews/5-5.htm">Hebrews 5:5-6</a> So also Christ did not take upon Himself the glory of becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” / And in another passage God says: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” <a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26</a> Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>To whom coming, as to a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,To.<a href="/isaiah/55-3.htm">Isaiah 55:3</a> Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.<a href="/jeremiah/3-22.htm">Jeremiah 3:22</a> Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a> Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.a living.<a href="/john/5-26.htm">John 5:26</a> For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;<a href="/john/6-57.htm">John 6:57</a> As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.<a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25,26</a> Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: … stone.<a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.<a href="/daniel/2-34.htm">Daniel 2:34,45</a> Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces… <a href="/zechariah/3-9.htm">Zechariah 3:9</a> For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone shall be seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the graving thereof, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.disallowed.<a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22,23</a> The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner… <a href="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Isaiah 8:14,15</a> And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem… <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a> 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?chosen.<a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.<a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Matthew 12:18</a> Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.precious.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/1-17.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-1.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Disallowed</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Disapproved</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-2.htm">Elect</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-15.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">Ever-Living</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Held</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-7.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-3.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-19.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/james/4-10.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Special</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Value</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">Disallowed</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">Disapproved</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Elect</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Esteem</a> <a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Ever-Living</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-8.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Held</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Honoured</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-14.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-4.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Special</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Value</a> <a href="/numbers/21-5.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">1 Peter 2</div>1. <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">He exhorts to put away wickedness;</a> 4. <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">showing that Christ is the foundation whereupon they are built.</a> 11. <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">He beseeches them also to abstain from sinful desires;</a> 13. <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">to be obedient to authorities;</a> 18. <a href="/1_peter/2-18.htm">and teaches servants how to obey their masters;</a> 20. <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">patiently suffering for well doing, after the example of Christ.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The act of "coming" suggests an ongoing, active pursuit of faith and communion with Christ. It echoes the call of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28</a>, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This approach is not a one-time event but a continual drawing near to Christ, emphasizing the relational aspect of Christianity.the living stone The term "living stone" is a metaphor for Jesus Christ, highlighting His resurrection and eternal life. Unlike inanimate stones used in construction, Jesus is alive and active. This imagery connects to Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a>, which speaks of a "tested stone, a precious cornerstone" laid by God. The living stone signifies strength, stability, and the foundation of the church, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a>, where Christ is described as the cornerstone.rejected by men This phrase reflects the historical reality of Jesus' rejection by the Jewish leaders and many of His contemporaries, as seen in <a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a>, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." It also fulfills the prophecy of <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a>, which describes the Messiah as "despised and rejected by mankind." This rejection is a recurring theme in the Gospels, culminating in the crucifixion.but chosen and precious in God’s sight Despite human rejection, Jesus is "chosen" by God, indicating divine election and purpose. This aligns with the Messianic prophecy in <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22</a>, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." The term "precious" underscores the value and honor bestowed upon Christ by God, contrasting human judgment with divine approval. This divine perspective is crucial for understanding the true identity and mission of Jesus, as affirmed in <a href="/matthew/3-17.htm">Matthew 3:17</a>, where God declares Jesus as His beloved Son.