What will it profit a man if he gains the whole worldThis phrase challenges the value of worldly success and material wealth. In biblical context, the "world" often represents temporal and fleeting pleasures (1
John 2:15-17). Jesus emphasizes the futility of prioritizing earthly gains over spiritual well-being. Historically, the Roman Empire, with its vast wealth and power, serves as a backdrop, illustrating the allure of worldly success. The rhetorical question underscores the temporary nature of material possessions compared to eternal spiritual realities.
yet forfeits his soul?
The soul, in biblical terms, represents the eternal aspect of a person, distinct from the physical body (Genesis 2:7). Forfeiting one's soul implies a loss of eternal life and separation from God. This echoes the warnings found in other scriptures, such asMark 8:36 andLuke 9:25, about the dangers of prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual health. The concept of the soul's value is rooted in the belief that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), making the soul priceless.
Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
This phrase highlights the incomparable value of the soul, suggesting that no earthly possession or achievement can compensate for its loss. The rhetorical question implies that once the soul is lost, it cannot be redeemed by any human means. This aligns with the teachings inPsalm 49:7-8, which state that no one can redeem another's life or give to God a ransom for them. Theologically, it points to the necessity of Christ's sacrifice as the only means of redemption (1 Peter 1:18-19), emphasizing the unique and irreplaceable worth of the soul in God's eyes.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, teaching them about the cost of discipleship and the value of the soul.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all followers of Christ who are called to consider the eternal value of their souls over worldly gain.
3.
The WorldRepresents the temporal, material possessions and achievements that people often pursue, contrasted with the eternal value of the soul.
4.
The SoulThe immaterial, eternal part of a person, which Jesus emphasizes as being of greater value than all worldly possessions.
5.
The Kingdom of GodThe broader context of Jesus' teaching, where He often contrasts earthly values with the values of God's eternal kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Value of the SoulEmphasize that the soul's eternal value far surpasses any temporary worldly gain. Our focus should be on nurturing our relationship with God.
Eternal PerspectiveEncourage believers to adopt an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and eternal rewards over temporary pleasures and achievements.
Cost of DiscipleshipHighlight the call to discipleship, which involves self-denial and a willingness to sacrifice worldly pursuits for the sake of following Christ.
True WealthTeach that true wealth is found in a relationship with God and the treasures of His kingdom, not in material possessions.
Exchange Rate of the SoulReflect on the rhetorical question posed by Jesus about what one can give in exchange for their soul, underscoring the irreplaceable value of spiritual life.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 16:26?
2.What does Matthew 16:26 mean by "gain the whole world"?
3.How can we prioritize our soul over worldly gains in daily life?
4.What other Scriptures emphasize the value of the soul over material wealth?
5.How does Matthew 16:26 challenge our current lifestyle and choices?
6.How can we practically "exchange" worldly pursuits for spiritual growth today?
7.What does Matthew 16:26 mean by "forfeit his soul"?
8.How does Matthew 16:26 challenge materialism?
9.What is the historical context of Matthew 16:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 16?
11.How does faith lead to true success?
12.What does it profit to gain the world?
13.How does faith lead to true success?
14.Who was Blaise Pascal and what are his contributions?What Does Matthew 16:26 Mean
What will it profit a man“For what will it profit a man …” (Matthew 16:26)
• Jesus frames life as a spiritual profit-and-loss statement. Temporary gains are weighed against eternal realities (Psalm 49:6-9;1 Timothy 6:7).
• Earthly success—wealth, status, pleasure—has measurable value only in this age (James 4:14).
• True profit is defined by God: reconciliation with Him through faith, leading to everlasting life (John 3:16;Romans 8:32).
If he gains the whole world“…if he gains the whole world…” (Matthew 16:26)
• Picture the ultimate achievement: every possession, every kingdom, every accolade (Esther 3:1-2 for human exaltation;Daniel 4:30-32 for earthly empires).
• Even this extreme scenario cannot secure eternal wellbeing; the entire created order is passing away (1 John 2:17;2 Peter 3:10-11).
• The gospel confronts our tendency to measure success horizontally instead of vertically (Luke 12:15-21).
Yet forfeits his soul?“…yet forfeits his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
• To “forfeit” is to lose by one’s own choice—clinging to the world while rejecting Christ (Hebrews 10:26-29).
• The soul is priceless because it is eternal and accountable to God (Genesis 2:7;Ecclesiastes 12:7).
