


Luke 9:25
Bible Versions
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
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?
-
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.
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
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: