Matthew 16:26

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} what {G5101} is a man {G444} profited {G5623}, if {G1437} he shall gain {G2770} the whole {G3650} world {G2889}, and {G1161} lose {G2210} his own {G846} soul {G5590}? or {G2228} what {G5101} shall a man {G444} give {G1325} in exchange {G465} for his {G846} soul {G5590}?

Complete Jewish Bible

What good will it do someone if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? Or, what can a person give in exchange for his life?

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?

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 16:26 presents two profound rhetorical questions from Jesus that starkly contrast the fleeting value of all earthly gain with the immeasurable, eternal worth of the human soul. This verse serves as a climactic warning, challenging individuals to re-evaluate their ultimate priorities and recognize that no worldly success, wealth, or power can compensate for the spiritual loss of one's eternal self, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of the soul and the futility of sacrificing it for temporal advantage.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful statement by Jesus is strategically placed as the culmination of a pivotal section in Matthew's Gospel, immediately following Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ ([Matthew 16:16](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ")). Directly after this confession, Jesus reveals for the first time His impending suffering, death, and resurrection in Jerusalem ([Matthew 16:21](/matthew/16-21 "Matthew 16:21 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). Peter, operating from a human understanding of Messiahship, vehemently rebukes Jesus for this prophecy ([Matthew 16:22](/matthew/16-22 "Matthew 16:22 - Peter Rebukes Jesus")), prompting Jesus' sharp retort, "Get behind me, Satan!" ([Matthew 16:23](/matthew/16-23 "Matthew 16:23 - Jesus Rebukes Peter")). Immediately following this intense exchange, Jesus issues a universal call to discipleship, outlining its demanding cost: self-denial, cross-bearing, and the paradoxical principle that those who seek to save their life will lose it, but those who lose their life for Jesus' sake will find it ([Matthew 16:24-25](/matthew/16-24-25 "Matthew 16:24-25 - The Cost of Discipleship")). Verse 26, therefore, functions as the ultimate logical and theological justification for this radical call to discipleship, demonstrating the supreme and irreplaceable value of the soul that makes such sacrifice worthwhile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world of Jesus' day, as in many societies, honor, reputation, wealth, and power were highly prized. The pursuit of these worldly achievements often defined a person's success and standing. Jesus' teaching directly confronts this prevailing worldview. The concept of "the whole world" would have resonated with the Roman Empire's vast dominion and the Jewish longing for a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom of unparalleled glory. However, Jesus consistently redefines true power and value, shifting the focus from temporal, material gain to eternal, spiritual realities. The Jewish understanding of *nephesh* (often translated as "soul" or "life") in the Old Testament provided a backdrop, where it could refer to the entire person, the breath of life, or the inner being. Jesus elevates this concept to an eternal dimension, emphasizing its ultimate destiny beyond mere earthly existence. His words challenge the very foundations of human ambition and societal norms, demanding a radical reorientation of priorities.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 16:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is **The Supreme Value of the Soul**, asserting that the human soul possesses infinite, immeasurable worth, far surpassing any earthly treasure or achievement. This theme is foundational to understanding the urgency of salvation and the depth of God's redemptive plan. It also highlights **The Futility of Worldly Gain** when pursued at the expense of spiritual well-being. The "whole world" represents the pinnacle of human ambition and material success, yet Jesus declares it utterly worthless if it leads to the loss of one's eternal self. This echoes the wisdom found in [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - The Vanity of Life") concerning the vanity of earthly pursuits. Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Irreversible Eternal Consequences** of one's choices; the second question, "what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?", powerfully conveys that once the soul is lost (implying spiritual death or separation from God), there is no earthly equivalent, no ransom, no price that can buy it back. This emphasizes the finality of decisions regarding one's eternal destiny. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Radical Priorities in Discipleship**, compelling followers to prioritize God's kingdom and eternal life over all temporal considerations, aligning with Jesus' earlier teaching to [seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **profited (Greek, _ōpheléō_):** From G5623, meaning "to be useful, i.e., to benefit." This word emphasizes the practical outcome or advantage. Jesus' question directly challenges the common human calculus of profit and loss, suggesting that what appears to be a gain in worldly terms is, in fact, a catastrophic loss when viewed from an eternal perspective. It implies a complete lack of advantage or benefit if the soul is forfeited.
* **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))." In this context, "the whole world" (with G3650, _hólos_, "whole") refers to the entirety of earthly possessions, power, fame, pleasure, and all that humanity typically strives for. It represents the sum total of all temporal achievements and material acquisitions.
* **soul (Greek, _psychḗ_):** From G5590, meaning "breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from πνεῦμα, which is the rational and immortal soul; and on the other from ζωή, which is mere vitality, even of plants: these terms thus exactly correspond respectively to the Hebrew נֶפֶשׁ, רוּחַ and חַי)." While *psychē* can sometimes refer to physical life (as in Matthew 16:25), in verse 26, especially when contrasted with "the whole world" and the idea of "losing" it, it clearly denotes the eternal, spiritual essence of a person—their true self, their consciousness, their being that continues beyond physical death and is destined for eternity with or apart from God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"**: This first rhetorical question challenges the fundamental human understanding of "profit." It posits a hypothetical scenario where an individual achieves the pinnacle of earthly success—acquiring all possible wealth, power, and influence—yet simultaneously suffers the ultimate spiritual catastrophe of losing their eternal soul. The question implies that such a "gain" is, in reality, the most profound and devastating loss imaginable, rendering all worldly achievements utterly worthless.
* **"or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"**: The second rhetorical question reinforces the first by emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of the soul. The word "exchange" (Greek: _antállagma_, G465) signifies a price, an equivalent, or a ransom given in return for something. Jesus' question asserts that there is absolutely nothing in all of creation—no amount of wealth, no sacrifice, no earthly power, no subsequent act—that can serve as an adequate payment or ransom to recover a soul once it has been lost. This highlights the infinite value of the soul and the irreversible tragedy of its forfeiture.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 16:26 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is the use of **Rhetorical Questions**, which are not meant to be answered literally but to provoke deep thought and emphasize a self-evident truth. By posing "what is a man profited...?" and "what shall a man give...?", Jesus forces His audience to confront the ultimate absurdity of prioritizing temporal gain over eternal well-being, implying there is no profit and no exchange. **Hyperbole** is also employed in the phrase "gain the whole world," an intentional overstatement to represent the absolute maximum of earthly achievement. This exaggerated scenario makes the contrast with "lose his own soul" even more stark and impactful. Finally, **Antithesis** is central to the verse's structure, juxtaposing "gain the whole world" with "lose his own soul." This sharp contrast highlights the mutually exclusive nature of these two pursuits as ultimate priorities and underscores the catastrophic spiritual cost of choosing the former over the latter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 16:26 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, profoundly shaping our understanding of human value, eternal destiny, and the nature of true salvation. It asserts the inherent, immeasurable worth of every individual soul, created in the image of God and destined for eternity. This value is so absolute that it dwarfs all material possessions and worldly accomplishments combined. The verse compels us to recognize that our earthly existence is but a fleeting moment in the context of eternity, and that the choices we make regarding our spiritual state have everlasting consequences. It underscores the biblical truth that salvation is not a trivial matter but the ultimate transaction, where the soul's destiny hangs in the balance. Furthermore, it speaks to the concept of stewardship, reminding us that our lives, resources, and even our very souls are not our own, but belong to God, and we are called to steward them in light of eternity.

