John 12:25
What does John 12:25 mean?
A plain-English look at John 12:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 12:25 means
Jesus applies the seed principle to discipleship: clinging to one’s life results in losing it; valuing life in this world less than allegiance to Him preserves it for eternity. “Hate” here is comparative—choosing Christ over self-centered security. He exposes the illusion that self-protection saves. Real life is found by letting go, entrusting oneself to the One who dies and rises. The verse calls for reordering loves and priorities in light of eternity. Following Jesus means embracing His path, with the promise that surrender now leads to lasting life, rather than clutching present comfort only to forfeit what matters most.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who is in love with life will have it taken from him; and he who has no care for his life in this world will keep it for ever and ever.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862he who is loving his life shall lose it, and he who is hating his life in this world--to life age-during shall keep it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Itself remaineth 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 keepeth it unto life eternal.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that loves his life shall lose it, and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it to life eternal.
Context
After teaching about the grain of wheat, Jesus turns the principle toward His hearers. The next verse will continue the theme, tying service to following Him and promising the Father’s honor and Jesus’ presence for His servants. Then, Jesus will open His heart about the trouble of the coming hour and yet reaffirm His purpose, leading to the Father’s audible affirmation. The call to costly allegiance frames the glory and necessity of His death.
v.24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit.
v.25This passage
v.26If 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 the Father honor.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 16:25
For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.
- Acts 20:24
But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
- Matthew 19:29
And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.
- Luke 17:33
Whosoever shall seek to gain his life shall lose it: but whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.
- Mark 8:35
For whosoever would save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s shall save it.
- Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.
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