86 The point of the saying whoever wants to save his life will lose it is that if one comes to Jesus then rejection by many will certainly follow. If self-protection is a key motivation, then one will not respond to Jesus and will not be saved. One who is willing to risk rejection will respond and find true life.

In other versions

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life on account of me, this person will save it.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

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