Bible Dictionary
Cornerstone
A cornerstone is a principal stone that joins and supports the sides of a building. Scripture applies this image to Christ, the chief cornerstone upon whom God’s spiritual house is established.
Definition
A cornerstone is a principal stone or quoin of a building, important for binding together its sides. The term can also describe a person of principal rank or importance.
Biblical Usage
The cornerstone image is applied to Christ. He is called the chief cornerstone, the stone chosen and honored by God, and the foundation of the spiritual house. The expression is also used of other persons of prominence in figurative language.
Historical Background
The term arises from building construction, where a major stone binds together the sides of a structure.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a quoin or cornerstone, of great importance in binding together the sides of a building. The phrase “corner-stone” is sometimes used to denote any principal person, as the princes of Egypt, (Isaiah 19:13) and is thus applied to our Lord. (Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:6,7)