Matthew 21:44 Meaning and Explanation
“And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus warns that whoever falls on this stone is broken, and whomever it falls upon is crushed.
What Does Matthew 21:44 Mean?
Jesus extends the image of the stone with a sober warning. Whoever falls upon it will be broken, and whomever it falls upon will be ground to powder. The same stone that is the cornerstone becomes a stone of consequence for those who oppose it.
The saying reveals that one cannot remain neutral toward Christ. To stumble over Him in humility leads to a brokenness that can be healed; to set oneself against Him in hardened resistance leads to ruin. The verse presses the weight of every person's response to the Son. The cornerstone offers a sure foundation to those who build on Him, but cannot be defied without peril.
Matthew 21:44 in the Original Language
lithos (λίθος), 'stone' -- the cornerstone that is either a foundation or a stumbling block.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 21:44
What does Matthew 21:44 mean?
Jesus warns that whoever falls on this stone is broken, and whomever it falls upon is crushed.