Mark 8:37

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

American Standard Version (1901)

For what should a man give in exchange for his life?

Bible in Basic English

And what would a man give in exchange for his life?

Free Bible Version

What would you give in exchange for your life?

Geneva Bible 1599

Or what exchange shall a man giue for his soule?

King James (Authorized) Version

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

One Unity Resource Bible

For what will a man give in exchange for his life?

Plain English Version

You can’t use it to get that real life.

Translation for Translators

◄Think carefully about the fact that there is absolutely nothing that people can give to God that would enable them to gain eternal life!/Is there anything that a person can give to God in order to gain eternal life?► [RHQ]

Unlocked Literal Bible

What can a person give in exchange for his life?

Noah Webster Bible

Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

World English Bible

For what will a man give in exchange for his life?

Young's Literal Translation

Or what shall a man give as an exchange for his life?

Context

Take Up Your Cross

³⁶What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?³⁷Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?³⁸If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Sermons

Mark 8:37

Chuck Smith

Summary

In Mark 8:37, Jesus poses a thought-provoking question about the value of a person's soul. He emphasizes that nothing in this world, no amount of wealth or success, is worth more than the eternal destiny of one's soul. This verse challenges believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being above material possessions or worldly achievements. It serves as a reminder to focus on the things of God and invest in the eternal rather than the temporary, urging a perspective that values spiritual growth and salvation above all else.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible 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 Mat 16:26. Mark 8:38