King James Version
John 12:25 in the King James Version says “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” — study this verse from John chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
John 12:25 · KJV
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“He that loveth”
G5368to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
“life”
G5590breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“shall lose”
G622to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“life”
G5590breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“world”
G2889orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
“unto”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“shall keep”
G5442to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
John 12:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to John 12:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge