Matthew 16:26
What does Matthew 16:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 16:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 16:26 means
Jesus poses two rhetorical questions to emphasize the infinite value of a human soul: "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?" He highlights the futility of achieving ultimate worldly success—acquiring everything the world offers—if in the process one loses their eternal soul. No amount of temporal gain can compensate for the irreparable loss of one's eternal existence, urging a focus on spiritual rather than material prosperity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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?
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For what profit has a man, if he gets all the world with the loss of his life? or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for what is a man profited if he may gain the whole world, but of his life suffer loss? or what shall a man give as an exchange for his life?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For what does a man profit, if he should gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Context
This verse powerfully reinforces the teaching on self-denial and the value of eternal life, directly building on the paradox presented in the previous verse. These rhetorical questions serve to deepen the disciples' understanding of the immense spiritual stakes involved in following Christ, preparing them for the announcement of future judgment and reward.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 5:29
And if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not thy whole body be cast into hell.
- Job 2:4
And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
- Mark 8:36
For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
- Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him unto an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
- Luke 9:25
For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?
- Luke 16:25
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.
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