What does 1 Peter 2:7 mean?
In the previous verse, Peter continued a metaphor about God building a house. Jesus is the cornerstone—or key foundation stone—of that house, chosen and greatly valued by God. Those who trust in Him, Christ, will never be shamed or judged as guilty by God. Now in verse 7, Peter states the positive: believing in the cornerstone is an honor for Christians. Jesus is of precious value to God. As believers, He becomes our precious value, as well. Through faith, we share in His honor.But for those who do not believe in Christ, who do not place their faith in Him, the cornerstone serves a very different purpose. Peter references Psalm 118:22 and applies it to Christ. The builders rejected the cornerstone that God chose. Those once responsible for the house of God, in Peter's metaphor, are the Jewish religious leaders—the same ones who officially rejected Jesus on behalf of Israel. Jesus Himself quoted the same verse when talking to those religious leaders in Matthew 21:42–46.