Have you seen the phrase 'the stone that the builder refused' somewhere in a text or on the internet and would like to know more about what the saying means? The phrase 'the stone that the builder refused' is a common figurative saying with origins in the Bible. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this saying.
Meaning
The phrase 'the stone that the builder refused' is a common figurative saying in the English language.
'The stone that the builder refused' is a saying that is used to mean that useful things are often thought of afterwards, or that things you didn't think you need are things you might surely require later.
The expression is a longer version of a phrase that continues to say that the stone in question 'forms the cornerstone'.
The phrase is another way of saying what you refuse now, you will need later.
'The stone that the builder refused' can be used as a statement, a response to something, or rarely phrased as a question.
Sometimes the phrase is instead said as 'the stone that the builder rejected' depending on the translation that is being used.
The meaning of the phrase 'the stone that the builder refused' can be sarcastic or serious, though is generally specified by the context of the rest of the discussion.
While the phrase originated from Biblical translations, the meaning of the phrase is seldom a reference to the theological origins of the phrase.
While it renders a valid phrase, it is extremely rare to use the phrase in the negative form, or to deny 'the stone that the builder refused' instead.
Example Usage
“Okay, so now that we've put together the baby's crib there are three extra screws. I told you that you needed to check the instructions before we touch this thing. Talk about the stone that the builder refused.”
“The recipe should have needed at least three more cups of this. Good luck getting this thing in the oven before the people are here. The stone that the builder refused, right?”
“More salt, goddamnit. The stone that the builder refused is always the one you're going to need.'
“The stone that the builder refused is like that extra pack of guitar strings, or that screen cable that you have somewhere. Keep it, because you're probably going to need it.”
Origin
According to most online language resources, the phrase 'the stone that the builder refused' is a phrase that can be traced back to the King James Version (KJV) translation of the Bible.
The phrase is mentioned more than once in most versions of the Bible, including references in Matthew 21:42 and further references in Psalms.
Modern use of the phrase rarely requires a mention of its potential Biblical origins, and this is unnecessary unless the context of the phrase quotes from Biblical texts.
Phrases Similar to Stone That the Builder(s) Refused
- It's better to have it and not need it
Phrases Opposite to Stone That the Builder(s) Refused
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- The stone that the builder refused
- The stones that the builders refused
Ways People May Say Stone That the Builder(s) Refused Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'the stone that the builders refused' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the meaning of the saying when it is used.
The phrase can be often misunderstood if someone does not know prior use or context of the phrase.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Stone That the Builder(s) Refused
There are several correct ways to use the phrase 'stone that the builder refused' to imply that someone has passed up (or refused) something that they are going to require later.
The phrase can be said as 'the stone that the builder refused', 'the stones that the builders refused', or sometimes as 'the stone that the builder rejected' – with all being valid uses of the phrase.