Matthew 16:26
New International Version
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?

New Living Translation
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

English Standard Version
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Berean Standard Bible
What 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?

Berean Literal Bible
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? Or what will a man give as an exchange for his soul?

King James Bible
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

New King James Version
For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

New American Standard Bible
For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what will a person give in exchange for his soul?

NASB 1995
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

NASB 1977
“For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Legacy Standard Bible
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Amplified Bible
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Christian Standard Bible
For what will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will anyone give in exchange for his life?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?

American Standard Version
For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

Contemporary English Version
What will you gain, if you own the whole world but destroy yourself? What would you give to get back your soul?

English Revised Version
For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
What good will it do for people to win the whole world and lose their lives? Or what will a person give in exchange for life?

Good News Translation
Will you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! There is nothing you can give to regain your life.

International Standard Version
because what profit will a person have if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life?

Majority Standard Bible
What 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?

NET Bible
For what does it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what can a person give in exchange for his life?

New Heart English Bible
For what will it profit a person, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a person give in exchange for his life?

Webster's Bible Translation
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Weymouth New Testament
Why, what benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give to buy back his life?

World English Bible
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for what is a man profited if he may gain the whole world, but of his life suffer loss? Or what will a man give as an exchange for his life?

Berean Literal Bible
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? Or what will a man give as an exchange for his soul?

Young's Literal Translation
for what is a man profited if he may gain the whole world, but of his life suffer loss? or what shall a man give as an exchange for his life?

Smith's Literal Translation
For what is a man profited, if he should gain the whole world, and injure his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?

Catholic Public Domain Version
For how does it benefit a man, if he gains the whole world, yet truly suffers damage to his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

New American Bible
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life?

New Revised Standard Version
For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For how will a man be benefited, if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“For what does a person benefit if he gains the whole world and lacks his soul? Or what will a person give to regain his soul?
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, but lose his own life? Or, what will a man give as the ransom of his life?

Godbey New Testament
For what is a man profited, if he may gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Haweis New Testament
For what would a man be advantaged, though he could gain the whole world, if he should suffer the loss of his soul? or what will a man give as the ransom for his soul?

Mace New Testament
what advantage is it to a man to gain the whole world at the price of his life? or what would not a man pay down to preserve his life?

Weymouth New Testament
Why, what benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give to buy back his life?

Worrell New Testament
for what will a man be profited, if he gain the whole world, and suffer damage as to his soul? or what will a man give as an exchange for his soul?

Worsley New Testament
For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give as a ransom for his soul?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Take Up Your Cross
25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 What 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? 27For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.…

Cross References
Mark 8:36-37
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? / Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Luke 9:25
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?

Philippians 3:7-8
But 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

1 John 2:15-17
Do 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.

Matthew 6:19-21
Do 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.

Luke 12:20-21
But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11
He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?

Proverbs 11:4
Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

Psalm 49:6-9
They 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, ...

Psalm 49:16-17
Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. / For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.

Job 27:8
For what is the hope of the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?

1 Timothy 6:7-10
For 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 4:13-14
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.” / You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Luke 16:19-31
Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...

Romans 6:21
What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.


Treasury of Scripture

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

what is.

Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

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.

Mark 8:36
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

gain.

Matthew 4:8,9
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; …

Job 27:8
For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

Luke 12:20
But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

or.

Psalm 49:7,8
None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: …

Mark 8:37
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

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Matthew 16
1. The Pharisees require a sign.
5. Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
13. The people's opinion of Jesus,
16. and Peter's confession of him.
21. Jesus foretells his death;
23. reproves Peter for dissuading him from it;
24. and admonishes those who will follow him, to bear the cross.














What will it profit a man
The phrase "profit a man" speaks to the concept of gain or benefit. The Greek word used here is "ὠφελέω" (ōpheleō), which means to help, benefit, or profit. In the context of the ancient world, profit was often measured in terms of material wealth or social status. However, Jesus challenges this notion by suggesting that true profit is not found in worldly gain but in spiritual well-being. This reflects a recurring biblical theme that emphasizes the eternal over the temporal, urging believers to focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones.

if he gains the whole world
The idea of "gaining the whole world" is hyperbolic, illustrating the ultimate achievement of worldly success and possession. The Greek word "κερδαίνω" (kerdainō) means to gain or win. Historically, this reflects the ambitions of empires and individuals who sought to conquer and accumulate vast wealth and power. Yet, Jesus points out the futility of such pursuits when they are devoid of spiritual significance. This echoes the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, such as Ecclesiastes, which questions the value of earthly accomplishments without God.

yet forfeits his soul
The term "forfeits" comes from the Greek "ζημιόω" (zēmioō), meaning to suffer loss or damage. The "soul" (ψυχή, psychē) represents the essence of a person's life, their eternal being. In a conservative Christian perspective, the soul is of infinite value, created in the image of God and destined for eternity. The warning here is stark: no amount of worldly success can compensate for the loss of one's soul. This serves as a call to prioritize spiritual health and salvation over temporal achievements.

Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the incomparable value of the soul. The Greek word "ἀντάλλαγμα" (antallagma) refers to an exchange or ransom. In the ancient world, exchanges were common in trade and negotiations, but Jesus highlights that there is no equivalent trade for the soul. This underscores the Christian belief in the uniqueness and preciousness of each soul, which cannot be bought or sold. It points to the necessity of redemption through Christ, as only His sacrifice can secure the soul's salvation.

(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
What
τί (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 profit
ὠφεληθήσεται (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 man
ἄνθρωπος (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.

if
ἐὰν (ean)
Conjunction
Strong's 1437: If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.

he gains
κερδήσῃ (kerdēsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2770: To gain, acquire, win (over), avoid loss. From kerdos; to gain.

the
τὸν (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.

whole
ὅλον (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).

yet
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

forfeits
ζημιωθῇ (zēmiōthē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2210: From zemia; to injure, i.e. to experience detriment.

his
αὐτοῦ (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.

Or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

what
τί (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 man
ἄνθρωπος (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.

give
δώσει (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 for
ἀντάλλαγμα (antallagma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 465: An exchange, purchasing price. From a compound of anti and allasso; an equivalent or ransom.

his
αὐτοῦ (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)
Matthew 16:25
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