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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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