### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **zēmióō**, represented by `{{G2210}}`, means to injure or experience detriment. It is often translated as to **suffer loss**, **lose**, **receive damage**, or **be cast away**. Derived from the word for detriment, `zēmía` `{{G2209}}`, it appears 6 times in 6 unique verses in the Bible, carrying significant weight in each instance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2210}}` is used to frame critical, high-stakes choices. It is used multiple times to ask what a man is profited if he gains the whole **world** `{{G2889}}` but chooses to **lose** his own **soul** `{{G5590}}` ([[Matthew 16:26]], [[Mark 8:36]]). Paul uses the term to testify that he has **suffered the loss** of all things for the **excellency** `{{G5242}}` of the **knowledge** `{{G1108}}` of Christ Jesus [[Philippians 3:8]]. The word also appears in the context of judgment, where a man whose **work** `{{G2041}}` is burned by **fire** `{{G4442}}` will **suffer loss**, though he himself will be **saved** `{{G4982}}` [[1 Corinthians 3:15]]. In another instance, it is used to describe avoiding spiritual harm, so that believers might **receive damage** by the apostles in **nothing** `{{G3367}}` [[2 Corinthians 7:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of spiritual loss and gain:
* `{{G2209}}` **zēmía** (damage, loss): As the root word for `{{G2210}}`, it signifies detriment. Paul counts all things as **loss** for Christ [[Philippians 3:8]].
* `{{G2770}}` **kerdaínō** (to gain, win): This word is consistently used as the direct opposite of `{{G2210}}`, highlighting the choice between what can be gained in the world versus what can be lost spiritually ([[Matthew 16:26]], [[Philippians 3:8]]).
* `{{G5590}}` **psychḗ** (soul, life, mind): This is the item of ultimate value that is at risk of being lost in exchange for the world [[Mark 8:36]].
* `{{G4982}}` **sṓzō** (to save, deliver or protect): This word provides a crucial contrast, particularly in the context where a person can **suffer loss** of their works but still be **saved** [[1 Corinthians 3:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2210}}` is profound, forcing a re-evaluation of what holds ultimate worth.
* **The Ultimate Exchange:** The word is central to the question of eternal value. Gaining the entire **world** `{{G2889}}` is presented as a worthless trade if it results in a man having to **lose** his own **soul** `{{G5590}}` ([[Matthew 16:26]], [[Mark 8:36]]). This establishes an infinite valuation of the soul over temporal gain.
* **Revaluation for Christ:** Paul's declaration in [[Philippians 3:8]] demonstrates the core of Christian discipleship. He willingly **suffered the loss** of all his earthly achievements and status, counting them as **dung** `{{G4657}}`, for the surpassing worth of knowing and gaining Christ. This reframes loss as a necessary step toward the ultimate gain.
* **Loss of Reward, Not Salvation:** In [[1 Corinthians 3:15]], the term distinguishes between eternal security and eternal rewards. A believer whose works are not of lasting quality will **suffer loss** when they are burned up, yet he himself will be **saved** `{{G4982}}`, "so as by fire." This shows that while salvation is secure, the believer's actions have consequences for their standing in eternity.
### Summary
In summary, **zēmióō** `{{G2210}}` moves beyond simple material detriment to convey a deep spiritual reality. It frames the pivotal choice between the temporal **world** `{{G2889}}` and the eternal **soul** `{{G5590}}`. The word captures the essence of Christian sacrifice, where earthly things are considered a **loss** in comparison to the value of knowing Christ [[Philippians 3:8]]. It also serves as a sober warning that while salvation is by grace, one can still **suffer loss** of rewards due to the quality of one's life and work.
TRV