The Latin phrase translates most literally to "Step back, Satan" or "Begone, Satan" . While "retro" is often associated with "behind," linguists note it more accurately means "back" or "away," framing the phrase as a direct command to retreat. The phrase has two primary origins:
"May the Holy Cross be my light / Let not the dragon be my guide / Step back, Satan / Never tempt me with vain things / What you offer me is evil / Drink the poison yourself". The Saint Benedict Medal
It is derived from the Latin Vulgate, specifically Mark 8:33, where Jesus rebukes Saint Peter with the words “vade retro me Satana” ("get behind me, Satan").
Crux sacra sit mihi lux / Non draco sit mihi dux Vade retro satana / Nunquam suade mihi vana Sunt mala quae libas / Ipse venena bibas
The shorter phrase “vade retro” (simply "go back") appears as far back as the Roman playwright Terence in his work Phormio . The Exorcism Formula