ἀκρογωνιαῖος (akrogōniaios)
akrogōniaios
cornerstone
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective akrogōniaios refers to a stone placed at an extreme angle or corner, specifically serving as the foundation’s cornerstone. Derived from roots meaning "extreme" and "corner," it describes the critical structural element that anchors a building’s layout. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both in passages describing the church as a spiritual structure built on Christ.
In Ephesians 2:20 and 1 Peter 2:6, the word identifies Jesus as the capstone or foundation stone upon which the entire community rests. This usage draws on Old Testament imagery, such as Isaiah 28:16, where a precious cornerstone is laid in Zion. The term emphasizes stability and alignment; just as a physical cornerstone determines the position of all other stones, Christ defines the identity and integrity of the believers united to Him.
Translators consistently render this word as "cornerstone" or "chief corner stone," preserving its architectural significance. It is not merely a decorative piece but the essential reference point for construction. By calling Jesus akrogōniaios, the biblical authors highlight His role in uniting diverse groups into a single, coherent dwelling place for God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Imagine trying to build a house without a single reference point for alignment. The walls would lean, the doors would stick, and the structure would eventually collapse under its own weight. This is exactly what Jesus means when He calls Himself the akrogōniaios, or cornerstone. In ancient construction, this was not just another stone; it was the first one set, determining the angle and stability for every piece that followed.
In Ephesians 2:20, we see that our spiritual life is built on this same principle. Christ is the anchor that holds everything together. When you feel uncertain about your direction or value, remember that your identity is fixed to Him. He does not shift with cultural trends or personal moods. His stability provides a solid ground for your faith, ensuring that no matter how strong the winds blow, your foundation remains secure.
This word reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Just as stones fit together around the cornerstone to form a complete building, believers are united in Christ. You do not have to figure out your place alone. Your worth and purpose are defined by your connection to Him, the chosen and precious stone upon which everything rests.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cornerstone1×
- [the] cornerstone1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀκρογωνιαῖον1×
- ἀκρογωνιαίου1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 2:20
being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;
This verse establishes Christ as the structural anchor that aligns the entire community of believers with the apostolic foundation.
-
I Peter 2:6
Because it is contained in Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen and precious. He who believes in him will not be disappointed.”
Peter quotes Isaiah to show that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of a chosen stone, assuring believers they will not be put to shame.