New Testament
Luke 9:25
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus poses a profound question about the value of worldly success compared to spiritual well-being.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
What benefit is there for a person to gain the whole world but lose himself or be thrown away?
For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus poses a profound question about the value of worldly success compared to spiritual well-being. Gaining the whole world refers to achieving great wealth, power, or fame. However, if a person loses their true self or moral integrity in the process, all that worldly gain becomes meaningless. The phrase 'lose himself' suggests a loss of identity or purpose, while 'be thrown away' implies a final judgment or rejection. This teaching emphasizes that material possessions and achievements cannot replace the importance of one's soul and relationship with God. Ultimately, it challenges individuals to reflect on their priorities and the true cost of their ambitions. Are we pursuing things that truly matter, or are we sacrificing our values for temporary gains?
How to apply Luke 9:25 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our life choices and ambitions. Are we chasing after material success at the expense of our values and relationships? It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual health and integrity over fleeting worldly gains, ensuring we remain true to ourselves and our beliefs.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:25 mean?
Luke 9:25 questions the value of gaining worldly success if it leads to losing one's true self or moral integrity. It emphasizes that material wealth and achievements are meaningless if they come at the cost of one's soul.
What is the meaning of 'gain the whole world' in Luke 9:25?
'Gain the whole world' refers to achieving great wealth, power, or fame. However, the verse warns that such gains are worthless if they result in losing one's identity or moral values.
What does 'lose himself' mean in Luke 9:25?
'Lose himself' suggests a loss of personal identity or moral integrity. It implies that in the pursuit of worldly success, a person may compromise their true self and values.
How can I apply Luke 9:25 to my life?
You can apply Luke 9:25 by evaluating your life choices and ambitions. Reflect on whether you are prioritizing material success over your values and relationships, and strive to maintain your spiritual health and integrity.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
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