Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 21:42

"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; This was from the Lord, And it is marvelous in our eyes?" — Matthew 21:42 (ASV)

Jesus’ question in this verse, “Have you never read?” implies that the Scriptures point to him (Jn 5:39—40). The quotation is from Ps 118:22–23. “Stone” symbolism was important in the early church (Acts 4:11; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6) to help Christians understand why Jesus was rejected by so many of his own people; and doubtless its effectiveness was enhanced by Jesus’ use of it.

Jesus now turns to the image of a building. The “capstone” (lit., “head of the corner”) is most probably the top stone of roof parapets, exterior staircases, and city walls. Psalms 118 concerns Israel. The nation was despised and threatened on all sides, but God made it the capstone. Jesus, who recapitulates Israel and is the true center of Israel, receives similar treatment from his opponents, but God vindicates him (cf. 23:39).