Luke 17:33

Authorized King James Version

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὃς
G3739
Whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#2
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#3
ζητήσῃ
G2212
shall seek
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
#4
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ψυχὴν
G5590
life
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
#6
αὐτήν·
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#7
σῶσαι
G4982
to save
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
#8
ἀπολέσῃ
G622
shall lose
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#9
αὐτήν·
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
ὃς
G3739
Whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#13
ἀπολέσῃ
G622
shall lose
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
#14
αὐτήν·
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#15
ζῳογονήσει
G2225
life shall preserve
to engender alive, i.e., (by analogy) to rescue (passively, be saved) from death
#16
αὐτήν·
G846
his
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Luke. The concept of life reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Luke Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes life in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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