Luke 9:24

KJV

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} whosoever {G3739}{G302} will {G2309} save {G4982} his {G846} life {G5590} shall lose {G622} it {G846}: but {G1161} whosoever {G3739}{G302} will lose {G622} his {G846} life {G5590} for my {G1700} sake {G1752}, the same {G3778} shall save {G4982} it {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For whoever tries to save his own life will destroy it, but whoever destroys his life on my account will save it.

Berean Standard Bible

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

American Standard Version

For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:24 encapsulates a profound paradox at the heart of Christian discipleship, declaring that true life is found not in self-preservation but in radical self-sacrifice for the sake of Christ. Jesus challenges His followers to relinquish their grip on earthly security and personal ambition, promising that those who willingly surrender their lives for Him will ultimately discover genuine, eternal fulfillment, while those who cling to their temporal existence will forfeit their ultimate purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a pivotal discourse by Jesus, immediately following His first explicit prophecy of His impending suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection in [Luke 9:22](/luke/9-22 "Luke 9:22 - Jesus Foretells His Death"). This shocking revelation to His disciples sets the stage for the radical call to discipleship that follows. [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - The Call to Take Up the Cross") directly precedes our verse, stating, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Thus, [Luke 9:24](/luke/9-24 "Luke 9:24 - The Paradox of Life") serves as the theological rationale and powerful motivation for the demanding call to self-denial and cross-bearing, explaining *why* such a path leads to true life rather than loss. The entire passage from [Luke 9:22-27](/luke/9-22-27 "Luke 9:22-27 - Jesus Foretells His Death and Teaches on Discipleship") forms a cohesive unit on the nature and cost of following Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' words were spoken to His disciples and a broader crowd, many of whom would have held conventional views of "life" centered on prosperity, security, and earthly success, perhaps even a nationalistic hope for a conquering Messiah. The "cross" was a stark symbol of Roman execution, shame, and utter defeat, not a metaphor for minor inconveniences. To "take up one's cross" meant to accept a path leading to certain death, a concept utterly antithetical to self-preservation. In a society where honor and reputation were paramount, the idea of "losing one's life" for a spiritual cause would have been counter-cultural and profoundly challenging. Jesus was redefining what it meant to truly "live" in a way that transcended the temporal and material concerns of His audience, pointing to an eternal reality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jesus' teaching and the broader New Testament. It establishes the **Paradox of True Life**, where conventional wisdom is inverted: clinging to life leads to its loss, while surrendering it for Christ's sake leads to genuine gain. This paradox is echoed in other Synoptic Gospels, such as [Matthew 16:25](/matthew/16-25 "Matthew 16:25 - The Paradox of Saving Life") and [Mark 8:35](/mark/8-35 "Mark 8:35 - Losing Life for Christ"). Secondly, it underscores the **Radical Cost of Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus is not a casual affiliation but demands total allegiance, a willingness to sacrifice personal desires, comfort, and even physical safety. This theme is further developed throughout the Gospels, highlighting the absolute priority of the Kingdom of God. Finally, it illuminates the distinction between **Temporal and Eternal Life**, clarifying that the "life" Jesus speaks of encompasses not merely physical existence but one's soul, identity, and ultimate destiny, pointing towards the eternal salvation offered through Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **life (Greek, _psychḗ'_):** (G5590) From ψύχω (psychō), meaning "to breathe." This term refers to breath, but by implication, it signifies the soul, the self, one's individual personality, or one's inner being. It is distinct from _pneuma_ (spirit, the rational and immortal soul) and _zoē_ (mere vitality, even of plants). In this context, _psychē_ encompasses one's temporal existence, personal desires, ambitions, and the very essence of one's natural self. Jesus is not merely referring to physical death but to the forfeiture of one's true, eternal identity and purpose if one lives solely for the preservation of the natural self.
* **save (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** (G4982) From a primary root meaning "safe." This verb means to save, deliver, or protect, either literally (from danger, disease) or figuratively (from spiritual ruin, sin). In the first clause, "whosoever will save his life," _sṓzō_ refers to the act of preserving one's earthly existence, comfort, reputation, or self-interest. In the second clause, "the same shall save it," it refers to the ultimate, spiritual, and eternal salvation of one's soul and true self.
* **lose (Greek, _apóllymi'_):** (G622) From ἀπό (apo, "from") and the base of ὄλεθρος (olethros, "ruin"). This verb means to destroy fully, to perish, or to lose. In the first clause, "shall lose it," _apóllymi_ denotes the spiritual and eternal ruin or forfeiture of one's true life, despite efforts to preserve the temporal. In the second clause, "will lose his life," it refers to the intentional act of surrendering or sacrificing one's temporal life, self-will, or worldly pursuits for Christ's sake.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:"** This clause presents the first half of the paradox. The individual who prioritizes the preservation of their temporal existence, their earthly comforts, their personal ambitions, or their reputation above all else, will ultimately forfeit their true, eternal life. This "saving" is an act of self-centeredness, clinging to what is fleeting, and it inevitably leads to spiritual ruin or a profound lack of ultimate meaning and eternal purpose. It implies a life lived apart from God's ultimate design for humanity.
* **"but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."** This clause offers the profound counter-truth and the path to genuine life. The one who willingly surrenders their temporal life—their self-will, worldly desires, personal safety, or earthly aspirations—for the sake of Jesus Christ and His mission, will paradoxically discover and secure their true, eternal life. This "losing" is an act of faith, obedience, and radical discipleship, recognizing that ultimate fulfillment and salvation are found only in complete devotion to Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:24 is a masterful example of several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Paradox**, where a seemingly contradictory statement reveals a deeper truth. The idea that one must "lose" life to "save" it defies common sense, yet it encapsulates a profound spiritual reality. This paradox is underscored by **Antithesis**, the direct contrast between "save his life" and "lose it," and conversely, "lose his life" and "save it." This sharp opposition highlights the two mutually exclusive paths and their diametrically opposed outcomes. The phrase "lose his life" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** when not referring to literal martyrdom, emphasizing the extreme nature of the self-denial and sacrifice required, pushing the listener beyond conventional understanding to grasp the radical demands of discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology, articulating the profound truth that genuine life is not an inherent possession to be guarded but a gift to be received through surrender. It challenges the human inclination towards self-preservation and autonomy, revealing that true flourishing is found in aligning one's will with God's. The concept of "losing" one's life for Christ's sake is deeply intertwined with the biblical themes of self-denial, the new covenant, and the resurrection life. It speaks to a reorientation of values, where the temporal gives way to the eternal, and the self-centered life is exchanged for a Christ-centered existence. This radical call to discipleship is not merely about moral improvement but about a fundamental transformation of identity and purpose, rooted in the understanding that our lives are not our own but belong to God.