• Hell is a real, conscious, irreversible loss (Matthew 10:28;Revelation 20:15). Temporal gain cannot offset eternal separation from God.
Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?“Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
• Redemption requires a ransom beyond human reach; only Christ’s blood satisfies divine justice (1 Peter 1:18-19;Mark 10:45).
• Bargaining power evaporates at death—no second chances, no spiritual bartering (Hebrews 9:27;Luke 16:25-26).
• The only wise “exchange” is to surrender self, take up the cross, and follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-25;Philippians 3:7-8).
summaryEarthly gain, even at its peak, is a poor trade for an eternal soul. Nothing we accumulate can redeem us; only Jesus can. Therefore, evaluate every ambition, possession, and pursuit in light of eternity, gladly exchanging temporal treasures for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
(26)
what is a man profited . . .?--It is not without a purpose that what may be called the argument of expediency is here brought in. Even the self-denial of
Matthew 16:24 does not exclude the thought, for those who are still within the range of its influence, of what, in the long-run, will profit us most. There is a self-love which, in spite of the strained language of an exaggerated and unreal philanthropy, is ennobling and not debasing.
In exchange for his soul.--The English introduces an apparent antithesis of language (as has just been noticed) in place of the identity of the original. It would be better to keep "life" in both verses. If there is no profit in bartering even the lower life for the whole world, how much less in bartering the higher,
'Et propter vitam vivendi perdere causas!
And when that forfeiture has been incurred, what price can he then pay to buy it back again? No. "It costs more to redeem their souls, so that he must let that alone for ever" (Psalm 49:8, Prayer Book version).
Verse 26. -
For what is a man (
shall a man be)
profited? This verse explains the paradox concerning loss and gain in the previous verse. It is probably intended as a reminiscence of
Psalm 49:7, 8. Wordsworth notes that it is quoted by Ignatius, 'Ep. ad Romans,' 6; but it is probably an early interpolation there. The whole world. It is but a trifle of the whole world, with its riches, honours, pleasures, which the most successful man can obtain; but granted it all lay at his feet, how would it repay him for the loss of everlasting life?
Lose his own soul (
life) (
τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ). The phrase means "suffer loss in respect of," equivalent to "forfeit," as in
Luke 9:25. "Life" here is the higher life, the life in God. The Vulgate renders,
Animae vero suae detrimentum patiatur.In exchange;ἀνταλλαγμα: Vulgate,
commutationem;
as an equivalent for his life. Or, it may be, to purchase back his life. "Again, he dwells upon the same point. 'What? hast thou another soul to give for this soul?' saith he. 'Why, shouldst thou lose money, thou wilt be able to give other money;or be it house, or slaves, or any other kinds of possession; but for thy soul, if thou lose it, thou wilt have no other soul to give: yea, though thou hadst the world, though thou wast king of the whole earth, thou wouldst not be able, by paying down all earthly goods, together wits the earth itself, to redeem even one soul" (Chrys.,' Hom.,' 55). The value of the soul is often expressed in classical adages.
Ψυχῆς γὰρ οὐδέν ἐστι τιμιώρερον.
"Naught is of higher value than the soul."
Οὑ γὰρ τι ψυχῆς πέλει ἄνδρασι φίλτερον ἄλλο
"Naught unto men is dearer than the life." So Homer, 'Iliad,' 9:401-
"For not the stores which Troy, they say, contained
In peaceful times, ere came the sons of Greece,
Nor all the treasures which Apollo's shrine,
The archer-god, in rock built Pythos holds,
May weigh with life...
But when the breath of man hath passed his lips,
Nor strength nor foray can the loss repair."
(Lord Derby.)
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Whatτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.will it profitὠφεληθήσεται(ōphelēthēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 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 manἄνθρωπος(anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.ifἐὰν(ean)Conjunction
Strong's 1437:If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.he gainsκερδήσῃ(kerdēsē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
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).yetδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.forfeitsζημιωθῇ(zēmiōthē)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
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.Orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.whatτί(ti)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101:Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.{can} a manἄνθρωπος(anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.giveδώσει(dōsei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.in exchange forἀντάλλαγμα(antallagma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 465:An exchange, purchasing price. From a compound of anti and allasso; an equivalent or ransom.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?ψυχῆς(psychēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590:From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 16:26 For what will it profit a man (Matt. Mat Mt) 
