A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 17:33

"Whosoever shall seek to gain his life shall lose it: but whosoever shall lose [his life] shall preserve it." — Luke 17:33 (ASV)

Shall preserve it (ζωογονησε αυτην). Or save it alive. Here only in the N.T. except 1 Timothy 6:13; Acts 7:19. It is a late word and common in medical writers, to bring forth alive (ζωοσ, γενω) and here to keep alive.