John 17:15

KJV

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

KJV (with Strong's)

I pray {G2065} not {G3756} that {G2443} thou shouldest take {G142} them {G846} out of {G1537} the world {G2889}, but {G235} that {G2443} thou shouldest keep {G5083} them {G846} from {G1537} the evil {G4190}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I don’t ask you to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the Evil One.

Berean Standard Bible

I am not asking that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one.

American Standard Version

I pray not that thou shouldest take them from the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant petition from His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus articulates a profound truth about the believer's calling and divine preservation. Rather than requesting His disciples' physical removal from a hostile world, He intercedes for their spiritual safeguarding, asking the Father to actively protect them from the pervasive influence of evil. This prayer underscores God's commitment to His people's endurance amidst adversity and clarifies their ongoing mission within a fallen world, not as isolated hermits, but as agents of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' longest recorded prayer, often termed the High Priestly Prayer, found in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"). This prayer immediately follows Jesus' Farewell Discourse (chapters [John 14](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus Comforts His Disciples")-[John 16](/john/16 "John 16 - The Work of the Spirit")), where He prepares His disciples for His imminent departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the world's inevitable hatred towards them. Specifically, [John 17:14](/john/17-14 "John 17:14 - The World Hates the Disciples") sets the stage, with Jesus stating, "I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." This establishes the tension between the disciples' divine origin and their earthly existence, making Jesus' subsequent prayer for their preservation "from the evil" rather than "out of the world" profoundly significant for their future mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' disciples, and indeed early Christians, lived in a world dominated by the Roman Empire, which, while providing a degree of order, was fundamentally pagan and often hostile to monotheistic faiths, especially one that proclaimed a crucified Messiah as King. Jewish society itself was complex, with various factions and interpretations of the Law. The concept of "the world" (κόσμος, _kósmos_) in Johannine theology often carries a negative connotation, referring not to the physical creation but to the human system organized in rebellion against God. For the disciples, remaining "in the world" meant navigating a society steeped in idolatry, immorality, and political oppression, while simultaneously being called to proclaim a radical new kingdom. Jesus' prayer acknowledges the inherent dangers and challenges of this existence, recognizing that their spiritual integrity would be constantly tested by the prevailing cultural norms and spiritual darkness.
* **Key Themes:** [John 17:15](/john/17-15 "John 17:15 - Jesus Prays for Protection") powerfully articulates several core themes central to Christian discipleship. The primary theme is the **paradoxical position of believers: "in the world, but not of the world."** This highlights that while believers physically inhabit and engage with earthly society, their ultimate allegiance, values, and spiritual identity are distinct and heavenly, as Jesus Himself states in [John 17:16](/john/17-16 "John 17:16 - Not of the World"). Closely related is the theme of **divine preservation and protection**, emphasizing that believers are not left to their own devices against the world's corrupting influences and spiritual adversaries. Jesus' prayer for them to be "kept from the evil" signifies God's active, watchful care. Finally, the verse implicitly underscores the **missionary imperative** for believers. By praying that they remain in the world, Jesus affirms their purpose as His representatives, sent into the very sphere from which they are spiritually distinct, just as He was sent by the Father ([John 17:18](/john/17-18 "John 17:18 - Sent into the World")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pray (Greek, _erōtáō'_):** From G2065, this verb means "to interrogate" or, by implication, "to request." While often translated as "pray," in the context of Jesus addressing the Father, it carries a sense of intimate, confident request rather than a supplicant's plea. It reflects the unique relationship between the Son and the Father, where Jesus is not begging but making a direct, authoritative request for His disciples' welfare, stemming from His divine prerogative and perfect communion with God.
* **keep (Greek, _tēréō'_):** From G5083, this word implies guarding from loss or injury, properly by "keeping the eye upon." It signifies active preservation, watchful care, and holding fast. It differs from simply "protecting" in that it suggests a continuous, vigilant oversight. Jesus is asking the Father to actively maintain His disciples' spiritual integrity and safety, not merely to shield them passively, but to watch over them with an attentive, preserving gaze.
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** From G4190, this term describes something "hurtful" or "wicked," referring to evil in its effect or influence. It can denote moral culpability, malice, or even the personification of evil, "the evil one" (Satan). In this context, _ponērós_ likely encompasses both the pervasive wickedness of the world system and the direct malevolent influence of Satan. Jesus is praying for protection from both the corrupting power of sin and the direct attacks of the spiritual adversary who orchestrates much of the world's opposition to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,"**: This clause reveals Jesus' deliberate and counter-intuitive request. Despite the world's hatred and the dangers His disciples would face, Jesus does not ask for their physical removal or isolation. This highlights that God's plan for His people is not one of escapism or monastic withdrawal. Instead, believers are intended to remain within the fabric of human society, not as passive observers but as active participants in God's redemptive purposes. Their continued presence in the world is essential for the advancement of the gospel and the demonstration of God's kingdom.
* **"but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."**: This clause presents the positive and crucial aspect of Jesus' intercession. Having affirmed their necessary presence in the world, Jesus then prays for their spiritual preservation. The Greek word for "evil" (_ponērós_) can refer to evil in a general sense (wickedness, harm, moral corruption) or specifically to "the evil one" (Satan). Given the context of the world's hatred and spiritual opposition, it is highly probable that Jesus intends both meanings. He prays for protection from the world's corrupting influences and from the direct assaults and schemes of the devil, ensuring that while believers are physically present in the world, they are not spiritually compromised by its fallen nature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, contrasting what Jesus does *not* pray for ("take them out of the world") with what He *does* pray for ("keep them from the evil"). This sharp contrast emphasizes the specific nature of His desire for His disciples. There is also a subtle **Paradox** at play: believers are to be "in" the world yet not "of" it, a tension that defines Christian existence. The entire verse is an example of **Intercessory Prayer**, where Jesus, as the High Priest, advocates on behalf of His followers, demonstrating His deep care and ongoing commitment to their spiritual well-being. The "world" itself functions as a **Metonymy**, representing not merely the physical globe but the entire system of human society alienated from God, replete with its values, ideologies, and spiritual forces of opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 17:15 profoundly shapes Christian theology regarding the believer's relationship with the world and the nature of divine protection. It affirms God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even in the midst of a hostile environment. Jesus' prayer is not a passive wish but an active intercession rooted in His understanding of the Father's will and power. It teaches us that spiritual safety is not found in physical isolation but in divine preservation amidst the very challenges that define our mission. This protection is not a guarantee of freedom from suffering or physical harm, but rather a promise of spiritual integrity and perseverance against the corrupting power of sin and the schemes of the adversary. It underscores the ongoing spiritual warfare in which believers are engaged, and the absolute necessity of God's active "keeping" power.

