Mark 8:37
What does Mark 8:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 8:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 8:37 means
Jesus continued with another rhetorical question: "For what should a man give in exchange for his life?" This emphasizes the irreplaceable and infinite value of the human soul. There is nothing in all creation that can be offered as a substitute or payment once one's spiritual life is lost. This question compels deep introspection about true priorities and the ultimate worth of eternal salvation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For what should a man give in exchange for his life?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For what should a man give in exchange for his life?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And what would a man give in exchange for his life?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Or what shall a man give as an exchange for his life?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for what should a man give in exchange for his soul?
Context
This verse reinforces the eternal value of the soul, making its preservation the ultimate concern. It follows Jesus' question about gaining the world but losing one's soul, setting the stage for the final warning about being ashamed of Christ, which brings the discussion on discipleship to a powerful conclusion.
v.36For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
v.37This passage
v.38For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 49:7
None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him
- 1 Peter 1:18
knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers;
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