Luke 9:25For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?
The setting
Caesarea Philippi region, northern Israel, ~30 AD. Jesus has just revealed His coming death to shocked disciples...
The emotion here: urgent concern for disciples heading toward suffering
The original word
ζημιόω (zēmioō) — to suffer loss, forfeit something precious through bad exchange
Why it matters
Roman law allowed complete forfeiture of citizenship for treason — losing your very identity
Read with care
What most readers miss in Luke 9:25
This comes right after Peter called Jesus 'the Christ' — success without the cross is meaningless
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about avoiding material success, but Jesus is asking about exchange rates — what are you trading your soul for, and is it worth it?
The thread continues
Verses that echo Luke 9:25
Bible Genome reading
Luke 9:25 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Luke 9:25 comes from the book of Luke, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Jesus. The dominant emotion in this verse is seeking, with a comfort power of 15% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include priorities, soul value. Notable phrases: gains the whole world; loses his own self.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same seeking
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17
“But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
— Amos 5:24
“Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that …”
— Genesis 18:25
“Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don't know.”
— Jeremiah 33:3
“Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evi…”
— Luke 11:4
Your reflection
What does Luke 9:25 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "seeking"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.