9:24 9:24

Luke 9:25

9:26 9:26

Bible Versions

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
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}?
What will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but destroys or forfeits his own life?
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose or forfeit his very self?
For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?

Luke 9:25 KJV presents a profound rhetorical question from Jesus Christ, challenging His listeners to consider the ultimate value of their lives and priorities. This pivotal verse encapsulates a core teaching on the futility of earthly pursuits when weighed against the eternal destiny of the soul. It forces a stark comparison between temporary worldly gain and permanent spiritual loss.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse on the nature of true discipleship, immediately following His call for His followers to "deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus has just explained that those who try to save their earthly lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for His sake will save them (Luke 9:24). Luke 9:25 serves as the logical culmination and powerful justification for this radical call to self-denial and spiritual commitment. It underscores the immense, incomparable worth of the human soul in God's eyes, contrasting it sharply with all the fleeting riches and glory of the world.

Key Themes

  • The Immeasurable Value of the Soul: Jesus highlights that the human soul, or one's eternal life/self, is of infinitely greater worth than all the material wealth and power the entire world can offer. There is no comparable exchange rate.
  • Futility of Worldly Gain: The verse exposes the ultimate emptiness of a life devoted solely to acquiring earthly possessions, fame, or power. Such gains are temporary and cannot secure one's eternal well-being or prevent spiritual ruin.
  • Spiritual Loss and Eternal Consequence: To "lose himself, or be cast away" speaks to a devastating spiritual forfeiture – a loss of one's true identity, purpose, and eternal salvation. This is the gravest possible outcome, far outweighing any earthly advantage.
  • Prioritizing Eternal Over Temporal: Jesus challenges His audience to re-evaluate their priorities, urging them to pursue spiritual riches and an eternal relationship with God rather than being consumed by the pursuit of perishable worldly treasures. This echoes His teaching on laying up treasures in heaven.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "advantaged" comes from the Greek word ōpheleō (ὠφελέω), which means "to profit," "to gain," or "to be useful to." It carries a strong sense of financial or practical benefit, making the contrast with eternal loss even more striking. The terms "lose himself" (apolesas heauton) and "be cast away" (zēmiōthē) are very strong. Apolesas heauton can mean "destroy himself" or "ruin himself," pointing to the ultimate destruction or forfeiture of one's spiritual being. Zēmiōthē means "to suffer loss," "to be penalized," or "to be ruined," often in a judicial or eternal sense, reinforcing the idea of a severe and irreparable penalty or forfeiture.

Practical Application

Luke 9:25 remains profoundly relevant in any age, particularly in cultures that emphasize material success and personal achievement. It serves as a powerful call to introspection:

  • Examine Your Priorities: What do you truly value most? Is your life's pursuit centered on accumulating earthly wealth, status, or pleasures, or on cultivating a relationship with God and securing your eternal destiny?
  • Beware of Materialism's Deception: The verse warns against the subtle deception that worldly gain brings true satisfaction or security. It highlights that such pursuits, when made ultimate, can lead to spiritual bankruptcy.
  • Invest in the Eternal: True wisdom lies in understanding that what truly matters is not what you gain in this life, but what you preserve for eternity. This involves a life of faith, obedience, and self-sacrifice for Christ's sake, as exemplified by Paul's willingness to count all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
  • The Soul's Unparalleled Worth: This verse reminds us of the infinite preciousness of every human soul and the urgency of the gospel message, which offers salvation from eternal loss through Christ.
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.

  • 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.
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