A gentle, flowing theme in a major key represents believers' growth into a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. The music starts softly, with a simple melody that grows in complexity and dynamics.
A solemn, dignified theme introduces Christ's role as the cornerstone, employing a minor key or modal tonality. The music explores the contrast between rejection and preciousness in God's sight.
Starting introspectively, this movement reflects the call to abstain from sinful desires and to endure suffering. The music then intensifies, climaxing in a powerful resolution that represents healing and righteousness.
Revisiting earlier themes, now transformed and enriched by the experience of suffering and redemption, the piece concludes with a reflective coda, ending in a peaceful resolution.
The piece utilizes a wide range of textures and explores a variety of chord progressions, modulations, and tonalities to reflect the spiritual nuances of the chapter.
Rhythmic elements and dynamics range from gentle, flowing rhythms to more agitated passages, dynamically moving from pianissimo to fortissimo to express the scripture's themes.