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Referred to as the "living stone," symbolizing His role as the foundation of the Church and His eternal, life-giving nature. 2. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle who authored this epistle, addressing early Christians facing persecution and encouraging them in their faith. 3. <a href="/topical/e/early_christians.htm">Early Christians</a> The recipients of Peter's letter, who were experiencing trials and needed reassurance of their identity and purpose in Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The one who has chosen and deemed Jesus as precious, highlighting the divine approval and purpose in Christ's mission. 5. <a href="/topical/m/men.htm">Men</a> Those who rejected Jesus, representing the world’s opposition to God’s chosen plan and the contrast between human and divine perspectives.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_living_stone.htm">The Living Stone</a> Jesus is not just a historical figure but a living presence, actively involved in the life of believers. This calls us to a dynamic relationship with Him. <a href="/topical/r/rejection_and_acceptance.htm">Rejection and Acceptance</a> Just as Jesus was rejected by men but chosen by God, believers may face rejection in the world but are precious in God’s sight. This should encourage us to seek God’s approval above all. <a href="/topical/f/foundation_of_faith.htm">Foundation of Faith</a> As the cornerstone, Jesus is the essential foundation of our faith. We must build our lives upon His teachings and example. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Understanding our identity as chosen and precious in God’s sight empowers us to live confidently and purposefully, even amidst trials. <a href="/topical/c/community_of_believers.htm">Community of Believers</a> As living stones ourselves, we are called to be part of a spiritual house, emphasizing the importance of community and unity in the Church.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_peter_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Peter 2</a> <a href="/q/can_'living_stones'_be_validated_historically.htm">1 Peter 2:4–5: How can the metaphor of believers as “living stones” be validated scientifically, historically, or archeologically? </a> <a href="/q/what's_living_stone's_significance.htm">What is the significance of Living Stone?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'foundation_of_apostles'.htm">What does 'The End of All Things Is at Hand' mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_busybodies.htm">What does the Bible say about busybodies?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_peter/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) To whom coming.--The word used is that which gives rise to the name of a "proselyte." (Comp. Note on <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm" title="As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:">1Peter 2:2</a>.) It is also strangely used in something of the same sense in <a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm" title="If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;">1Timothy 6:3</a>. "Joining Him therefore as proselytes." Not that St. Peter has any notion of a mere external accession. The Apostolic writers do not contemplate the possibility of a difference between the visible and invisible Church. From this point the regeneration-idea, which coloured the whole of the preceding portion of the Epistle, suddenly disappears. The thought is no longer that of a spiritual seed instead of a carnal seed, but of a spiritual Temple instead of the stone temple at Jerusalem.A living stone.--The very structure and order of the sentence puts Jesus Christ first. Foundation first, building afterwards. It is a pity to insert "as unto" with our version; it takes off from the striking, attracting effect of the sudden metaphor. St. Peter is fond of explaining his metaphors--e.g., "inheritance . . . in heaven," "tested genuineness . . . more precious than of gold," "gird up . . . loins of your minds:" so here, "living stone." It is more than doubtful whether St. Peter, in what follows, had before his mind the giving of his own surname. The word which he here uses is neither petros, nor petra, but lithos; and indeed the whole idea of the relative position of the Church to the petra and to the lithos is quite different. Neither petros nor petra could possibly be used of the squared wrought stone, but represent the native rocky unhewn substratum--part, or whole--which pre-exists before any building is begun, even before the "chief corner-stone" would be placed. (Comp. <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm" title="Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, which built his house on a rock:">Matthew 7:24</a>.) Here, therefore, the idea is quite different: the substratum is not thought of at all; and Jesus Christ is a carefully selected and hewn stone (lithos), specially laid as the first act in the work of building. The only thing, therefore, which is, in fact, common to the two passages is the simple thought of the Christian Church being like a building. Our present verse gives us no direct help towards finding how St. Peter understood the famous name-passage. All we can say for certain is that he did not so interpret it as to suppose an official connection with his own person to be the one essential of the true Church, or else in again using the metaphor of building the Church (though in a different connection) he could hardly have omitted all mention of himself. He is, apparently, thinking only of the Messianic interpretation of Old Testament sayings as expounded by our Lord--the "unsophisticated milk of the word" of <a href="/1_peter/2-2.htm" title="As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:">1Peter 2:2</a>.Disallowed indeed of men.