Isaiah 28:16 So this is what the Lord GOD says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.

◄ Isaiah 28:16 ►

New International Version
So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.

New Living Translation
Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.

English Standard Version
therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

Berean Standard Bible
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.

King James Bible
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

New King James Version
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.

New American Standard Bible
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a tested stone, A precious cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. The one who believes in it will not be disturbed.

NASB 1995
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.

NASB 1977
Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore thus says Lord Yahweh, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.

Amplified Bible
Therefore the Lord GOD says this, “Listen carefully, I am laying in Zion a Stone, a tested Stone, A precious Cornerstone for the [secure] foundation, firmly placed. He who believes [who trusts in, relies on, and adheres to that Stone] will not be disturbed or give way [in sudden panic].

Christian Standard Bible
Therefore the Lord GOD said: “Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Therefore the Lord GOD said:” Look, I have laid a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will be unshakable.

American Standard Version
therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner- stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste.

Contemporary English Version
And so the LORD says, "I'm laying a firm foundation for the city of Zion. It's a valuable cornerstone proven to be trustworthy; no one who trusts it will ever be disappointed.

English Revised Version
therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes [in him] will not worry.

Good News Translation
This, now, is what the Sovereign LORD says: "I am placing in Zion a foundation that is firm and strong. In it I am putting a solid cornerstone on which are written the words, 'Faith that is firm is also patient.'

International Standard Version
therefore this is what the LORD God says: "Look! I am laying a foundation stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation: Whoever believes firmly will not act hastily.

Majority Standard Bible
So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.

NET Bible
Therefore, this is what the sovereign master, the LORD, says: "Look, I am laying a stone in Zion, an approved stone, set in place as a precious cornerstone for the foundation. The one who maintains his faith will not panic.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore thus says the LORD, "Look, I am laying in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

World English Bible
Therefore the Lord Yahweh says, “Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. He who believes shall not act hastily.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
Therefore, thus said Lord YHWH: “Behold, I am laying a foundation in Zion, "" A stone—a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a settled foundation, "" He who is believing does not make haste.

Young's Literal Translation
Therefore, thus said the Lord Jehovah: 'Lo, I am laying a foundation in Zion, A stone -- a tried stone, a corner stone precious, a settled foundation, He who is believing doth not make haste.

Smith's Literal Translation
For this, thus said the Lord. Jehovah, Behold me placing for a foundation in Zion a stone, a stone of trial, a corner precious, a foundation being founded: and he believing shall not hasten.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold I will lay a stone in the foundations of Sion, a tried stone, a corner stone, a precious stone, founded in the foundation. He that believeth, let him not hasten.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For this reason, thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will set a stone within the foundations of Zion, a tested stone, a cornerstone, a precious stone, which has been established in the foundation: whoever trusts in him need not hurry.

New American Bible
Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD: See, I am laying a stone in Zion, a stone that has been tested, A precious cornerstone as a sure foundation; whoever puts faith in it will not waver.

New Revised Standard Version
therefore thus says the Lord GOD, See, I am laying in Zion a foundation stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation: “One who trusts will not panic.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Therefore thus says the LORD God: Behold, I lay in Zion a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation; he who believes shall not be afraid.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because of this, so says LORD JEHOVAH God: “Behold, I furnish in Zion a stone, an approved stone in the corner, precious, best, a wall of the foundation. He who believes shall not be afraid

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD: Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, A tried stone, a costly corner-stone of sure foundation; He that believeth shall not make haste.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Therefore thus saith the Lord, even the Lord, Behold, I lay for the foundations of Sion a costly stone, a choice, a corner-stone, a precious stone, for its foundations; and he that believes on him shall by no means be ashamed.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

A Cornerstone in Zion
…15For you said, “We have made a covenant with death; we have fashioned an agreement with Sheol. When the overwhelming scourge passes through it will not touch us, because we have made lies our refuge and falsehood our hiding place.” 16So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. 17I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the level. Hail will sweep away your refuge of lies, and water will flood your hiding place.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Peter 2:6
For it stands in Scripture: “See, I lay in Zion a stone, a chosen and precious cornerstone; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

Romans 9:33
as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

Romans 10:11
It is just as the Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

Ephesians 2:20
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.

Matthew 21:42
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

Acts 4:11
This Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’

Psalm 118:22
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.

Zechariah 10:4
The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together.

1 Corinthians 3:11
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

Luke 20:17
But Jesus looked directly at them and said, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?

Daniel 2:34-35
As you watched, a stone was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay, and crushed them. / Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were shattered and became like chaff on the threshing floor in summer. The wind carried them away, and not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that had struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Daniel 2:44-45
In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will shatter all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself stand forever. / And just as you saw a stone being cut out of the mountain without human hands, and it shattered the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold, so the great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

Zechariah 3:9
See the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave on it an inscription, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day.

Psalm 40:2
He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm.

Treasury of Scripture

Therefore thus said the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believes shall not make haste.

behold

Isaiah 8:14
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Genesis 49:10,24
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be…

Psalm 118:22
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

he that

Isaiah 30:18
And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.

Psalm 112:7,8
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD…

Habakkuk 2:3,4
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry…

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Act Angle-Stone Believes Believeth Cause Corner Cornerstone Corner-Stone Costly Dismayed Disturbed Faith Firmly Foundation Great Haste Hastily Lay Placed Placing Precious Sovereign Stone Sure Tested Tried Trusteth Trusts Value Way Who Zion

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Isaiah 28

1. The prophet threatens Ephraim for their pride and drunkenness
5. The residue shall be advanced in the kingdom of Christ
7. He rebukes their error
9. Their unwillingness to learn
14. And their security
16. Christ the sure foundation is promised
17. Their security shall be tried
23. They are incited to the consideration of God's providence

Berean Study Bible

So this is what the Lord GOD says
This phrase introduces a divine proclamation, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," underscoring God's supreme power and covenantal relationship with Israel. This introduction sets the stage for a message of hope and assurance, contrasting the judgment themes earlier in the chapter.

