New International VersionWhat good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
New Living TranslationAnd what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
English Standard VersionFor what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
Berean Standard BibleWhat does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Berean Literal BibleFor what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and to lose his soul?
King James BibleFor what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
New King James VersionFor what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
New American Standard BibleFor what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
NASB 1995“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
NASB 1977“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Legacy Standard BibleFor what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Amplified BibleFor what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world [with all its pleasures], and forfeit his soul?
Christian Standard BibleFor what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his life?
American Standard VersionFor what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
Contemporary English VersionWhat will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself?
English Revised VersionFor what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhat good does it do for people to win the whole world yet lose their lives?
Good News TranslationDo you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not!
International Standard VersionWhat profit will a person have if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?
NET BibleFor what benefit is it for a person to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his life?
New Heart English BibleFor what does it profit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Webster's Bible TranslationFor what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul:
Weymouth New TestamentWhy, what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhat shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul?
World English BibleFor what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor what will it profit a man, if he may gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
Berean Literal BibleFor what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and to lose his soul?
Young's Literal Translation for what shall it profit a man, if he may gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
Smith's Literal TranslationFor what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and injure his soul. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul?
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor how does it benefit a man, if he gains the whole world, and yet causes harm to his soul?
New American BibleWhat profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?
New Revised Standard VersionFor what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor how could a man be benefited, if he should gain the whole world and lose his life?
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“For how is a man benefited if he should gain the whole world and he should lose his soul?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor what will it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own life?
Godbey New TestamentFor what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Haweis New Testament
For what would it profit a man, though he should gain the whole world, if he be punished with the loss of his own soul?
Mace New Testament
what advantage is it for a man to gain the whole world with the loss of his life?
Weymouth New Testament
Why, what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?
Worrell New Testament
For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and suffer damage as to his soul?
Worsley New Testament
For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose hisown soul?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Take up Your Cross… 35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it. 36Whatdoes it profita manto gainthewholeworld,yetforfeithissoul?37Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?…
Cross References Matthew 16:26What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
Luke 9:25What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?
Philippians 3:7-8But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. / More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
Matthew 6:19-21Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 John 2:15-17Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
Ecclesiastes 5:10He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile.
Proverbs 11:4Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
Psalm 49:6-9They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. / No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. / For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice, ...
1 Timothy 6:7-10For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. / But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. / Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. ...
James 4:4You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.
Luke 12:15-21And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...
Matthew 19:21-22Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” / When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth.
Job 27:8For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?
Psalm 39:6Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.
Isaiah 55:2Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
Treasury of Scripture For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? what. Job 2:4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. Psalm 49:17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Psalm 73:18-20 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction… profit. Job 22:2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Malachi 3:14 Ye have said, Itis vain to serve God: and what profitis it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those thingsis death. Jump to Previous BenefitForfeitGainGetsGoodLifeProfitSoulSufferWholeWorldJump to Next BenefitForfeitGainGetsGoodLifeProfitSoulSufferWholeWorldMark 8 1.Jesus feeds the people miraculously;10.refuses to give a sign to the Pharisees;14.admonishes his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod;22.gives a blind man his sight;27.acknowledges that he is the Jesus who should suffer and rise again;34.and exhorts to patience in persecution for the profession of the gospel.What does it profit a manThis phrase introduces a rhetorical question that challenges the value of worldly success compared to spiritual well-being. In the context of Jesus' teachings, it emphasizes the futility of material wealth when it comes to eternal matters. The question is designed to provoke self-reflection on priorities and values, urging individuals to consider the true cost of their pursuits. to gain the whole world
"Gaining the whole world" symbolizes achieving the highest level of worldly success, power, and wealth. Historically, this reflects the ambitions of rulers and emperors who sought to expand their territories and influence. Biblically, it echoes the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, where Satan offers Him all the kingdoms of the world (Matthew 4:8-9). This phrase underscores the temporary nature of earthly gains compared to eternal life. yet forfeit his soul?
"Forfeiting one's soul" refers to the ultimate loss of one's eternal life and relationship with God. In the cultural context of Jesus' time, the soul was considered the essence of a person's being, more valuable than any material possession. This phrase warns against the danger of prioritizing temporal achievements over spiritual health. It connects to other scriptures, such asMatthew 16:26 andLuke 9:25, which convey similar messages about the cost of discipleship and the importance of eternal perspective. The concept of the soul's value is also seen in the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-21), where earthly wealth cannot secure one's soul. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples and the crowd, teaching them about the cost of discipleship and the value of the soul. 2. DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, they are learning about the true cost of following Him and the eternal perspective they must adopt. 3. The CrowdAlong with the disciples, the crowd is present to hear Jesus' teachings, representing a broader audience that includes both believers and seekers. 4. The WorldRepresents the material and temporal gains that people often pursue, contrasted with the eternal value of the soul. 5. The SoulThe immaterial essence of a person, which Jesus emphasizes as having eternal significance over worldly possessions. Teaching Points The Value of the SoulThe soul is of infinite worth, far surpassing any material gain. Prioritize spiritual health and eternal life over temporary pleasures. The Illusion of Worldly GainWorldly success and possessions can be deceptive, offering a false sense of security. True fulfillment is found in Christ alone. Eternal PerspectiveAdopt an eternal perspective in decision-making. Consider how choices impact your relationship with God and your eternal destiny. The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus requires sacrifice and a willingness to let go of worldly attachments. Evaluate what you may need to surrender to follow Him fully. The Danger of CompromiseCompromising spiritual values for worldly gain can lead to spiritual loss. Stand firm in faith and prioritize God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Mark 8:36?