* [Mark 8:36-37](/mark/8-36-37 "Mark 8:36-37 - The Parallel Passage in Mark")
* [Luke 9:25](/luke/9-25 "Luke 9:25 - The Parallel Passage in Luke")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of Worldly Gain")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 16:26 remains profoundly relevant for every generation, serving as a piercing mirror to our priorities and a clarion call to spiritual sobriety. In a world often obsessed with material accumulation, social status, fleeting pleasures, and the relentless pursuit of "success" defined by human metrics, this verse forces us to pause and ask what truly matters. It challenges us to honestly examine where our ultimate investments lie: are we building earthly empires that will inevitably crumble, or are we investing in eternal realities that will endure forever? The verse is a stark reminder that true prosperity is not measured by what we acquire in this life, but by the state of our soul in the next. It compels us to cultivate a counter-cultural mindset, prioritizing spiritual growth, a deepening relationship with God, and obedience to His will above all temporal desires. This means being willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ, knowing that in losing our life for His sake, we ultimately gain everything that truly counts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "gaining the whole world" look like in my life or culture today, and how might I be subtly pursuing it at the expense of my soul?**
* **In what practical ways can I shift my focus and efforts from temporal investments to eternal ones, aligning my priorities with the value of my soul?**
* **How does the irreversible nature of "losing one's soul" impact my sense of urgency regarding my spiritual walk and sharing the Gospel with others?**
* **What immediate steps can I take to ensure that my daily choices reflect the supreme value I place on my soul and my relationship with God?**

