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?

MATTHEW 16:26KJV
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Matthew 16:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:26 mean?

Matthew 16:26 warns that gaining all the wealth or success the world offers is worthless if it costs a person their soul, because nothing else can be traded to recover it. The verse asks what real benefit there is in worldly gain if it leads to spiritual loss, and points out that a person’s soul is beyond price.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples, challenging them to think about the true value of their lives as He teaches about following Him. The verse comes as part of a conversation where Jesus talks about self-denial and the cost of discipleship, making it clear that spiritual well-being is more important than any earthly achievement or possession.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:26

  • ψυχή (psychē): This word is translated "soul" but can also mean "life" or "self." Here, it highlights that Jesus is talking about a person’s whole being, not just an immaterial soul.
  • κερδαίνω (kerdainō): Translated "gain," this word often refers to acquiring profit or advantage. The verse uses it to emphasize the idea of worldly success.
  • ζημιόω (zēmioō): Translated "lose," this word can also mean "forfeit" or "suffer loss." It stresses the seriousness of what is at stake if someone exchanges their soul for worldly things.
  • ἀντάλλαγμα (antallagma): This word means "exchange" or "ransom." It underlines that there is nothing a person can offer as a substitute to get their soul back once it is lost.

Why Matthew 16:26 matters

  • Matthew 16:26 clarifies that Jesus is not just warning against greed, but is making a much broader point about what is truly valuable in life.
  • The verse helps readers see that spiritual loss is final; there is no way to buy back or trade for a lost soul, no matter how much one has gained in other areas.
  • In the wider context, this verse challenges listeners to consider the cost of following Jesus and to weigh temporary gains against eternal consequences.

Where else these words appear

“exchange” Greek G465 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

“lose” Greek G2210 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
  • Luke 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
  • 2 Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

“profited” Greek G5623 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
  • Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
  • 1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

“gain” Greek G2770 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
  • 1 Corinthians 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law,(being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.