* [1 John 5:19](/1_john/5-19 "1 John 5:19 - The Whole World Lies in Wickedness")
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")
* [Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Blameless in a Crooked Generation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 17:15 offers immense comfort and profound clarity for believers navigating the complexities of modern life. It liberates us from the false dichotomy of either retreating from society or conforming to its values. Instead, Jesus' prayer calls us to courageous engagement, reminding us that our spiritual security does not depend on our ability to escape the world's dangers, but on God's unwavering commitment to "keep" us within it. This means we are called to be active participants in our communities, workplaces, and public spheres, bringing the light of Christ into dark places, without allowing the world's systems or its "evil" to corrupt our faith or compromise our witness. It is a call to radical dependence on God's preserving grace, trusting that He will empower us to live faithfully and effectively, even when surrounded by opposition, knowing that the One who prayed for us is also the One who keeps us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I feel the tension of being "in the world but not of the world" in my daily life?**
* **How does Jesus' prayer for preservation, rather than removal, reshape my understanding of God's protection in my life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to actively rely on God's "keeping" power as I engage with the challenges and temptations of the world?**
* **How does this verse inspire me to live out my faith more courageously and intentionally in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ

**Does "the evil" in John 17:15 refer to general wickedness or specifically to Satan?**

Answer: The Greek word used, _ponērós_ (G4190), can refer to both. In the New Testament, it is used to describe general moral evil, wickedness, and harmful influences, but it is also frequently used to refer to Satan, "the evil one" (e.g., [Matthew 13:19](/matthew/13-19 "Matthew 13:19 - The Parable of the Sower Explained"); [1 John 5:19](/1_john/5-19 "1 John 5:19 - The Whole World Lies in Wickedness")). Given the context of Jesus' prayer for His disciples who would face intense opposition from a world under the sway of spiritual darkness, it is most likely that Jesus' petition encompasses both: protection from the pervasive moral corruption and temptations of the world system, and protection from the direct attacks and schemes of Satan. The Father's "keeping" power guards believers from both the internal pull of sin and the external pressures orchestrated by the adversary.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 17:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. His prayer for His disciples is not merely a historical utterance but a living reality, for He ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our Eternal High Priest")). Jesus Himself embodies the perfect example of being "in the world, but not of the world," living a sinless life amidst profound temptation and hostility ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). His victory on the cross over sin and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")) and His subsequent resurrection and ascension to power ([Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ's Exaltation")) are the very basis upon which the Father can "keep" believers from evil. It is through Christ's atoning work that we are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into His kingdom ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, the Father's preservation is not an arbitrary act but a direct consequence of Christ's finished work and His ongoing advocacy, ensuring that those whom the Father has given to Him will never be snatched out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 121:7

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

1 John 5:18

¶ We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

Galatians 1:4

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

1 Chronicles 4:10

And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep [me] from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Luke 11:4

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.