As an ‘old’ believer and Christian, I usually catch up with new phrases that modern Christians use as I get involved in youth ministry. During one of my ministries, I overheard a group of girls chanting, “not today Satan, not today.”
I wanted to know where the phrase came from as I had yet to hear it. You may be an ‘old’ Christian like me and want to know the origin and meaning of “Not today Satan, not today.”
According to the English Grammar Lessons, the word not today, Satan, not today is used when one is faced with a difficult situation and does not want to give up. It can also refer to a situation that proved difficult, but one overcame it. Not today Satan, not today is an expression that also implies resistance to a certain idea or action.
Kindly read to the end as I further discuss where the phrase not today Satan, not today came from and the meaning of this phrase. I will also discuss how this phrase is used today and if it is okay for Christians to use it, ‘not today Satan, not today.’
Where did the phrase ‘Not today, Satan, not today’ come from?
You may be shocked when you discover this phrase’s origin, just like I did. Contrary to the thought that a Christian or religious person came up with this phrase, Bianca Del Rio first publicly said the ‘not today Satan, not today’ phrase.
Bianca, now forty-six years old, said this phrase during a television show he was contesting “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
In this show, men contest before the host RuPaul and other judges, intending to emerge as the season’s winner. Bianca Del Rio said this phrase in 2014 during the final episode of season six after a fellow contestant accused her of creating the same looks throughout the show.
Bianca used this phrase to insinuate that he was not ready for confrontations from his colleague or did not want to get involved in negative energy (Satan).
What is the meaning of the phrase?
The phrase ‘not today, Satan, not today’ can mean different things. First, this phrase can indicate that one is not ready for any trouble or does not want to engage in unnecessary drama.
This meaning can be used by someone trying to tell off another person, as they do not want any trouble.
The phrase ‘not today Satan, not today’ can also mean that one has emerged victorious, despite facing several challenges. One can use this phrase after successfully carrying out a task they had intended to complete.
Several Christians have also suggested that this phrase can be used when someone directly addresses the devil (who, in this case, is Satan) when they realize that the devil is after them or is trying to make them fall into temptation.
Several Christians have also likened this phrase to the famous words that Jesus addressed Peter.
Matthew 16:20-23 says, “Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.””
Jesus used the phrase “Get behind me, Satan” after Peter tried to oppose what Jesus had told him and his other disciples. Jesus had revealed to the disciples that he was the Messiah and was to go to Jerusalem, suffer, and eventually die for people’s sins.
Peter, speaking for Satan, condemned Jesus and told him that it should never happen. Jesus knew that it was the devil that was talking and immediately rebuked him.
Just like the way Jesus used the phrase, it is the same way most people use the phrase ‘not today Satan, not today to mean that they do not want anything to do with Satan.
How is the phrase used today?
The phrase ‘not today Satan, not today is used today to celebrate something that they achieved that seemed impossible.
A good example is, “I thought I wasn’t going to pass my math test because I did have a calculator during my test. Not today Satan, not today.”
This phrase can also be used by someone warning another person that they do not want to engage in their fights or dramas.
An example, “I know you want me to talk so that you can pick an argument with me, not today Satan, not today.
Is it Okay for Christians to Use This Phrase?
Bible scholars, religious leaders, and Christians have not agreed that a Christian can use this phrase comfortably, as it did not originate from the bible.
However, most Christians have adopted this name and use it most of the time, citing that there is no harm in it. Christians need to be alert of the devil and his evil intentions and pray to God so that they can overcome them.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