* [Matthew 10:39](/matthew/10-39 "Matthew 10:39 - Finding Life by Losing It")
* [John 12:25](/john/12-25 "John 12:25 - The Grain of Wheat Principle")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Renunciation of Gain for Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:24 serves as a timeless and challenging call to examine the true priorities of our lives. In a world that constantly encourages self-actualization, personal gain, and the pursuit of comfort, Jesus' words stand in stark contrast, inviting us to a counter-cultural path. "Losing one's life for Christ's sake" does not always demand literal martyrdom, though it certainly includes that possibility. More commonly, it manifests as a daily, deliberate choice to surrender personal ambitions, desires, and even fears to the will of God. It means prioritizing God's Kingdom above career success, personal comfort, social acceptance, or even family ties when they conflict with Christ's call. It involves a willingness to suffer inconvenience, ridicule, or loss for the sake of the gospel, trusting that in God's economy, such sacrifice leads to immeasurable gain. This verse compels us to ask: What aspects of my "life" am I clinging to that prevent me from fully following Christ? Am I truly willing to lose what the world values to gain what God promises?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most tempted to "save" your life (e.g., career, reputation, comfort, relationships) rather than surrender it to Christ?**
* **What does "losing your life for Christ's sake" practically look like in your current circumstances, beyond literal martyrdom?**
* **How does the promise of "saving" your life by "losing" it motivate you to embrace radical discipleship?**
* **What fears or anxieties prevent you from fully embracing the call to self-denial and cross-bearing?**

### FAQ

**Does "losing his life" in Luke 9:24 always mean literal physical death or martyrdom?**

Answer: While "losing his life" certainly encompasses the possibility of literal martyrdom, especially in contexts of persecution, it primarily refers to a broader, spiritual, and existential surrender of one's self-will, ambitions, and earthly priorities for the sake of Christ. The Greek word _psychē_ (life) refers to the soul, the individual self, and one's temporal existence. Therefore, "losing one's life" means dying to self, relinquishing control, and prioritizing God's will and Kingdom above one's own desires, comfort, or worldly gain. This can manifest daily through acts of self-denial, service to others, and a willingness to suffer for the gospel, as seen in passages like [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice"). The core idea is a radical reorientation of one's entire being and purpose towards Christ, even if it means sacrificing what the world deems valuable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:24 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the quintessential example of one who "lost His life" to "save it," not for His own benefit, but for the salvation of humanity. Jesus, though God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He willingly surrendered His divine prerogatives and ultimately His physical life on the cross, enduring unimaginable suffering and death ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). This supreme act of self-sacrifice, the "losing" of His life, was precisely the means by which He secured eternal life for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")). His resurrection is the glorious vindication of this paradox: in His death, He conquered death, and in His surrender, He gained ultimate victory and authority ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Therefore, when Jesus calls us to lose our lives for His sake, He is not asking us to do something He Himself has not already done perfectly and completely, providing both the pattern and the power for such radical discipleship. Our "losing" is a participation in His saving work, drawing us into the very life of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 17:33

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

John 12:25

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Revelation 2:10

Fear 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.

Acts 20:23

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

Acts 20:24

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Revelation 12:11

And 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.

Hebrews 11:35

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: