Matthew 16:25
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
whosoever
G3739
ὃς
whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θέλῃ
will
G2309
θέλῃ
will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
4 of 21
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὴν
life
G5590
ψυχὴν
life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
6 of 21
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 #:
7 of 21
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
σῶσαι
save
G4982
σῶσαι
save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
8 of 21
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ἀπολέσῃ
shall lose
G622
ἀπολέσῃ
shall lose
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
9 of 21
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
αὐτήν
it
G846
αὐτήν
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 21
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
ὃς
whosoever
G3739
ὃς
whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 21
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπολέσῃ
shall lose
G622
ἀπολέσῃ
shall lose
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
14 of 21
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ψυχὴν
life
G5590
ψυχὴν
life
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
16 of 21
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 #:
17 of 21
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
Matthew 10:39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.Revelation 12:11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.Mark 8:35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.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.Esther 4:16Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Historical Context
Martyrdom was real possibility for early Christians. Within one generation, James was executed (Acts 12:2), Stephen stoned (Acts 7:54-60), and tradition records most apostles martyred. This paradox sustained them - physical death for Christ's sake meant eternal life. The principle extends beyond martyrdom to daily self-denial. Paul embodied this (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 1:21). Honor-shame cultures valued life-preservation and family legacy; Jesus radically reorders priorities around Himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this paradox apply beyond literal martyrdom to daily Christian living?
- What aspects of life are you clinging to that Jesus calls you to surrender?
- How does losing your life for Christ's sake result in finding true life?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus presents discipleship paradox: 'For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it' (Greek: ὃς γὰρ ἐὰν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι ἀπολέσει αὐτήν, 'for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it'). The word ψυχή means both 'life' and 'soul.' Those clinging to physical life, comfort, and self-interest will lose eternal life. Those surrendering life 'for my sake' (ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ) - willing to die for Christ - will find true life. This is complete reversal of natural self-preservation instinct. True life comes through death to self.