Mark 8:36 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

NIV: What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

NASB: For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?

CSB: For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?

NLT: And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?

KJV: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

NKJV: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

In the prior verse, the English word "save" was translated from the Greek root word sozo. It means to be kept safe from harm or evil. In a parallel statement, Jesus now refers to those who would try to "gain" the world using the Greek root word kerdainō. This term refers to "winning or gaining," but it also carries the idea of being spared or rescued.

"Soul" is the same as "life" in Mark 8:35. It can mean literal breathing life or the core soul of a person. "World" is from the Greek root word kosmos. It can mean the earth, all the people of the earth, or the ungodly elements of creation, but it can also mean order or government.

Jesus condemns people's desire for "the world." Despite the expectations of almost everybody, He did not come to bring political order to Israel. He criticizes hypocrites such as the Pharisees for twisting the God-worshiping activities of giving (Matthew 6:1) and praying (Matthew 6:5) into attempts to earn the world's approval. And He says that earthly riches create a strong barrier between would-be Christ followers and the kingdom of God (Mark 10:17–25).

We often see this world as having everything we need for a happy and fulfilled life—and in the beginning, that was so (Genesis 1:29–31). But even then, there was nothing in the world more precious than our life—our immortal soul's potential to live for eternity in paradise with God. Jesus knew this when Satan offered Him the world (Matthew 4:8–10). Not only would Jesus not sacrifice His own integrity for the world, He would not sacrifice our souls for our comfort.

The Gospel of Mark was written shortly after "John Mark," whom most scholars believe is the author of this Gospel, abandoned Paul and Barnabas in the middle of a missions trip (Acts 13:5,13). Mark has just recorded that Jesus equated Peter's influence with that of Satan (Mark 8:33). In a few short chapters, Peter will deny that he ever knew Jesus (Mark 14:66–72). This must have been a convicting passage for Peter and Mark to write.

Mark 8:34—9:1 deals with sacrifice and rewards. To follow Jesus the disciples have sacrificed their livelihoods (Mark 1:16–20; 2:14), reputations (Mark 2:18, 23–24; 7:5), regular meals (Mark 6:30–31), and sleep (Mark 1:32–37; 6:45–48). In return, they expect glory (Mark 9:33–37) and power (Mark 10:35–45). Jesus explains that God's timing is more strategic and their roles are more important and difficult than they could imagine. To follow Christ, we must follow Him: His teaching (Mark 8:38), His life (Mark 10:42–45), and His sacrifice (John 15:20). In return, we should not expect earthly rewards, but we will get eternal life. Matthew 16:24–28 and Luke 9:23–27 also record these events.

This chapter describes another miraculous feeding of thousands by Jesus. He also counters the hard-hearted and selfish hypocrisy of the Pharisees in seeking even more miraculous signs. Speaking to the disciples, Jesus rebukes their short memories and reminds them about God's intent to provide for His followers. After healing a blind man, Jesus accepts Peter's proclamation that Jesus is the Messiah. Almost immediately, though, Jesus rebukes Peter for resisting the idea that the Messiah must suffer and die.

Mark 8 continues Jesus' attempts to teach the disciples God's plan for the Messiah. Jesus has not come for the religious Pharisees but for the meek who willingly respond to Him. He has not yet come as the glorious and victorious champion of Israel, but to die for the whole world. And His followers must also be willing to sacrifice their lives. The chapter marks a turning point in Jesus' ministry as His miracles grow fewer and His teaching increases. Interestingly, Jesus also faces a repeat of the temptations He experienced in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11).

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.