Luke 9:25

KJV

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} what {G5101} is {G5623} a man {G444} advantaged {G5623}, if he gain {G2770} the whole {G3650} world {G2889}, and {G1161} lose {G622} himself {G1438}, or {G2228} be cast away {G2210}?

Complete Jewish Bible

What will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but destroys or forfeits his own life?

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:25 presents a profound rhetorical question from Jesus, compelling His audience to confront the ultimate value of their lives and priorities. It starkly contrasts the fleeting acquisition of all worldly possessions and accolades with the catastrophic, eternal loss of one's very self or soul. This pivotal verse underscores the incomparable worth of the human spirit in God's eyes, revealing the utter futility of any earthly gain if it comes at the cost of one's eternal destiny.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' radical discourse on the nature of true discipleship, immediately following His challenging call for His followers to embrace self-denial and cross-bearing. In [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Take Up the Cross"), Jesus declares, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." This is further elaborated in [Luke 9:24](/luke/9-24 "Luke 9:24 - Losing Life to Gain It"), where He explains that those who seek to preserve their earthly lives will ultimately forfeit them, while those who surrender their lives for His sake will truly save them. Luke 9:25 functions as the logical climax and an irrefutable justification for these preceding statements, serving as a powerful, rhetorical exclamation point that encapsulates the immense, incomparable worth of the human soul compared to all the transient riches and glory of the world. It provides the ultimate rationale for the radical commitment Jesus demands.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Jesus' time, societal values heavily emphasized honor, status, wealth, and power. Acquiring land, influence, and a good reputation were paramount. The concept of "gaining the whole world" would have resonated with ambitions for imperial dominance, vast material riches, or widespread renown. Even within Jewish society, there were strong expectations of a Messiah who would bring earthly liberation and restore national glory, often conflated with material prosperity. Jesus' teaching here directly challenges these prevailing cultural norms and human aspirations. He subverts the conventional understanding of "gain" and "loss," shifting the focus from external, temporal achievements to internal, eternal realities. His words would have been counter-cultural, forcing listeners to re-evaluate their deepest allegiances and priorities in light of an eternal kingdom rather than a temporal one.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It profoundly emphasizes **the immeasurable value of the soul**, asserting that a human being's eternal self is of infinitely greater worth than any conceivable earthly acquisition. This highlights the **futility of worldly gain** when pursued as an ultimate end, exposing the emptiness of a life devoted solely to accumulating material possessions, fame, or power, which cannot secure one's eternal well-being. The verse also warns of the severe consequences of **spiritual loss and eternal forfeiture**, where "losing himself, or being cast away" signifies a devastating, irreparable ruin of one's true identity, purpose, and eternal salvation. Finally, it serves as a powerful call to **prioritize the eternal over the temporal**, challenging the audience to re-evaluate their priorities and pursue spiritual riches and an eternal relationship with God rather than being consumed by perishable worldly treasures, echoing Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Laying Up Treasures in Heaven") about laying up treasures in heaven.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Advantaged (Greek, _ōpheléō_):** From G5623, meaning "to be useful, i.e. to benefit; advantage, better, prevail, profit." This term carries a strong connotation of practical or financial gain, highlighting a measurable benefit or utility. Jesus' use of this word underscores the economic or transactional mindset that often drives human pursuits, making the contrast with eternal loss even more poignant. The question implies that from a purely utilitarian standpoint, there is *no* advantage in such an exchange.
* **World (Greek, _kósmos_):** From G2889, meaning "orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)):--adorning, world." This word refers not merely to the physical earth, but to the entire system of human society, its values, its culture, its wealth, its power structures, and its allure. In a moral sense, it often stands in opposition to God's kingdom, representing a system of values and desires that can distract or draw one away from spiritual truth. Gaining the "whole world" thus implies acquiring ultimate earthly power, wealth, and influence.
* **Be cast away (Greek, _zēmióō_):** From G2210, meaning "to injure, i.e. (reflexively or passively) to experience detriment:--be cast away, receive damage, lose, suffer loss." This verb signifies suffering a severe penalty, incurring damage, or experiencing a detrimental loss, often with judicial or eternal implications. It speaks of a ruinous outcome, a forfeiture that is not merely a missed opportunity but an active suffering of loss or penalty. While "lose himself" (G622 _apóllymi_) points to destruction or perishing, "be cast away" emphasizes the *detriment* or *penalty* incurred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For what is a man advantaged,"**: This opening phrase sets up a rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer but to provoke deep introspection and reveal an obvious truth. It challenges the listener to consider the ultimate profit or benefit of a particular course of action, framing life's choices in terms of eternal gain or loss rather than mere temporal advantage.
* **"if he gain the whole world,"**: This clause presents the hypothetical maximum of earthly achievement and acquisition. "Gaining the whole world" is hyperbole, signifying the attainment of ultimate power, wealth, fame, and influence – every conceivable earthly desire and ambition. It represents the pinnacle of human success as defined by worldly standards.
* **"and lose himself,"**: This phrase introduces the devastating counterpoint to worldly gain. To "lose himself" (Greek: _apolesas heauton_) implies the destruction or forfeiture of one's true self, one's soul, one's eternal identity, or one's spiritual being. It's a loss far more profound than material deprivation; it speaks to spiritual ruin, a separation from God, and the failure to achieve one's ultimate purpose and destiny.
* **"or be cast away?"**: This final clause provides an alternative or intensifying description of the spiritual loss. "Be cast away" (Greek: _zēmiōthē_) denotes suffering a severe penalty or incurring irreparable damage, often with an eternal or judicial connotation. It reinforces the idea of a devastating forfeiture, a ruinous outcome that far outweighs any temporary earthly gain. Together with "lose himself," it paints a picture of ultimate spiritual disaster.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:25 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "For what is a man advantaged...?" Jesus poses this question not to receive an answer, but to force His audience to acknowledge the self-evident truth: there is no advantage. This technique engages the listener directly and powerfully. **Hyperbole** is evident in "gain the whole world," an intentional overstatement to emphasize the absolute maximum of earthly acquisition, making the subsequent loss even more stark. This hyperbole serves to highlight the infinite disparity between temporal and eternal values. Furthermore, the verse employs striking **Antithesis** or **Juxtaposition**, contrasting "gain the whole world" with "lose himself, or be cast away." This direct opposition of ultimate earthly success against ultimate spiritual ruin creates a dramatic tension that underscores the gravity of the choice presented. The implied **Metaphor** of life as a transaction or exchange is also present, where one "gains" or "loses" something of value.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This profound question from Jesus encapsulates a core theological truth: the infinite value of the human soul in God's economy, standing in stark contrast to the finite and fleeting nature of all earthly possessions and achievements. It speaks to the fundamental choice humanity faces between living for temporal gain and living for eternal salvation. The verse underscores the biblical principle that true life is found not in accumulation but in self-giving, echoing God's own nature as a giving God. It challenges the idolatry of materialism and self-centeredness, asserting that the pursuit of worldly success, when it becomes an ultimate priority, inevitably leads to spiritual bankruptcy and eternal separation from the Creator. This teaching is foundational to understanding the nature of discipleship, which demands a radical reorientation of priorities from the temporal to the eternal, from self-preservation to self-sacrifice for Christ's sake.

