Mark 8:37
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Original Language Analysis
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 8
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δώσει
give
G1325
δώσει
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
3 of 8
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Context Rich young ruler loved wealth more than Christ (Mark 10). Judas traded Jesus for 30 pieces silver gained money lost soul. Hebrews warns of Esau who sold birthright for meal could not reverse it. Temporal choices have eternal consequences. No purgatory no second chance after death. This life is time for decision. Early church faced this Roman empire offered comfort compromise or suffering faithfulness. Many chose suffering unto death faithful unto death received crown of life (Rev 2:10). Modern consumeristic Christianity sometimes forgets eternal perspective.
Questions for Reflection
- What does question about exchanging soul teach about relative value of temporal versus eternal?
- How should eternal perspective shape daily decisions priorities values?
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Analysis & Commentary
What shall man give in exchange for his soul. Rhetorical question. Give dōsei pay offer. In exchange antallagma substitute price. Soul psychēs life eternal destiny. Nothing of equivalent value. Soul is priceless. All worldly gain cannot compensate for lost soul. Eternal realities transcend temporal. Reformed theology emphasizes eternal perspective. This life is brief preparation for eternity. Gain world lose soul is ultimate tragedy. No second chance after death.