Matthew 16:26 web — For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange…

World English Bible

"For 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?"

— Matthew 16:26, World English Bible

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Matthew 16:26 in Other Translations

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Matthew 16 — Context

23

But he turned, and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men."

24

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it.

26

For 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?

27

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds.

28

Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."

Matthew 16:26 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 16:26 say?
Matthew 16:26 in the World English Bible reads: “For 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?”
Where is Matthew 16:26 in the Bible?
Matthew 16:26 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 16, verse 26.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 16:26.
What translation should I read Matthew 16:26 in?
Matthew 16:26 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 16:26?
Matthew 16:26 reads (WEB): “For 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?” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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