📖 Biblical Definition
"Deliver us from evil" is the seventh and final petition of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s version: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13). The Greek text has the article — "deliver us from the evil one" (apo tou ponerou) — and many modern translations render it so. The petition asks for rescue from Satan and from his works of evil in the world and in our own flesh. Christ Himself models the prayer for the disciples in His high-priestly prayer: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:15). Christian men pray it daily.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Seventh petition: rescue from the evil one (Satan and his work).
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The seventh and final petition of the Lord's Prayer (Matt 6:13). Greek rhysai hēmas apo tou ponērou — "rescue us from the evil one." The article tou makes it specifically the evil one (Satan), not just abstract evil. The petition asks for active rescue from the Adversary's deception, accusation, and destruction. Christ models the same petition for the disciples in His high-priestly prayer: "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:15).
📖 Key Scripture
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."
John 17:15 — "I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."
2 Thessalonians 3:3 — "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Vague-evil reading misses the article; the petition is specific to the evil one.
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Modern readings sometimes treat "deliver us from evil" as deliver-us-from-bad-things-generally. The Greek has the definite article: deliver us from THE evil one. The petition is specific: rescue from Satan, his deception, his accusation, his destructive work. Christ knew the enemy is personal and asked for personal deliverance.
Recover the specificity: the enemy has a name. The petition asks for rescue from him, not from generic bad fortune.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek rhysai hēmas apo tou ponērou.
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['Greek', 'G4506', 'rhyomai', 'to rescue, deliver']
['Greek', 'G4190', 'ponēros', 'evil, evil one']
Usage
"Deliver us from the evil one."
"Specific, not generic."
"Christ prays the same in John 17."