Matthew 21:42-44 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Stone the Builders Rejected

Matthew 21:42-44 – “The Stone the Builders Rejected”

|| Mark 12:10, 11; Luke 20:17, 18

MT21:42 Jesus continued speaking to them: “Did you never read in the Scripture,[1] ‘A Stone which the builders rejected has become a head-corner.[2] This [head-corner stone] originates with[3] YHWH[4] and it is an awesome [head-corner] in our eyes.’[5] [Psalm 118:22, 23] MT21:43 Because of this I tell you: the Kingdom of The God will be removed from you[6] and given to a nation producing [Kingdom] fruitage.[7] MT21:44 And the person who falls upon this Stone will be shattered; but whoever [the Stone] falls on will be smashed.”[8]

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[1] In the Scripture: This must irritate these theologians who prided themselves in their reading of Scripture. Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, 23. This is significant for this psalm is sung as a hymn following the Passover. Compare also Isaiah 28:16.

[2] A head-corner: Or, KJV: head of the corner; NASB: chief corner-stone.

[3] Originates with: Or, KJV: this is the Lord’s doing.

[4] YHWH: The Tetragram occurs here in the Hebrew Text as well as the Jewish Greek Septuagint. It is doubtful Jesus uttered the noma sagrada though some believe he did.

[5] It is an awesome [head-corner] in our eyes: NEB: and it is wonderful in our eyes.

[6] Will be removed from you: Fleshly Israel will lose the “kingdom” promised to them (Exodus 19:5). Compare 1 Peter 2:4-10.

[7] A nation producing [Kingdom] fruitage: Or, RIEU: a people who produce the kingdom’s fruitage; WMS: to a people who will pay a fair rent for it. There is another “nation” who will receive the “kingdom.”

[8] Whoever [the Stone] falls on will be smashed: This may be a paraphrase of Isaiah 8:14. There is disagreement on the authority of this verse. Compare Daniel 2:34, 44 (Luke 20:18).

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Preceding

Matthew 21:1-3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Ahead for a Donkey

Matthew 21:4-5 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Your King Is Coming upon a Donkey

Matthew 21:6-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blessed the One Coming in God’s Name!

Matthew 21:10-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Who Is This?

Matthew 21:12-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Temple Cleansed

Matthew 21:12-14 – From a den of thieves to a house of prayer

Matthew 21:15-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Out of the Mouth of Babes

Matthew 21:18-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Cursed Fig Tree a Lesson in Faith

Matthew 21:23-27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Question of Authority

Matthew 21:28-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of Two Children

Matthew 21:33-41 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Vineyard

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Further related

1. Matthew 21:42
2. Jesus said: Did you never read in the scriptures? 
3. Christ the Cornerstone – Sermon on Acts 4:5-12 Easter 4B
4. Fruit
5. Sand versus Rock and Stone