Mark 8:36

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 8:36 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?
Mark 8:36 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
36For what doth it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For what shall it profit a man, etc..] In the long run, in the issue of things, who by denying Christ, and his Gospel, may not only save his life for the present, but procure for himself great riches and wealth: if he shall gain the whole world; were that possible to be done, and which the ambitious, worldly man is desirous of; yet supposing he: had his desire, of what avail would this be in the upshot of things, should the following be his case, as it will, and lose his own soul? which is immortal and everlasting, when the world, and the glory of it pass away, and so is of more worth than the whole world. The world can only be enjoyed for a season, and that with a great deal of fatigue and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this passage illustrated in the notes at Matthew 16:13-28. Mark 8:32 He spake that saying openly - With boldness or confidence, or without parables or figures, so that there could be no possibility of misunderstanding him. Mark 8:38 Ashamed of me - Ashamed to own attachment to me on account of my lowly appearance and my poverty. And of my words - My doctrines, my instructions. This adulterous and sinful generation - This age given to wickedness, particularly to adultery. In the glory of his Father - In the day of judgment. See the notes at Matthew 26:64. The meaning of this verse is, Whosoever shall refuse, through pride or wickedness, to acknowledge and serve Christ here, shall be…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:36-37 The implied answer to Jesus’ rhetorical question is that possessing the entire world has no value if you give up eternal life. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” (Jim Elliot). You need your soul to enjoy the benefits of the world to come. When you forfeit your life or soul, there is nothing you can give to purchase it back.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“what: Job 2:4; Psa 49:17, Psa 73:18-20; Mat 4:8-10, Mat 16:26; Luk 9:25, Luk 12:19, Luk 12:20; Luk 16:19-23; Phi 3:7-9; Rev 18:7, Rev 18:8 profit: Job 22:2; Mal 3:14; Rom 6:21; Heb 11:24-26; Jam 1:9-11 Mark 8:37”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification