Mark 8:37

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 8:37 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For what should a man give in exchange for his life?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For what should a man give in exchange for his life?
Mark 8:37 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
37For what should a man give in exchange for 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
“Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?] To deliver it out of its miserable state and condition; all the riches of the world, and the whole world itself, are not an equivalent to it, or a sufficient ransom for it; riches will not profit in the day of wrath, or deliver a soul from damnation, and ruin: wherefore, if he had the whole world, he could not redeem his soul with it; and he has nothing else to give for it, and therefore it is past all recovery: (see Gill on “<401626>Matthew 16:26”).”
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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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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Psa 49:7, Psa 49:8; Pe1 1:18, Pe1 1:19 Mark 8:38”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification