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

JOHN 17:15KJV
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John 17:15 (KJV)

What does John 17:15 mean?

John 17:15 shows Jesus praying to God the Father, asking not for His followers to be removed from the world, but for them to be protected from evil while they remain in it. Jesus is concerned for their safety, but He wants them to stay and live out their faith in the world rather than escape from it.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to God during what is often called His "High Priestly Prayer," just before His arrest. He is praying for His disciples, knowing the challenges and dangers they will face after He leaves. The verse highlights Jesus’ desire for His followers to be safeguarded from harm or evil influences, but also to remain present in the world to carry out their purpose.

The Greek behind John 17:15

  • κόσμος (kosmos): This word, translated "world," often means the human society or system in opposition to God. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus’ followers are to remain within ordinary human life, not be separated from it.
  • πονηροῦ (ponērou): Translated "evil," this Greek word can mean evil in a general sense or refer to "the evil one," meaning a personal force like Satan. The prayer covers both protection from general evil and possibly from a specific evil being.
  • τηρήσῃς (tērēsēs): This word means "to keep" or "to guard." Jesus is asking for active protection, not just passive safety, suggesting ongoing care and watchfulness by God.

Why John 17:15 matters

  • John 17:15 clarifies that Jesus does not want His followers to withdraw from the world or avoid its challenges, but to be protected as they live within it.
  • The verse emphasizes that spiritual safety is possible even while facing real dangers and temptations, showing Jesus’ trust in God’s ability to guard His people.
  • This prayer connects to the larger theme of John 17, where Jesus speaks about the relationship between His followers and the world, highlighting their mission and God’s protective care.

Where else these words appear

“pray” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
  • Luke 22:68 And if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go.
  • John 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:

“keep” Greek G5083 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
  • Acts 12:5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
  • 2 Peter 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

“evil” Greek G4190 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
  • 1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

“take” Greek G142 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Mark 8:20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
  • John 5:9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.