Bible Strands
Mark 12:10
Have you never read this Scripture: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the chief priests, scribes, and elders in the temple courts, immediately after the parable of the wicked tenants (Mark 12:1–9), quoting back at them a verse they should know.
The words — ἀπεδοκίμασαν (apedokimasan) carries the verse: from δοκιμάζω, "to test and find wanting," implying the builders examined the stone and deliberately set it aside, not a casual oversight.
The thread — The direct source is Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16 supplies the "tested stone, precious cornerstone" language; Luke 20:17 repeats the same quotation in the parallel confrontation.
Why it lands — The verse forces a self-placement: the reader is either among the builders who rejected or among those who see the cornerstone, and the rhetorical οὐδὲ ("not even") makes the question a rebuke, not an invitation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:
Cross-references
- Psalms 118:22 The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
- Isaiah 28:16 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.
- Luke 20:17 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’?
- 1 Peter 2:7 To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
- Matthew 21:42 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’?
- Acts 4:11 This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’
- Romans 9:33 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.”
- Ephesians 2:20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.
- Matthew 21:16 “Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”
- Mark 2:25 Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?