Matthew 16:26
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?
Original Language Analysis
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 22
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμον
world
G2889
κόσμον
world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
7 of 22
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ὅλον
the whole
G3650
ὅλον
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
8 of 22
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχῆς
soul
G5590
ψυχῆς
soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
12 of 22
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ζημιωθῇ
lose
G2210
ζημιωθῇ
lose
Strong's:
G2210
Word #:
14 of 22
to injure, i.e., (reflexively or passively) to experience detriment
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
16 of 22
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
δώσει
give
G1325
δώσει
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
17 of 22
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 #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Job 27:8For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?Luke 9:25For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?Luke 12:20But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?Luke 16:25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.Matthew 5:29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.Job 2:4And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
Historical Context
Ancient audiences understood profit-loss calculations. Merchants, farmers, fishermen all assessed costs versus benefits. Jesus applies commercial logic to ultimate questions - the soul outweighs everything. This teaching challenged both poverty-stricken peasants dreaming of wealth and wealthy individuals trusting riches. Rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) illustrates the tragedy - choosing whole world over soul. Early Christians often chose poverty, persecution, and martyrdom over worldly success, demonstrating soul-priority.
Questions for Reflection
- What worldly gains tempt you to compromise eternal values?
- How does recognizing the soul's infinite value reorder life priorities?
- What would you be unwilling to exchange for any worldly benefit?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus poses ultimate value question: '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?' (Greek: τί γὰρ ὠφεληθήσεται ἄνθρωπος ἐὰν τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ζημιωθῇ, 'for what will a person be profited if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?'). The verb κερδήσῃ ('gain') is business term - profitability analysis. Total material success ('whole world') cannot compensate for soul loss. The soul's value is infinite; nothing can purchase it back once forfeited. This establishes ultimate economics - eternal realities outweigh temporal gains.