### FAQ

**What does "lose his own soul" specifically mean in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew 16:26, "lose his own soul" (Greek: _psychē_) refers to the loss of one's eternal spiritual well-being, leading to eternal separation from God. While _psychē_ can sometimes denote physical life, here, when contrasted with "gaining the whole world" and the impossibility of exchange, it clearly points to the ultimate spiritual death or eternal damnation. It signifies the forfeiture of one's true, eternal self and destiny with God, resulting in a state of spiritual ruin. This is not merely a loss of earthly life, but a catastrophic loss of one's eternal future and relationship with the Creator.

**Does this verse imply that wealth or worldly success is inherently evil?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that wealth or worldly success is inherently evil. The Bible acknowledges that wealth can be a blessing and used for good (e.g., [Proverbs 10:22](/proverbs/10-22 "Proverbs 10:22 - The Blessing of the Lord")). However, Jesus' warning is against the idolatrous pursuit of these things, especially when they become a person's ultimate priority or are gained at the expense of their spiritual integrity and eternal destiny. The danger lies not in the possessions themselves, but in the heart's attachment to them, leading one away from God. The issue is misplaced worship and the belief that material gain can satisfy the soul or provide ultimate security. The verse challenges the idea that any amount of earthly treasure can outweigh the infinite value of one's eternal soul.

**How does one "gain the whole world" in a practical sense, and what is the danger?**

Answer: To "gain the whole world" practically means to achieve the pinnacle of what human society values: immense wealth, widespread fame, significant power, luxurious comfort, and ultimate self-gratification. It represents the successful pursuit of all earthly desires and ambitions. The danger lies in the process and the outcome of such a pursuit. Often, gaining the world involves compromising one's moral and spiritual values, neglecting one's relationship with God, ignoring the call to discipleship, or prioritizing temporal success over eternal salvation. The ultimate danger is that in achieving everything the world offers, one simultaneously forfeits their eternal soul, discovering that all earthly "gains" are utterly meaningless and unprofitable in the face of eternal loss.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 16:26, while a stark warning, ultimately finds its profound fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The rhetorical questions posed by Jesus—what profit is there in gaining the world if the soul is lost, and what can be given in exchange for it?—point directly to humanity's desperate predicament and the impossibility of self-salvation. We, by our own efforts, can neither gain our souls back nor offer a sufficient ransom. It is precisely because the soul's value is immeasurable and irreplaceable that God Himself provided the only adequate "exchange" or "ransom" through His Son. Jesus, the Son of Man, did not come to be served, but to serve, and to [give His life as a ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve and Give His Life as a Ransom"). He is the one who paid the ultimate price, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with His own precious blood, to [redeem us from our futile ways](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood"). Therefore, the "profit" that humanity desperately seeks, the salvation of the soul, is found only in Him. By losing our lives for His sake, as He commanded in the preceding verses, we paradoxically find true and eternal life, a life secured by His sacrifice. The one who [so loved the world that He gave His only Son](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") offers the very exchange that no human could ever provide, demonstrating that [while we were still sinners, Christ died for us](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us"), securing the eternal destiny of all who believe.

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

Mark 8:36

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

Mark 8:37

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Job 27:8

For what [is] the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

Luke 9:25

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

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?

Psalms 49:7

None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:

Psalms 49:8

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