The Meaning of John 17:15 Explained

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.

YLT: I do not ask that Thou mayest take them out of the world, but that Thou mayest keep them out of the evil.

Darby: I do not demand that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them out of evil.

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does John 17:15 Mean?

Study Notes

world
kosmos = mankind.
The Greek word kosmos means "order," "arrangement," and so, with the Greeks, "beauty"; for order and arrangement in the sense of system are at the bottom of the Greek conception of beauty.
When used in the N.T. of humanity, the "world" of men, it is organized humanity-- humanity in families, tribes, nations--which is meant. The word for chaotic, unorganized humanity--the mere mass of man is thalassa, the "sea" of men (e.g.) Revelation 13:1 (See Scofield " Revelation 13:8 ") . For "world" (kosmos) in the bad ethical sense, "world system" John 7:7 .

Context Summary

John 17:11-17 - In The World But Not Of The World
What is the world? The inspired definition is given in 1 John 2:16. Enumerating her three offsprings, the Apostle goes on to say, "All that is in the world"¦ is not of the Father," that is, does not originate or proceed from Him. We might reverse the proposition and say, "All that does not emanate from the Father, and which is inconsistent with perfect love and purity and truth, is of the world."
The spirit of the world permeates society. All its plans, aims, and activities belong to the present passing show. "Under the sun" is the suggestion of Ecclesiastes. The world has always been in collision with Christ, because His teaching reverses everything that the world prizes. In its beatitudes, its methods of pleasure and acquisition, its view and use of power, and its attitude toward God, the difference is wide as the poles. But its hatred is welcome to the followers of Christ, as proving that they are on the Master's track, and in His fellowship they are abundantly compensated. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 17

1  Jesus prays to his Father

Greek Commentary for John 17:15

Shouldest take [αρηις]
First aorist active subjunctive of αιρω — airō (liquid verb). From the evil one Ablative case with εκ — ek but can mean the evil man, Satan, or the evil deed. See same ambiguity in Matthew 6:13. But in 1 John 5:18 ο πονηρος — ho ponēros is masculine (the evil one). Cf. Revelation 3:10. [source]
From the evil [τοῦ πονηροῦ]
Or, the evil one. This rendering is according to John's usage. See 1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:14; 1 John 3:12; 1 John 5:18, 1 John 5:19; and compare John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11. From ( ἐκ ), literally, out of, means out of the hands of. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 17:15

