25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Other Translations of John 12:25

New International Version

25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

English Standard Version

25  Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

The Message

25 In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.

New King James Version

25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

New Living Translation

25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 12:25

Commentary on John 12:20-26

(Read John 12:20-26)

In attendance upon holy ordinances, particularly the gospel passover, the great desire of our souls should be to see Jesus; to see him as ours, to keep up communion with him, and derive grace from him. The calling of the Gentiles magnified the Redeemer. A corn of wheat yields no increase unless it is cast into the ground. Thus Christ might have possessed his heavenly glory alone, without becoming man. Or, after he had taken man's nature, he might have entered heaven alone, by his own perfect righteousness, without suffering or death; but then no sinner of the human race could have been saved. The salvation of souls hitherto, and henceforward to the end of time, is owing to the dying of this Corn of wheat. Let us search whether Christ be in us the hope of glory; let us beg him to make us indifferent to the trifling concerns of this life, that we may serve the Lord Jesus with a willing mind, and follow his holy example.