Lexical Summary lithos: Stone Original Word: λίθος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance stone, millstoneApparently a primary word; a stone (literally or figuratively) -- (mill-, stumbling-)stone. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a stone NASB Translation another (4), millstone* (1), stone (38), stone's (1), stones (15). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3037: λίθοςλίθος, λίθου, ὁ, the Sept. for אֶבֶן (from Homer down); a stone: of small stones, Matthew 4:6; Matthew 7:9; Luke 3:8; 4:( Topical Lexicon Physical Stones in Creation and Daily Life Throughout the New Testament λίθος describes ordinary stones that lie at hand in the physical world. Jesus speaks of “these stones” (Matthew 3:9; Luke 3:8) along the banks of the Jordan, and Satan tempts Him to command a λίθος to become bread (Matthew 4:3). Such references remind readers of the Creator’s sovereignty over all matter and His ability to bring life from inanimate objects (cf. Numbers 20:8–11). Stones in Worship and Memorials First-century Judaism used dressed stones to construct altars, synagogues, and family tombs. The Gospels mention the massive rolling stone that sealed Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb (Matthew 27:60; Mark 15:46; John 20:1). Its removal on the third day stands as a permanent memorial to the resurrection: “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb” (Luke 24:2). Stones in Judgment and Warning λίθος also points to instruments of judgment. Religious leaders pick up stones to execute Jesus (John 8:59; 10:31) and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:7). The gravity of such scenes underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a just atonement. Jesus’ warning that it is better to have “a millstone hung around his neck and be thrown into the sea” (Luke 17:2) highlights divine displeasure toward those who cause little ones to stumble. Architectural Stones of the Temple Disciples marvel at the Herodian stones of the Temple complex (Mark 13:1), yet Jesus foretells: “Not one stone will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2). The prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70, validating Christ’s authority and foreshadowing a new, spiritual dwelling for God. Christ the Chosen and Precious Stone A dominant theological theme gathers around Old Testament quotations applied to Jesus: Christ, though rejected, is divinely appointed as the foundational stone upon which the Church rests. Believers as Living Stones Union with Christ redefines His people: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). Every believer is quarried by grace, shaped by sanctification, and fitted together into a holy temple indwelt by the Spirit (cf. Ephesians 2:19–22). Stumbling Stone and Rock of Offense The gospel divides humanity. For those pursuing righteousness “as if it were by works,” Christ becomes “a stumbling stone” (Romans 9:32). The offense arises because grace nullifies self-effort; yet those who receive Him find secure footing. Eschatological and Apocalyptic Imagery Revelation employs λίθος to depict glory and judgment. The heavenly throne is surrounded by splendor “like jasper and carnelian stone” (Revelation 4:3). Babylon’s commerce traffics in “precious stones” (18:12, 16), yet her downfall is sealed when “a mighty angel picked up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea” (18:21). The New Jerusalem shines “with the glory of God. Her radiance was like a most precious stone” (21:11), and her foundations are adorned “with every kind of precious stone” (21:19). Such imagery assures believers of a coming world in which holiness, beauty, and righteousness are permanent. Pastoral and Ministry Applications 1. Evangelism: Proclaim Christ as the only sure cornerstone; warn that rejecting Him leads to ruin (Matthew 21:44). Intertextual Connections with the Old Testament The New Testament’s λίθος language continually draws on Exodus 17:6; Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 8:14; 28:16; Daniel 2:34–35, 44–45. These texts foresee a Messianic stone that shatters kingdoms and establishes an everlasting dominion. Fulfillment in Jesus demonstrates the unity and reliability of both Testaments. Summary of Theological Significance Strong’s Greek 3037 gathers rich strands of biblical theology—creation, judgment, redemption, ecclesiology, and eschatology—around a single concrete image. From ordinary pebbles to the radiant stones of the New Jerusalem, Scripture employs λίθος to reveal the unmovable purposes of God, climaxing in His Son, the chosen and precious cornerstone who makes His people into a living temple for His glory. Forms and Transliterations λιθοι λίθοι λιθοις λίθοις λιθον λίθον λιθος λίθος λιθου λίθου λιθους λίθους λιθω λίθω λίθῳ λιθων λίθων λίνον linon línon litho lithō lithoi líthoi líthōi lithois líthois lithon lithōn líthon líthōn lithos líthos lithou líthou lithous líthousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 3:9 N-GMPGRK: ἐκ τῶν λίθων τούτων ἐγεῖραι NAS: to you that from these stones God KJV: of these stones to raise up children INT: from the stones these to raise up Matthew 4:3 N-NMP Matthew 4:6 N-AMS Matthew 7:9 N-AMS Matthew 21:42 N-AMS Matthew 21:44 N-AMS Matthew 24:2 N-NMS Matthew 24:2 N-AMS Matthew 27:60 N-AMS Matthew 27:66 N-AMS Matthew 28:2 N-AMS Mark 5:5 N-DMP Mark 12:10 N-AMS Mark 13:1 N-NMP Mark 13:2 N-NMS Mark 13:2 N-AMS Mark 15:46 N-AMS Mark 16:3 N-AMS Mark 16:4 N-NMS Luke 3:8 N-GMP Luke 4:3 N-DMS Luke 4:11 N-AMS Luke 17:2 N-NMS Luke 19:40 N-NMP Luke 19:44 N-AMS Strong's Greek 3037 |
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