--A direct reference to the passage (<a href="/psalms/118-22.htm" title="The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.">Psalm 118:22</a>), which is quoted below in <a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm" title="To you therefore which believe he is precious: but to them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,">1Peter 2:7</a>. It here says "men," rather than "builders," in order to contrast them more forcibly with God. The word "disallowed," or "rejected," implies a form of trial or probation which comes to an unsatisfactory conclusion. The human builders examine the stone, inspect all its qualifications, and find it unsuited to the edifice which they have in hand, and refuse it not only the place of honour, but any place at all, in their architecture. St. Peter wishes to bring out strongly the absolute opposition between God and the Jews. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_peter/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - To whom coming as unto a living stone. Omit the words, "as unto," which are not in the Greek, and weaken the sense. The participle is present; the Christian must be ever coming to Christ, riot only once for all, but always, every day. The ', living Stone" is Christ; the "Lord" of <a href="/psalms/34-8.htm">Psalm 34:8</a> is Jehovah. St. Peter passes from the figure of milk to that of a chief cornerstone. So St. Paul, in <a href="/1_corinthians/3.htm">1 Corinthians 3</a>, after saying that he had fed his Corinthian converts "with milk, and not with meat," passes first to the figure of laborers on the land, and then to that of builders upon the one foundation "which is Jesus Christ." This, like so many other coincidences, indicates St. Peter's knowledge of St. Paul's Epistles. St. Peter may have been thinking of his own name, the name which Christ gave him when Andrew brought him to the Lord; though the Greek word here is not πέτρα or πέτρος, but λίθος ( νοτ the solid native rock on which the temple is built, nor a piece of rock, an unhewn stone, but a stone shaped and wrought, chosen for a chief corner-stone. But the apostle does not mention himself; he omits all reference to his own position in the spiritual building; he wishes to direct his readers only to Christ. He is plainly referring to the Lord's own words in <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42</a>, where Christ applies to himself the language of <a href="/psalms/118.htm">Psalm 118</a>, He described himself as a Stone; St. Peter adds the epithet "living" (λίθον ζῶντα). The figure of a stone is inadequate, all figures are inadequate, to represent heavenly mysteries. This stone is not, like the stones of earth, an inert mass; it is living, full of life; nay, it gives life, as well as strength and coherence, to the stones which are built upon it: for the Lord hath life in himself - he is risen from the dead, and is alive for evermore. Disallowed indeed of men. St. Peter slightly varies the quotation, and attributes to men in general the rejection ascribed in the psalm and in the Gospel to the "builders." "He was despised and rejected of men." In his speech before the Sanhedrin (<a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a>), he had directly applied the prophecy to the chief priests. But chosen of God, and precious; rather, as the Revised Version, with God elect, precious, or perhaps better, honored; a reference to <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a>. He was rejected of the builders, but chosen of God; despised of men, but with God held in honor. The adjective is not the same as that rendered "precious" in <a href="/1_peter/1-19.htm">1 Peter 1:19</a>: τίμος there marks the preciousness of the blood of Christ in itself; ἔντιμος here, the honor with which God "hath highly exalted him." <a href="/commentaries/1_peter/2-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>As you come προσερχόμενοι (proserchomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to Πρὸς (Pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. [Him], ὃν (hon) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. [the] living ζῶντα (zōnta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2198.htm">Strong's 2198: </a> To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live. stone, λίθον (lithon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3037.htm">Strong's 3037: </a> A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone. rejected ἀποδεδοκιμασμένον (apodedokimasmenon) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_593.htm">Strong's 593: </a> To reject after testing (examination), disqualify. From apo and dokimazo; to disapprove, i.e. to repudiate. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). men, ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. but δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. chosen ἐκλεκτὸν (eklekton) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1588.htm">Strong's 1588: </a> From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite. [and] precious ἔντιμον (entimon) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1784.htm">Strong's 1784: </a> (held precious, hence) precious, honored, honorable in rank. From en and time; valued. in God’s Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. sight, παρὰ (para) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Peter 2:4 Coming to him a living stone rejected (1 Pet. 1P iP i Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_peter/2-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Peter 2:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Peter 2:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Peter 2:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Peter 2:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>