Matthew 16:26For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life?
The setting
Caesarea Philippi, northern Israel, ~30 AD. Jesus poses two devastating questions about ultimate value...
The emotion here: piercing concern watching people trade eternity for temporary gain
The original word
kerdainō (κερδαίνω) — to gain profit, like a business transaction or investment return
Why it matters
The 'whole world' (kosmos) meant the Roman Empire to Jesus' audience — ultimate earthly power
Read with care
What most readers miss in Matthew 16:26
These aren't philosophical questions — they're business questions about return on investment
Common misconceptionPeople think this condemns success or wealth, but it's about the exchange rate — what you're willing to trade your soul for, whether money, approval, or power.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Matthew 16:26
Bible Genome reading
Matthew 16:26 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Matthew 16:26 comes from the book of Matthew, written during the gospel period. These words are attributed to Jesus. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the narrative genre of biblical literature. Key themes include priorities, eternal value. Notable phrases: gains the whole world; forfeits his life; exchange for his life.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Matthew 16:26 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 "deciding"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.