Matthew 10:39

39 Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it. 1

Matthew 10:39 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 10:39

He that findeth his life shall lose it
That man that seeks to preserve his life, and the temporal enjoyments of it, by a sinful compliance with his friends and the world, and by a denial of Christ, or non-confession of him; if he is not, by the providence of God, deprived of the good things of life, and dies a shameful death, both which are sometimes the case of such persons; yet he is sure to lose the happy and eternal life of his soul and body, in the world to come: so that the present finding of life, or the possession of it, on such sinful terms, will in the issue prove an infinite and irreparable loss unto him. On the other hand, Christ observes,

he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it.
That man that is willing to forego the present advantages of life, to suffer reproach and persecution, and lay down his life cheerfully for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, for the profession of his name, rather than drop, deny, conceal, or neglect any truth and ordinance of his, shall find his soul possessed of eternal life, as soon as separated from his body; and shall find his corporal life again, in the resurrection morn, to great advantage; and shall live with Christ in soul and body, in the utmost happiness, to all eternity.

Matthew 10:39 In-Context

37 "Those who love their father or mother more than me are not fit to be my disciples; those who love their son or daughter more than me are not fit to be my disciples.
38 Those who do not take up their cross and follow in my steps are not fit to be my disciples.
39 Those who try to gain their own life will lose it; but those who lose their life for my sake will gain it.
40 "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
41 Whoever welcomes God's messenger because he is God's messenger, will share in his reward. And whoever welcomes a good man because he is good, will share in his reward.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 10.39Matthew 16.25;Mark 8.35;Luke 9.24; 17.33;John 12.25.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.