Matthew 10:39
He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὴν
life
G5590
ψυχὴν
life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
4 of 17
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
αὐτήν
it
G846
αὐτήν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 17
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
ἀπολέσας
he that loseth
G622
ἀπολέσας
he that loseth
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
6 of 17
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
αὐτήν
it
G846
αὐτήν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 17
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπολέσας
he that loseth
G622
ἀπολέσας
he that loseth
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
10 of 17
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὴν
life
G5590
ψυχὴν
life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
12 of 17
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
αὐτήν
it
G846
αὐτήν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 17
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
Cross References
John 12:25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.Luke 17:33Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.Luke 9:24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Historical Context
The Greek word 'life' (psychē) means soul/life—both physical existence and essential self. Jesus teaches that clinging to temporal security costs eternal security, while releasing temporal life secures eternal life. This challenges all self-protective, self-centered living.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of 'your life' are you clinging to that Jesus calls you to lose?
- How have you experienced finding life by losing it for Jesus' sake?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' paradox 'He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it' expresses the kingdom's upside-down economics. Attempting to preserve earthly life, comfort, and safety results in losing eternal life. Sacrificing earthly life for Christ results in finding true, abundant, eternal life. This is the cross-and-resurrection pattern—death leads to life. Self-preservation leads to loss; self-sacrifice leads to gain.