King James Version

What Does Luke 9:25 Mean?

Luke 9:25 in the King James Version says “For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?”

Luke 9:25 · KJV

Context

23

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily , and follow me.

24

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

25

For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

26

For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

27

But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? Jesus poses a rhetorical question using ōpheleō (ὠφελέω, "to profit" or "benefit"). The verb kerdainō (κερδαίνω, "to gain") was commercial language—accumulating wealth or assets. Yet the ultimate loss (zēmioō, ζημιόω, "to forfeit" or "suffer loss") is the psychē (ψυχή, "soul" or "life")—one's essential self, eternal existence. The phrase "or be cast away" uses zēmiōtheis (ζημιωθείς, "having suffered loss"), emphasizing total ruin.

This follows Peter's confession of Christ (v. 20) and Jesus' first passion prediction (vv. 22-24). The cross-bearing call demands radical reorientation—spiritual profit transcends earthly gain. Jesus exposes worldly success as worthless if it costs eternal salvation. Alexander the Great conquered the world but died at 32; what profit? This verse dismantles the prosperity gospel and materialism, establishing eternal values as the only rational priority.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke these words following His transfiguration prediction (v. 27) and immediately before the actual event (vv. 28-36). The disciples still expected an earthly Messianic kingdom—political liberation from Rome and national restoration for Israel. Jewish eschatological hopes centered on territorial sovereignty and economic prosperity under Messiah's reign. Jesus systematically deconstructs these expectations, teaching that the kingdom comes through suffering, death, and resurrection. His question challenges the Zealot ideology prevalent among Jews—violent revolution to 'gain the whole world' (Roman expulsion) would ultimately 'lose the soul' through forfeiting God's actual kingdom purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. What worldly gains are you tempted to pursue that might cost you spiritual vitality or eternal reward?
  2. How does Jesus' question expose the irrationality of prioritizing temporary success over eternal destiny?
  3. In what ways does contemporary culture promote 'gaining the world' while minimizing concerns about losing one's soul?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
τί1 of 13

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ2 of 13

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὠφελεῖται3 of 13

“advantaged”

G5623

to be useful, i.e., to benefit

ἄνθρωπος4 of 13

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

κερδήσας5 of 13

“if he gain”

G2770

to gain (literally or figuratively)

τὸν6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κόσμον7 of 13

“world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ὅλον8 of 13

“the whole”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

ἑαυτὸν9 of 13

“himself”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

δὲ10 of 13

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπολέσας11 of 13

“lose”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

ἢ12 of 13

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ζημιωθείς13 of 13

“be cast away”

G2210

to injure, i.e., (reflexively or passively) to experience detriment

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 9:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 8:36Matthew 16:26Psalms 49:6-8Luke 12:19-21Luke 4:5-72 Peter 2:15-17

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