John 16:23 Ye shall ask [ἐρωτήσετε]
Or, as Rev., in margin, ask - question. To question is the primary meaning of the verb, from which it runs into the more general sense of request, beseech. So Mark 7:26; Luke 4:38; John 17:15, etc. Here the meaning is, ye shall ask me no question (compare John 16:19, where the same verb is used). Compare Matthew 16:13; Matthew 21:24; John 1:19. Ask, absolutely, Luke 22:68. Note, moreover, the selection of the word here as marking the asking on familiar terms. See on John 11:22. Another verb for ask occurs in the following sentence: “If ye shall ask ( αἰτήστητε ) anything,” etc. Here the sense is, if ye shall make any request. Compare Matthew 5:42; Matthew 7:7, Matthew 7:9, Matthew 7:10, etc. Note, also, that this word for asking the Father marks the asking of an inferior from a superior, and is the word which Christ never uses of His own requests to the Father. Compare 1 John 3:22. [source]
John 16:26 I say not [ου λεγω]
“I speak not.” Christ did pray for the disciples before his death (John 14:16; John 17:9, John 17:15, John 17:24) and he prays also for sinners (Luke 23:34; 1 John 2:1). Here it is the special love of God for disciples of Jesus (John 14:21, John 14:23; John 17:23; 1 John 4:19). Note αιτεω — aiteō and ερωταω — erōtaō used in practically the same sense as in John 16:23. [source]
1 John 2:13 The evil one [τὸν πονηρόν]
See on wickedness, Mark 7:22; see on evils, Luke 3:19; see on evil spirits, Luke 7:21. The prince of darkness is styled by John ὁ διάβολος thefalse accuser (John 8:44; John 13:2; 1 John 3:8, 1 John 3:10. See on Matthew 4:1): ὁ Σατανᾶς Satanthe adversary (John 13:27; compare ὁ κατήγωρ theaccuser, properly, in court, Revelation 12:10): ὁ πονηρός theevil one (John 17:15; 1 John 2:13, 1 John 2:14; 1 John 3:12; 1 John 5:18, 1 John 5:19): ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου τούτου theruler of this world (John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11). Note the abrupt introduction of the word here, as indicating something familiar. [source]
1 John 2:19 From us [εχ ημων]
The same idiom, εχ — ex and the ablative case For εχ — ex in the sense of origin see John 17:15, for εχ — ex in the sense of likeness, John 17:14. [source]
1 John 5:16 Sinning a sin [αμαρτανοντα αμαρτιαν]
Present active predicate (supplementary) participle agreeing with αδελπον — adelphon and with cognate accusative αμαρτιαν — hamartian unto death Repeated again with αμαρτανουσιν — hamartanousin and in contrast with αμαρτια προς τανατον — hamartia pros thanaton (sin unto death). Most sins are not mortal sins, but clearly John conceives of a sin that is deadly enough to be called “unto death.” This distinction is common in the rabbinic writings and in Numbers 18:22 the lxx has λαβειν αμαρτιαν τανατηπορον — labein hamartian thanatēphoron “to incur a death-bearing sin” as many crimes then and now bear the death penalty. There is a distinction in Hebrews 10:26 between sinning wilfully after full knowledge and sins of ignorance (Hebrews 5:2). Jesus spoke of the unpardonable sin (Mark 3:29; Matthew 12:32; Luke 12:10), which was attributing to the devil the manifest work of the Holy Spirit. It is possible that John has this idea in mind when he applies it to those who reject Jesus Christ as God‘s Son and set themselves up as antichrists.Concerning this (περι εκεινης — peri ekeinēs). This sin unto death.That he should make request Sub-final use of ινα — hina with the first aorist active subjunctive of ερωταω — erōtaō used here as in John 17:15, John 17:20 (and often) for request rather than for question. John does not forbid praying for such cases; he simply does not command prayer for them. He leaves them to God. [source]
1 John 5:16 That he should make request [ινα ερωτησηι]
Sub-final use of ινα — hina with the first aorist active subjunctive of ερωταω — erōtaō used here as in John 17:15, John 17:20 (and often) for request rather than for question. John does not forbid praying for such cases; he simply does not command prayer for them. He leaves them to God. [source]
1 John 5:18 Sinneth not [ουχ αμαρτανει]
Lineal present active indicative, “does not keep on sinning,” as he has already shown in 1 John 3:4-10.He that was begotten of God (ο γεννητεις εκ του τεου — ho gennētheis ek tou theou). First aorist passive articular participle referring to Christ, if the reading of A B is correct (τηρει αυτον — tērei auton not τηρει εαυτον — tērei heauton). It is Christ who keeps the one begotten of God (γεγεννημενος εκ του τεου — gegennēmenos ek tou theou as in 1 John 3:9 and so different from ο γεννητεις — ho gennētheis here). It is a difficult phrase, but this is probably the idea. Jesus (John 18:37) uses γεγεννημαι — gegennēmai of himself and uses also τηρεω — tēreō of keeping the disciples (John 17:12, John 17:15; Revelation 3:10).The evil one Masculine and personal as in 1 John 2:13, not neuter, and probably Satan as in Matthew 6:13, not just any evil man.Touchest him not (ουχ απτεται αυτου — ouch haptetai autou). Present middle indicative of απτω — haptō elsewhere in John only John 20:17. It means to lay hold of or to grasp rather than a mere superficial touch (τιγγανω — thigganō both in Colossians 2:21). Here the idea is to touch to harm. The devil cannot snatch such a man from Christ (John 6:38.). [source]
1 John 5:18 He that was begotten of God [ο γεννητεις εκ του τεου]
First aorist passive articular participle referring to Christ, if the reading of A B is correct It is Christ who keeps the one begotten of God It is a difficult phrase, but this is probably the idea. Jesus (John 18:37) uses γεγεννημαι — gegennēmai of himself and uses also τηρεω — tēreō of keeping the disciples (John 17:12, John 17:15; Revelation 3:10). [source]
2 John 1:5 Lady [κυρια]