See, I lay a stone in Zion
The word "See" is a call to attention, urging the audience to focus on God's action. "I lay a stone" signifies God's initiative in establishing something enduring and significant. "Zion" refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel, symbolizing God's presence and the future hope of His people. This stone is a divine provision, foundational for the community of faith.

a tested stone
The term "tested" implies proven reliability and strength. In Hebrew, the word can also mean "tried" or "precious," indicating that this stone has been examined and found trustworthy. This reflects the messianic expectation of a leader who embodies God's faithfulness and righteousness, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

a precious cornerstone
"Precious" denotes great value and worth, highlighting the stone's significance. The "cornerstone" is a crucial architectural element, ensuring the stability and alignment of the entire structure. In a messianic context, this points to Christ as the essential foundation of the Church, the one who unites and sustains believers.

a sure foundation
The phrase "sure foundation" conveys stability and permanence. In Hebrew, it suggests a foundation that is firm and unmovable, providing security and confidence. This assurance is central to the believer's faith, rooted in the unchanging nature of God's promises.

the one who believes will never be shaken
"Believes" involves trust and reliance on God's provision. The Hebrew word for "believes" is "aman," which means to be firm or established. This belief is not mere intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust in God's faithfulness. "Will never be shaken" promises stability and peace, even amidst life's uncertainties. This assurance is a cornerstone of Christian faith, encouraging believers to stand firm in Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of this prophecy.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation . . .--We have first to deal with the imagery, then with the interpretation. The former connects itself with the importance which attached, in ancient as in modern architecture, to the foundation stone of a building (1Kings 5:17). So in Zion the foundation stone was laid, as witnessed in the Arabic name of the Mosque of Omar (Kubhet-es-Sakhra),(i.e., "dome of the rock"), on the solid rock. In the stone which was made "the head of the corner" (Psalm 118:22) we have a like thought. From the prophet's stand-point this was identical with the manifestation of Jehovah's righteousness in and through the Temple in its higher spiritual aspect. Christian interpreters have rightly found the true fulfilment of the words in the person of the Christ (Ephesians 2:20; 1Peter 2:6-7). The "corner stone," the lapis angularis of the Vulg. is that upon which two walls at right angles to each other rest and are bonded together. The "tried stone" (literally, stone of proof) may be one (1) which stands every test, or (2) one which tries those who come in contact with it, becoming an asylum, or a "stone of stumbling," according to their character. (Comp. Luke 2:34-35; Luke 20:18.) . . .

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone. In contrast with the insecure refuge and false ground of confidence whereon the nobles relied, the prophet puts forward the one sure "Rock" on which complete dependence may be placed - which he declares that Jehovah is laying, or "has laid," in Zion as a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. The imagery is, no doubt, drawn from the practice of Oriental kings, and notably Solomon, to employ foundation-stones of enormous size and weight at the corners of buildings. Some of those uncovered at the corners of Solomon's temple by the Palestine Exploration Fund are more than thirty-eight feet long, and weigh above a hundred tons (see 'Our Work in Palestine,' pp. 38, 115). But the reference cannot, of course, be to the material structure of the temple as Israel's true refuge. Rather, Jehovah himself would seem to be the Rock (Isaiah 26:4; Isaiah 30:29, etc.) intended; and hence the application to Christ by the writers of the New Testament (Romans 9:33; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-8) was natural and easy. But it may be questioned whether the passage was to Isaiah himself "Messianic," or meant more than that God had set his Name and his presence at Jerusalem from the time that the temple was built there, and that it was a mistake to look elsewhere titan to him for deliverance or security. He that believeth shall not make haste. The LXX. have "He that believeth shall not be ashamed" or "confounded;" and St. Paul (Romans 9:33) follows this rendering. It is conjectured that the Hebrew had originally yabish instead of yakhish.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So
לָכֵ֗ן (lā·ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

this is what
כֹּ֤ה (kōh)
Adverb
Strong's 3541: Like this, thus, here, now

the Lord
אֲדֹנָ֣י (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

GOD
יְהוִ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

says:
אָמַר֙ (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“See,
הִנְנִ֛י (hin·nî)
Interjection | first person common singular
Strong's 2005: Lo! behold!

I lay
יִסַּ֥ד (yis·saḏ)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3245: To set, to found, to sit down together, settle, consult

a stone
אָ֑בֶן (’ā·ḇen)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 68: A stone

in Zion,
בְּצִיּ֖וֹן (bə·ṣî·yō·wn)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726: Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem

a tested
בֹּ֜חַן (bō·ḥan)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 976: A testing

stone,
אֶ֣בֶן (’e·ḇen)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 68: A stone

a precious
יִקְרַת֙ (yiq·raṯ)
Adjective - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3368: Precious, rare, splendid, weighty

cornerstone,
פִּנַּ֤ת (pin·naṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6438: An angle, a pinnacle, a chieftain

a sure
מוּסָּ֔ד (mūs·sāḏ)
Verb - Hofal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3245: To set, to found, to sit down together, settle, consult

foundation;
מוּסָ֣ד (mū·sāḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4143: Foundation, foundation laying

the one who believes
הַֽמַּאֲמִ֖ין (ham·ma·’ă·mîn)
Article | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

will never
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be shaken.
יָחִֽישׁ׃ (yā·ḥîš)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2363: To hurry, to be eager with excitement, enjoyment

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OT Prophets: Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh Behold (Isa Isi Is)