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

LUKE 17:33KJV
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Luke 17:33 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:33 mean?

Luke 17:33 means that anyone who tries to hold onto or protect their own life above all else will end up losing it, but anyone who is willing to give up their life will actually keep it. The verse highlights a paradox about self-preservation and true life.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples as He teaches about the coming of God's kingdom and the need for readiness. The context is a warning not to cling to earthly things or personal safety when God’s call comes. Jesus uses strong language to show that real life is found not in self-protection, but in letting go for something greater.

The Greek behind Luke 17:33

  • The word for "life" is ψυχή (psychē), which can mean both "life" and "soul." Here, it suggests not just physical life, but a person's whole self or identity.
  • "Seek" is ζητέω (zēteō), meaning to search for, desire, or strive for. The Greek here carries the sense of actively trying to secure or preserve one's own life.
  • "Save" is σώζω (sōzō), which means to save, rescue, or preserve. In this context, it refers to trying to keep oneself safe or secure.
  • "Lose" is ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi), meaning to destroy or lose. The idea is not just misplacing something, but a complete loss or ruin.
  • "Preserve" is ζωογονέω (zōogoneō), meaning to make alive or keep alive. This word is less common and emphasizes the idea of being given true life, not just surviving.

Why Luke 17:33 matters

  • Luke 17:33 clears up the common misunderstanding that self-preservation is always the safest or wisest path; Jesus flips this idea on its head.
  • The verse emphasizes that following Jesus may require letting go of what feels most important—our own safety or plans—in order to gain something deeper.
  • In the wider passage, this teaching connects to warnings about being too attached to possessions or the world when God’s decisive moment arrives.

Where else these words appear

“preserve” Greek G2225 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 7:19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.

“lose” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 5:37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

“life” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

“save” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.