# Where is “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world” in the Bible?

> “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world” is Mark 8:36.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/what-does-it-profit-a-man-to-gain-the-whole-world
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

Jesus says it to the crowd and his disciples.

## The verse

> For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?
>
> — [Mark 8:36](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/8#36) (Lumin Translation)

English Bibles word this verse in different ways. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here.

## What it means there

It is a profit and loss question. Put everything a person could win on one side and their own life, or soul, on the other. Jesus says the trade is a loss.

## Also in the Bible

> For what benefit will a person have if they gain the whole world but lose their life? Or what will anyone give as the price of their life?
>
> — [Matthew 16:26](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/16#26) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Where is “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world” in the Bible?

“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world” is Mark 8:36. English Bibles word this verse in different ways. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here. Jesus says it to the crowd and his disciples.

### Is “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world” in the Bible?

Yes. It is Mark 8:36, and also Matthew 16:26. In the Lumin Translation, Mark 8:36 reads: “For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?”

### Who said “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world”?

Jesus says it to the crowd and his disciples.

### What does “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world” mean in the Bible?

It is a profit and loss question. Put everything a person could win on one side and their own life, or soul, on the other. Jesus says the trade is a loss.

## More

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- [Where is “To live is Christ and to die is gain” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/to-live-is-christ-and-to-die-is-gain.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)