2.How can we prioritize our soul over worldly gains in daily decisions?
3.What does "gain the whole world" mean in today's context?
4.How does Mark 8:36 connect with Matthew 6:19-21 on treasures?
5.How can we evaluate our life choices in light of Mark 8:36?
6.What practical steps help focus on eternal values over temporary success?
7.What does Mark 8:36 mean by "gain the whole world"?
8.How does Mark 8:36 challenge materialism and worldly success?
9.What is the significance of "forfeit his soul" in Mark 8:36?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 8?
11.What does it profit to gain the world?
12.What does it profit to gain the world but lose your soul?
13.What does it profit to gain the world?
14.What is the meaning of abundant life?What Does Mark 8:36 Mean What does it profitJesus frames His warning as a marketplace equation. Profit implies gain after every cost is counted. Scripture repeatedly asks us to weigh temporal gain against eternal loss—Matthew 16:26 andLuke 9:25 echo the same challenge, andPsalm 49:7-9 reminds us that no amount of wealth can ransom a life. The language stops us long enough to run the numbers: • Earth-side gains: comfort, applause, possessions, influence • Heaven-side costs: fellowship with God, eternal life, true joy James 4:14 notes that earthly life is “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes,” underscoring how poor the trade is when eternity is ignored.
a manThe focus tightens from the crowds to the individual. Each person must choose what he values most.Romans 14:12 affirms, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.”Ezekiel 18:4 adds, “Behold, every soul belongs to Me.” No family pedigree, church tradition, or social movement can substitute for personal surrender to Christ. Accountability is personal, unavoidable, and inescapably moral.
to gain the whole world“The whole world” is total success by earthly standards—possessions, power, praise. Yet1 John 2:15-17 warns that “the world and its desires pass away.” Solomon’s experiment inEcclesiastes 2:10-11 concluded that even limitless achievements end in emptiness. Jesus’ parable of the rich fool inLuke 12:19-21 pictures a man who had everything stockpiled—only to find his soul demanded that very night. Any “world” we gain turns to dust when it is held up against forever. • Wealth fades with markets and moths (Proverbs 23:5;Matthew 6:19) • Status crumbles when the applause stops (Acts 12:21-23) • Pleasure dulls, needing ever-greater doses (Hebrews 11:25)
yet forfeit his soul?“Forfeit” pictures a deliberate trade-off: handing over the eternal for the temporary.Hebrews 9:27 states, “Just as people are appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment.”Revelation 20:15 shows the ultimate loss: being cast into the lake of fire when one’s name is absent from the Book of Life.John 3:16 offers the only antidote—faith in Christ that rescues from perishing.Mark 8:37 follows with, “What can a man give in exchange for his soul?” The silent answer is “nothing.” Once life is over, the transaction is sealed. • Eternal life is a gift, not a purchase (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Losing that gift by clinging to sin is the worst bargain imaginable (Hebrews 2:3)
summaryMark 8:36 confronts every heart with a choice of economies. Earth’s ledger offers shiny but short-lived profits; Heaven’s ledger records everlasting returns. The verse presses us to value the soul more than all the stuff, applause, and influence this age can offer, and to cling to Christ before the trade deadline of death arrives. (36, 37) His own soul.--Better, life in both verses. The word "lose" is not the same as in Mark 8:35, and had, perhaps, better be rendered forfeit, as implying, what the other word does not necessarily imply, the idea of a penalty. Verse 36. - What doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ( ζημιωθῆναι); literally, forfeit his life ( ψυχή). The word ψυχή in the Greek, originally meaning simply "breath," as the sign of life, is of very comprehensive import, embracing not merely "the breath of life," but also the "soul," or immortal part of man, as distinguished from his mortal body, also the mind or understanding, as the organ of thought. "Life" seems here to be the best English synonym, as being, like the Greek ψυχή, the more comprehensive term.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek WhatΤί(Ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.does it profitὠφελεῖ(ōphelei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5623:To help, benefit, do good, be useful (to), profit. From the same as opheleia; to be useful, i.e. To benefit.a manἄνθρωπον(anthrōpon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.to gainκερδῆσαι(kerdēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2770:To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wholeὅλον(holon)Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3650:All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.world,κόσμον(kosmon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2889:Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).yetκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.forfeitζημιωθῆναι(zēmiōthēnai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 2210:From zemia; to injure, i.e. to experience detriment.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.soul?ψυχὴν(psychēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590:From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.
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NT Gospels: Mark 8:36 For what does it profit a man (Mar Mk Mr) |