* [Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "Matthew 16:26 - For What Is a Man Profited?")
* [Mark 8:36-37](/mark/8-36-37 "Mark 8:36-37 - What Does It Profit a Man?")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul Counts All as Loss for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:25 remains a timeless and piercing challenge, particularly resonant in cultures that often equate success with material wealth, status, and personal achievement. This verse compels us to engage in profound introspection, asking us to honestly evaluate the true north of our lives. Are we investing our finite time, energy, and resources into pursuits that are ultimately perishable, or into those that bear eternal fruit? It serves as a potent warning against the subtle but pervasive deception that worldly gain brings genuine satisfaction or lasting security. True wisdom, Jesus implies, lies in recognizing that the most precious possession is not what we accumulate in this life, but what we preserve for eternity – our very soul and our relationship with God. This requires a conscious and daily decision to prioritize spiritual values, live with an eternal perspective, and align our desires with God's kingdom rather than the fleeting kingdoms of this world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "gaining the whole world" look like in your life, and what are you potentially sacrificing to pursue it?**
* **How does the pursuit of worldly success or comfort subtly (or overtly) distract you from cultivating your spiritual life or serving God?**
* **In what practical ways can you re-prioritize your life to invest more in eternal values rather than temporal ones?**
* **If you were to stand before God today, what would you consider your greatest "gain" and your greatest "loss"?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "lose himself" or "be cast away" in this verse?**

Answer: To "lose himself" (Greek: _apolesas heauton_) refers to the ultimate spiritual ruin or destruction of one's soul or eternal being. It's not about physical death, but about the forfeiture of one's true identity, purpose, and eternal destiny in God. It implies a state of being eternally separated from God, losing the very essence of what makes one truly alive in a spiritual sense. "Be cast away" (Greek: _zēmiōthē_) reinforces this by suggesting a severe, irreparable loss or penalty, often with a judicial connotation, implying condemnation or being rejected from God's presence. Both phrases point to eternal damnation or spiritual bankruptcy, a condition far worse than any earthly suffering or material loss. Jesus is emphasizing that no amount of worldly success can compensate for this ultimate, spiritual catastrophe.

**Is gaining wealth or success inherently wrong according to this verse?**

Answer: This verse does not condemn wealth or success in themselves, but rather the *priority* given to them over one's eternal soul and relationship with God. The danger lies in making worldly gain the ultimate pursuit, allowing it to eclipse or compromise one's spiritual well-being. Jesus' concern is with idolatry – worshipping the creation (wealth, power, fame) instead of the Creator. It's a warning against the deceptive nature of materialism, which promises fulfillment but ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness if pursued at the expense of one's soul. The Bible teaches stewardship of resources, but always with the understanding that all belongs to God and our true treasure is found in Him, as seen in [Matthew 6:24](/matthew/6-24 "Matthew 6:24 - No One Can Serve Two Masters").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:25 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. Paradoxically, Jesus, who possessed all the glory of heaven, "gained the whole world" not by accumulating earthly power, but by willingly "losing Himself" for the sake of humanity. [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility") beautifully describes His self-emptying (kenosis), where He did not cling to His divine prerogatives but took on the form of a servant, humbling Himself even to death on a cross. His ultimate act of "losing His life" – His crucifixion – was the very means by which He secured eternal life for all who believe, demonstrating that true gain comes through sacrificial love. By His death and resurrection, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering humanity a way to avoid the spiritual loss described in Luke 9:25. He is the one who, in obedience to the Father, laid down His life so that we might gain ours eternally, inviting us to follow His example of self-denial and cross-bearing, knowing that in Him, losing our life for His sake is the only path to truly finding it ([John 12:25](/john/12-25 "John 12:25 - He Who Loves His Life Loses It")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:26

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?

Mark 8:36

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

Psalms 49:6

¶ They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Psalms 49:8

(For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)

Luke 4:5

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

Luke 4:7

If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

Luke 12:19

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, [and] be merry.