Mark 8:36
What does Mark 8:36 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 8:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 8:36 means
Jesus posed a powerful rhetorical question: "For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?" This highlights the eternal insignificance of all worldly possessions and achievements when compared to the value of one's soul. It underscores that even the greatest earthly success means nothing if it comes at the cost of one's spiritual salvation and ultimate destiny.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
KJV
King James Version · 1611For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What profit has a man if he gets all the world with the loss of his life?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for what shall it profit a man, if he may gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?
Context
This verse continues Jesus' teaching on the eternal value of the soul, powerfully illustrating the futility of worldly gain without spiritual life. It logically follows the principle of losing one's life to save it and immediately precedes another question about what one can exchange for their soul, further amplifying the gravity of the decision.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Job 2:4
And Satan answered Jehovah, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
- Philippians 3:7
Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.
- Luke 9:25
For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?
- Luke 16:19
Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day:
- Malachi 3:14
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept his charge, and that we have walked mournfully before Jehovah of hosts?
- 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;
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