Matthew 16:26 – Meaning & Devotional
"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?"
What This Verse Means
Jesus poses the most penetrating cost-benefit question in history. Even if you could acquire everything the world offers, the trade-off of losing your soul makes it the worst deal imaginable.
Nothing in all creation equals the value of a human soul. This verse forces us to evaluate what we're trading our lives for and whether the exchange is worth it.
Historical Context
Jesus had just told His disciples about His coming death and called them to take up their own crosses. This question punctuates His call to radical discipleship — following Him is costly, but the alternative costs infinitely more.
How to Apply This Today
What are you trading your soul for? Career success? Comfort? Approval? Evaluate your current priorities against eternity. Is the trade worth it?
Related Verses
Mark 8:36
"For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Luke 12:20
"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee."
🙏 A Prayer from Matthew 16:26
Lord, realign my priorities with eternity. Help me see that nothing this world offers is worth the cost of my soul. I choose You above every temporary gain. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Mark 8:36 Commentary
In-depth study • Eternal Priorities
Matthew 6:33 — Meaning & Devotional
Priorities
Revelation 21:4 — Meaning & Devotional
Eternity
Bible Verses About Heaven and Eternity
10 curated KJV verses
Bible Verses About Investing in Eternity
10 curated KJV verses
Psalm 16:11 — Meaning & Devotional
Joy
Free printable companion
More Devotionals on Priorities
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
More Verse Devotionals on Priorities
Explore more KJV verse meanings, contexts, and applications.
- Matthew 6:33 — Priorities
- Colossians 3:2 — Priorities
- Matthew 6:33 — Priorities
- Psalm 90:12 — Wisdom
- Psalm 16:11 — Joy
- Revelation 21:4 — Eternity
- Revelation 21:4 — Eternal Life
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 — Heaven
- Philippians 1:21 — Devotion
- Revelation 21:4 — Heaven
- Ecclesiastes 3:11 — God's Timing
- Ecclesiastes 3:11 — God's Timing
- John 1:1 — Deity of Christ
- Psalm 16:11 — Joy
- 2 Timothy 3:16 — Scripture
- Ecclesiastes 3:11 — God's Timing
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 — Heaven
- Revelation 21:4 — Eternal Hope
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.