Yochanan 12:25

25 The Ohev (lover) of his neshamah will lose it, but the Soneh (hater) of his neshamah in the Olam Hazeh will keep it unto Chayyei Olam.

Yochanan 12:25 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:25

He that loveth his life shall lose it
The sense is, that whoever is so in love with this present temporal life, as to be anxiously careful of it, and takes all precautions to secure it; and rather than to expose it to any danger, chooses to deny the faith of Christ, and desert his cause and interest; as such an one shall not long enjoy this life, so he shall come short of an eternal one:

and he that hateth his life in this world:
on the other hand, whoever seems careless about it, and not to consult the safety of it, but is unconcerned about it; yea, as if he was throwing it away, as of no great moment and significancy, rather than do anything to preserve it, which would be scandalous to himself, and be dishonourable to his Lord and master; he

shall keep it unto life eternal:
he shall be preserved in his temporal life, in a remarkable manner, until he has done the will and work of God, notwithstanding all attempts upon it; and he shall appear to have that spiritual life, which is the beginning and pledge of, and which springs up unto, and issues in eternal life; and that he shall enjoy in the world to come. This Christ said to let his disciples and followers know, that they must suffer and die, as well as he, though not on the same account, and for the self-same reasons; and that their sufferings and death in his cause, and for his Gospel, would turn to their advantage.

Yochanan 12:25 In-Context

23 And Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach answers them, saying, The sha’ah (hour, time) has come that the Ben HaAdam [Dan 7:13] may receive kavod.

24 Omein, omein, I say to you, unless the gargeer hakhitah (grain of wheat) having fallen into the ground, dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, much p’ri it bears.

25 The Ohev (lover) of his neshamah will lose it, but the Soneh (hater) of his neshamah in the Olam Hazeh will keep it unto Chayyei Olam.

26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me, and where I am, there also my eved will be. If anyone serves me, HaAv will honor him.

27 Now my neshamah has been troubled, and what may I say? Save me from this sha’ah? No, it is for this tachlis that I came to this sha’ah. [TEHILLIM 6:3,4f; 42:5,11]