Matthew 16:25

25 For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake, you will find it. 1

Matthew 16:25 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 16:25

For whosoever will save his life
Whoever is desirous of preserving himself from troubles, reproaches, persecutions, and death; and takes such a method to do it, as by forsaking Christ, denying his Gospel, and dropping his profession of it; and by so doing, curries favour with men, in order to procure to himself worldly emoluments, honour, peace, pleasure, and life,

shall lose it;
he will expose himself to the wrath of God, to everlasting punishment, the destruction of soul and body in hell, which is the second death, and will be his portion:

and whosoever will lose his life for my sake:
that is, is willing to forego all the pleasures and comforts of life, and be subject to poverty and distress, and to lay down life itself, for the sake of Christ and the Gospel, rather than deny him, and part with truth,

shall find it;
in the other world, to great advantage; he shall enjoy an immortal and eternal life, free from all uneasiness and affliction, and full of endless joys and pleasures.

Matthew 16:25 In-Context

23 Jesus turned around and said to Peter, "Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours don't come from God, but from human nature."
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, carry your cross, and follow me.
25 For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake, you will find it.
26 Will you gain anything if you win the whole world but lose your life? Of course not! There is nothing you can give to regain your life.
27 For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his deeds.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 16.25Matthew 10.39;Luke 17.33;John 12.25.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.