The Multifaceted Symbolism of the Stone
In the Bible, one can identify several key references to the stone that are imbued with profound symbolic meaning.
Firstly, in the texts provided in the source " link txt," the stone symbolizes Christ himself. It is noted that “the stone primarily signifies Christ himself,” and a prophecy is mentioned: “the stone that was cut from the mountain, which fell upon that idol and reduced it to dust, prefigured the appearance of Christ, the King of kings, the founder of a new Kingdom which will never be destroyed” (without page reference). Additionally, the prophet Isaiah refers to Him as a “stone of stumbling”: “And it shall be a sign and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense… And many shall stumble and fall…” (Isaiah 8:14-15). This highlights the dual nature of this symbol—He both sanctifies and becomes a trial for the uninitiated.
Secondly, the New Testament refers to Christ as the “cornerstone.” In one of the quoted passages from the same source, it states: “Christ is the cornerstone. Never did the Almighty Lord speak more dreadful words than when He prophesied: ‘Whoever falls on that stone will be broken, and on whom it falls, it will crush’” (Luke 20:18). Here, the stone represents the foundation without which the construction of a solid spiritual temple is impossible.
Furthermore, another important context is found in the story of Jacob. According to the source " link txt" (page 303), “And Jacob took a stone and set it up as a monument.” This episode emphasizes the role of the stone as a symbol of a memorial sign of God’s intervention and covenant, with the Jews referring to it as “Even ha-Shtiya” (“the cornerstone of peace”).
It is also worth mentioning the symbol of the “white stone,” on which is inscribed a “new name.” As explained in the sources " link txt" and " link txt," this stone is considered a kind of pass to the messianic banquet and symbolizes a new phase associated with the renewal of life and authority.
Thus, the stone in question holds multifaceted significance in the Bible: it symbolizes the coming and eternal kingdom of Christ (referencing, in particular, Daniel 2:44 and Isaiah 8:14-15), serves as the foundation for the spiritual community, and acts as a lasting sign of the covenant between God and His chosen people.
Supporting citation(s):
"1. The stone primarily signifies Christ himself. This was proclaimed by the Old Testament prophets. The fourth kingdom, which King Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream in the form of an idol of iron and clay, represented the Roman Empire. The stone that was cut from the mountain, which fell upon that idol and reduced it to dust, prefigured the appearance of Christ, the King of kings, the founder of a new Kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44)..." (source: link txt)
"Christ is the cornerstone. Never did the Almighty Lord speak more dreadful words than when He prophesied: 'Whoever falls on that stone will be broken, and on whom it falls, it will crush' (Luke 20:18)..." (source: link txt)
"And Jacob took a stone and set it up as a monument. The Jews call it 'Even ha-Shtiya,' that is 'the cornerstone of peace'..." (source: link txt, page: 303)
These citations vividly demonstrate that the stone mentioned in the Bible embodies the symbolism of the Messiah, serves as the foundation of spiritual construction, and stands as a memorial of the Divine covenant.