John 17:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

This powerful verse is part of Jesus' longest recorded prayer, often called the High Priestly Prayer, offered just hours before his crucifixion. In John 17:15, Jesus is praying specifically for his disciples, and by extension, for all future believers.

Context

The prayer in John 17 follows Jesus' final discourse to his disciples (John 14-16). He has spoken about his impending departure, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the opposition they will face from the world. This prayer is Jesus commending his followers to the Father's care. Immediately before this verse, in John 17:14, Jesus states that the world hates his disciples because they are not "of the world, even as I am not of the world." This sets the stage for the petition in verse 15.

Key Themes

  • In the World, Not Of It: A core theme is the believer's unique position. We live physically in the world, interacting with its systems and people, but our spiritual identity, values, and citizenship are rooted elsewhere. Jesus doesn't ask for our physical removal.
  • Divine Protection: The central request is for God's preservation. Jesus asks the Father to "keep them from the evil." This protection is not from physical harm necessarily, but from the corrupting influence of sin, the world system opposed to God, and potentially from the "evil one" himself (see 1 John 5:19).
  • The Mission of Believers: By praying that they remain in the world, Jesus implicitly affirms that believers have a purpose here. They are sent into the world, just as Jesus was sent by the Father (John 17:18), to be light and salt.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "keep" is the Greek verb tereo (τηρέω), which means to guard, watch over, preserve, or keep secure. It implies active protection and watchful care. The word translated "evil" is poneros (πονηρός), which can mean evil in a general sense (wickedness, harm) or, in context, can refer to the evil one, Satan. Both interpretations are valid and likely intended; believers need protection from both the pervasive influence of evil in the world and the direct attacks of the devil.

Reflection and Application

John 17:15 offers great comfort and clarity for believers today. It reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12), and Jesus himself prayed for our protection in this spiritual battle. We are not called to retreat into isolation but to live out our faith authentically within the world, trusting in God's power to preserve us from the world's harmful influences and the schemes of the enemy. This verse encourages active faith lived out in the public square, relying on divine keeping power.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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