Vocative case and in the same sense as in 2 John 1:1.As though I wrote (ως γραπων — hōs graphōn). Common idiom ως — hōs with the participle (present active) for the alleged reason.New As in 1 John 2:7., which see.We had (ειχαμεν — eichamen). Imperfect active (late α — ̇a form like ειχαν — eichan in Mark 8:7) of εχω — echō and note ειχετε — eichete with απ αρχης — ap' archēs in 1 John 2:7. Not literary plural, John identifying all Christians with himself in this blessing.That we love one another Either a final clause after ερωτω — erōtō as in John 17:15 or an object clause in apposition with εντολην — entolēn like 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:23 and like 2 John 1:6. [source]
2 John 1:5 New [καινην]
As in 1 John 2:7., which see.We had (ειχαμεν — eichamen). Imperfect active (late α — ̇a form like ειχαν — eichan in Mark 8:7) of εχω — echō and note ειχετε — eichete with απ αρχης — ap' archēs in 1 John 2:7. Not literary plural, John identifying all Christians with himself in this blessing.That we love one another Either a final clause after ερωτω — erōtō as in John 17:15 or an object clause in apposition with εντολην — entolēn like 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:23 and like 2 John 1:6. [source]
2 John 1:5 That we love one another [ινα αγαπωμεν αλληλους]
Either a final clause after ερωτω — erōtō as in John 17:15 or an object clause in apposition with εντολην — entolēn like 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:23 and like 2 John 1:6. [source]
Revelation 3:10 From the hour [ἐκ]
The preposition implies, not a keeping from temptation, but a keeping in temptation, as the result of which they shall be delivered out of its power. Compare John 17:15. [source]
Revelation 14:3 No man could learn the song save [ουδεις εδυνατο ματειν την ωιδην ει μη]
Imperfect Perfect passive articular participle of αγοραζω — agorazō purchased by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 5:9), masculine plural in apposition with χιλιαδες — chiliades (thousands) feminine plural (Revelation 7:5, Revelation 7:8; Revelation 14:1). Απο — Apo (from) here, though εκ — ek (out of) in Revelation 5:9. The 144,000 are not yet separated from the earth (John 17:15). Whether the 144,000 here are identical with that number in Revelation 7:4-8 or not, they must embrace both men and women. [source]
Revelation 14:3 Even they that had been purchased out of the earth [οι ηγορασμενοι απο της γης]
Perfect passive articular participle of αγοραζω — agorazō purchased by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 5:9), masculine plural in apposition with χιλιαδες — chiliades (thousands) feminine plural (Revelation 7:5, Revelation 7:8; Revelation 14:1). Απο — Apo (from) here, though εκ — ek (out of) in Revelation 5:9. The 144,000 are not yet separated from the earth (John 17:15). Whether the 144,000 here are identical with that number in Revelation 7:4-8 or not, they must embrace both men and women. [source]
Revelation 3:10 Thou didst keep [ετηρησας]
Aorist active indicative and future active corresponding to each other. For a like play on the tenses of this verb by Christ see John 17:6 This use of εκ — ek after τηρεω — tēreō in John 17:15, απο — apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks.Which is to come Agreeing with ωρας — hōras (feminine), not with πειρασμου — peirasmou (masculine).Upon the whole world (επι της εποικουμενης ολης — epi tēs epoikoumenēs holēs). The inhabited earth (γης — gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause.To try First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω — peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης — tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
Revelation 3:10 - I also will keep [καγω τηρησω]
Aorist active indicative and future active corresponding to each other. For a like play on the tenses of this verb by Christ see John 17:6 This use of εκ — ek after τηρεω — tēreō in John 17:15, απο — apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks.Which is to come Agreeing with ωρας — hōras (feminine), not with πειρασμου — peirasmou (masculine).Upon the whole world (επι της εποικουμενης ολης — epi tēs epoikoumenēs holēs). The inhabited earth (γης — gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause.To try First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω — peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης — tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω — katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
Revelation 3:10 From the hour of trial [εκ της ωρας του πειρασμου]
This use of εκ — ek after τηρεω — tēreō in John 17:15, απο — apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks. [source]

What do the individual words in John 17:15 mean?

Not I do ask that You should take them out of the world but You should keep from - evil
Οὐκ ἐρωτῶ ἵνα ἄρῃς αὐτοὺς ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου ἀλλ’ τηρήσῃς ἐκ τοῦ πονηροῦ

ἐρωτῶ  I  do  ask 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐρωτάω  
Sense: to question.
ἵνα  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
ἄρῃς  You  should  take 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: αἴρω  
Sense: to raise up, elevate, lift up.
ἐκ  out  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
κόσμου  world 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κόσμος  
Sense: an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government.
τηρήσῃς  You  should  keep 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: τηρέω  
Sense: to attend to carefully, take care of.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πονηροῦ  evil 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: πονηρός  
Sense: full of labours, annoyances, hardships.