¶ And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know [it]: but he could not be hid.
Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
And [then] the coast turneth to Ramah, and to the strong city Tyre; and the coast turneth to Hosah; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea from the coast to Achzib:
All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon unto Misrephothmaim, [and] all the Sidonians, them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only divide thou it by lot unto the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have commanded thee.
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Commentary for Matthew 15:21
Matthew 15:21 is a transitional verse within the Gospel of Matthew, marking a shift in Jesus's ministry from primarily focusing on Jewish audiences to engaging with Gentiles (non-Jews). The verse reads, "Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon," which are regions along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, outside the traditional borders of Israel.
In the historical context, Tyre and Sidon were prominent Phoenician cities known for their commercial wealth and were often at odds with the Israelites. By venturing into these areas, Jesus is stepping into a culturally and religiously diverse environment, signaling the universal nature of His mission. This move reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would bring salvation to all nations (e.g., Isaiah 49:6).
The themes present in this verse include the expansion of Jesus's ministry beyond the confines of Jewish society, foreshadowing the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. It also touches on the theme of inclusivity and God's concern for all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. Additionally, this geographical shift sets the stage for the encounter with the Canaanite woman in the following verses, which further illustrates Jesus's willingness to engage with and offer healing to those outside the Jewish community, ultimately pointing to the Gospel's message of hope for the entire world.
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Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
Strong's Number: G2532 There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: καί Transliteration: kaí Pronunciation: kahee Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Strong's Number: G2424 There are 935 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: Ἰησοῦς Transliteration: Iēsoûs Pronunciation: ee-ay-sooce' Description: of Hebrew origin (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ); Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites:--Jesus.
Strong's Number: G1831 There are 216 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἐξέρχομαι Transliteration: exérchomai Pronunciation: ex-er'-khom-ahee Description: from ἐκ and ἔρχομαι; to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad.
Strong's Number: G1564 There are 27 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἐκεῖθεν Transliteration: ekeîthen Pronunciation: ek-i'-then Description: from ἐκεῖ; thence:--from that place, (from) thence, there.
Strong's Number: G402 There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: ἀναχωρέω Transliteration: anachōréō Pronunciation: an-akh-o-reh'-o Description: from ἀνά and χωρέω; to retire:--depart, give place, go (turn) aside, withdraw self.
Strong's Number: G1519 There are 1513 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: εἰς Transliteration: eis Pronunciation: ice Description: a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Strong's Number: G3313 There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: μέρος Transliteration: méros Pronunciation: mer'-os Description: from an obsolete but more primary form of (to get as a section or allotment); a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application):--behalf, course, coast, craft, particular (+ -ly), part (+ -ly), piece, portion, respect, side, some sort(-what).
Strong's Number: G5184 There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: Τύρος Transliteration: Týros Pronunciation: too'-ros Description: of Hebrew origin (צֹר): Tyrus (i.e. Tsor), a place in Palestine:--Tyre.
Strong's Number: G4605 There are 11 instances of this translation in the Bible Lemma: Σιδών Transliteration: Sidṓn Pronunciation: sid-one' Description: of Hebrew origin (צִידוֹן); Sidon (i.e. Tsidon), a place in Palestine:--Sidon.