1 Peter 2:8
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
Study Note
Study Note
'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense' — citing Isaiah 8:14 alongside Psalm 118:22 (the rejected cornerstone) and Isaiah 28:16 (the precious cornerstone), 1 Peter 2:6–8 creates a composite stone testimonia that interprets Jesus as both foundation and obstacle. The stumbling is described as what happens to those who 'disobey the word, as they were destined to do' — a phrase that has generated significant discussion about divine predestination and human culpability. The stone metaphor in its original Isaiah contexts referred to YHWH himself as both sanctuary and stumbling block to unfaithful Israel, a Christological appropriation that identifies Jesus with YHWH's own presence. The passage balances the honor of believers who trust (verse 7) with the dishonor of those who reject, framing faith and unbelief as responses to the same divine offer.
Other Translations
and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence--who are stumbling at the word, being unbelieving, --to which also they were set;
And, A stone of falling, a rock of trouble; the word is the cause of their fall, because they go against it, and this was the purpose of God.
Cross References
And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way …
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to …
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, …
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising …
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning …
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto …
And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth …
And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and …