Bible Strands
Luke 17:33
Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses His disciples regarding the sudden arrival of the kingdom, placing this warning between the Lot’s wife reference and the description of sudden separation at His return.
The words — ζητήσῃ (zētēsē) = shall seek; ψυχὴν (psuchēn) = life.
The thread — This paradox of self-preservation and loss recurs in Matthew 10:39, Mark 8:35, and John 12:25.
Why it lands — The text states that clinging to self-directed survival results in loss, while surrendering it results in preservation. It demands a reader choose between autonomous control and faithful surrender.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
Cross-references
- Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
- Mark 8:35 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and for the gospel will save it.
- John 12:25 Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
- Matthew 16:25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
- Luke 9:24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.
- Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.