The term "headstone" in biblical context often refers to the "chief cornerstone," a significant element in the construction of a building, symbolizing strength, stability, and alignment. In ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the principal stone, placed at the corner of a structure to guide the builders in their work. It was essential for ensuring that the building was properly aligned and stable.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 118:22 · "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse is a prophetic reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who, though rejected by the religious leaders of His time, became the foundation of the Church. The imagery of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone highlights the paradox of Christ's rejection and ultimate exaltation.

2. 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.'" This prophecy speaks of the coming Messiah as a tested and precious cornerstone, emphasizing the reliability and trustworthiness of Christ as the foundation of faith.

3. Zechariah 4:7 · "What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” In this context, the capstone or headstone signifies the completion of the temple, symbolizing God's grace and the fulfillment of His promises. The headstone here is a symbol of triumph and divine favor.

4. Ephesians 2:20 · "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of a building to describe the Church, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. This highlights the unity and continuity of the Church, grounded in the teachings of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the essential foundation.

5. 1 Peter 2:6-7 · "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.' To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, 'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'" Peter reiterates the significance of Christ as the cornerstone, emphasizing the honor and security for believers and the stumbling block He represents to those who reject Him.

Theological Significance:

In Christian theology, the headstone or cornerstone is a powerful symbol of Jesus Christ's role in the salvation narrative. As the cornerstone, Christ is the foundation upon which the Church is built, ensuring its stability and unity. The rejection of the cornerstone by the builders is seen as a metaphor for the rejection of Christ by the Jewish leaders, yet His ultimate exaltation as the cornerstone signifies His victory and the establishment of a new covenant.

The headstone also represents the fulfillment of God's promises and the assurance of His grace. Believers are encouraged to build their lives upon this cornerstone, trusting in its strength and reliability. The imagery of the cornerstone serves as a reminder of the centrality of Christ in the life of the Church and the believer, underscoring the importance of faith and obedience to His teachings.1. (n.) The principal stone in a foundation; the chief or corner stone.

2. (n.) The stone at the head of a grave.

HEADSTONE

hed'-ston.

See CORNER-STONE.

7222. roshah -- top
... Word Origin fem. of rosh Definition top NASB Word Usage top (1). headstone. Feminine
of ro'sh; the head -- head(-stone). see HEBREW ro'sh. 7221, 7222. ...
/hebrew/7222.htm - 6k

"Not by Might, nor by Power"
... before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone
thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." Zechariah 4:7. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 48 not by might.htm

The Founder and Finisher of the Temple
... old man by this time, who had been honoured to take the first spadeful of soil out
of the earth should be the man 'to bring forth the headstone with shoutings ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the founder and finisher of.htm

The Source of Power
... before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone
thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it.8. Moreover, the word ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the source of power.htm

The New Covenant.
... He has brought forth the headstone of the corner, the keystone of the
arch.[142] It is, in short, that we have such a High-priest. ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Thankful Service.
... place." He went, and was killed in action, and the farmer had travelled many a weary
mile to kneel beside his grave, and to carve on the headstone the words ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lix thankful service.htm

Christ's Finished and Unfinished Work
... actually realised. The one proclaims that the foundation is laid, the other
that the headstone is set on the finished building. The ...
/.../christs finished and unfinished work.htm

The Triumphant Entry
... should be thrown open for the righteous, and, more significant still, how the stone
which the builders rejected should become the headstone of the corner. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 11 1-11 the triumphant entry.htm

A Drama in Five Acts
... See the green mounds in the cemetery, and the headstone, with "Here he lies."
Alas for thee, poor deluded worldling, where is thy soul now? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a drama in five acts.htm

Jesus Drives Out the Money-Changers.
... the Scripture must be fulfilled. The stone which the builders rejected
is become the headstone of the corner. The Kingdom of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter i jesus drives out.htm

'Until that Day'
... we recognise in it the foundation of our salvation, the more gladly, clearly,
operatively, shall we cherish the hope that 'the headstone shall be brought forth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/until that day.htm

Headstone (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HEADSTONE. hed'-ston. ... Multi-Version Concordance Headstone
(2 Occurrences). 2 Kings 23:17 What is that headstone I see over there? ...
/h/headstone.htm - 7k

Shoutings (4 Occurrences)
... before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone
thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/s/shoutings.htm - 7k

Head-stone (1 Occurrence)
Head-stone. Headstone, Head-stone. Headstrong . Multi-Version Concordance ... (DBY
WBS). Headstone, Head-stone. Headstrong . Reference Bible.
/h/head-stone.htm - 6k

Level (31 Occurrences)
... Zechariah 4:7 Who are you, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel you will become level:
and he will let all see the headstone, with cries of Grace, grace, to it. ...
/l/level.htm - 19k

Heads (439 Occurrences)

/h/heads.htm - 38k

Resting-place (211 Occurrences)
... had given word of these things, said: (BBE). 2 Kings 23:17 What is that
headstone I see over there? And the men of the town said to ...
/r/resting-place.htm - 39k

Is there any reason to fear going into a cemetery / graveyard? | GotQuestions.org

Headstone: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus