Mark 7:26

KJV

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} The woman {G1135} was {G2258} a Greek {G1674}, a Syrophenician {G4949} by nation {G1085}; and {G2532} she besought {G2065} him {G846} that {G2443} he would cast forth {G1544} the devil {G1140} out of {G1537} her {G846} daughter {G2364}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The woman was a Greek, by birth a Syro-phoenician, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter.

Berean Standard Bible

Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.

American Standard Version

Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. And she besought him that he would cast forth the demon out of her daughter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 7:26 introduces a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a Gentile woman, identified as a Greek and a Syrophenician, who approaches Him with a desperate plea for her demon-possessed daughter. This verse sets the stage for a profound demonstration of Jesus' authority over evil spirits and His compassionate willingness to extend His ministry beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel, highlighting the power of persistent faith from an unexpected source.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This encounter immediately follows Jesus' significant teaching on true defilement in [Mark 7:1-23](/mark/7-1-23 "Mark 7:1-23 - What Truly Defiles a Person"), where He challenges the Pharisees' external ritualistic purity laws, emphasizing that defilement originates from the heart. By withdrawing to the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon in [Mark 7:24](/mark/7-24 "Mark 7:24 - Jesus Enters Gentile Territory"), Jesus physically demonstrates the expansive nature of His kingdom and ministry, moving beyond the Jewish confines. The interaction with the Syrophenician woman serves as a powerful practical illustration of His teaching: God's grace and healing are not limited by human-made distinctions or ceremonial laws, but are accessible through faith, regardless of one's background. This event also precedes the healing of a deaf and mute man in the Decapolis, another Gentile region, further solidifying the theme of Jesus' universal mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The region of Tyre and Sidon, located north of Galilee along the Mediterranean coast, was predominantly Gentile territory, part of ancient Phoenicia, which had strong Hellenistic (Greek) influences. The woman's description as "a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation" is crucial. "Greek" (Hellēnis) here refers not to nationality from Greece, but broadly to a Gentile, someone not Jewish, often one who adopted Greek culture or language. "Syrophenician" specifies her ethnic and geographical origin as a Phoenician from Syria, distinguishing her from other Phoenician groups (e.g., Liby-Phoenicians in North Africa). This precise identification underscores her non-Jewish identity in a region traditionally hostile to Jews. For a Jewish man like Jesus to engage deeply with such a woman, especially one seeking healing, was highly unusual and challenged deeply ingrained cultural and religious prejudices, reflecting the traditional animosity between Jews and Canaanites (as she is called in the parallel account in [Matthew 15:22](/matthew/15-22 "Matthew 15:22 - The Canaanite Woman")).
* **Key Themes:** Mark 7:26 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the Gospel. First, it highlights **Faith Beyond Boundaries**, demonstrating that genuine faith in Jesus transcends ethnic, national, and religious distinctions, foreshadowing the [inclusion of Gentiles into God's family](/acts/10-45 "Acts 10:45 - The Holy Spirit Falls on Gentiles"). Second, the woman's "besought him" underscores the theme of **Desperate Plea and Parental Love**, illustrating the powerful, persistent intercession of a mother for her afflicted child. Third, her specific request "that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter" points directly to **Jesus' Power Over Evil**, showcasing His undisputed authority over demonic forces, a hallmark of His ministry as seen in other accounts like [Mark 1:27](/mark/1-27 "Mark 1:27 - Jesus' Authority Over Unclean Spirits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** This term simply means "a woman" or "a wife." In this context, it emphasizes her gender, but combined with the subsequent descriptors, it highlights her identity as a Gentile woman, making her approach to Jesus culturally noteworthy.
* **Syrophenician (Greek, _Syrophoínissa'_):** This specific ethno-geographical identifier pinpoints her origin as a Phoenician from Syria. It underscores her non-Jewish background with precision, distinguishing her from other Phoenician groups and emphasizing the deep cultural and religious divide she crossed to approach Jesus.
* **cast forth (Greek, _ekbállō'_):** Literally meaning "to eject" or "to drive out," this verb is consistently used in the Gospels to describe Jesus' authoritative expulsion of demons. It conveys a forceful, decisive action, emphasizing Jesus' power and dominion over the spiritual realm rather than a mere request or persuasion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation;":** This clause provides crucial information about the woman's identity. Her being a "Greek" signifies her Gentile status, meaning she was not part of the covenant people of Israel. Her "Syrophenician by nation" further specifies her ethnic and geographical origin, identifying her as a native of Phoenicia in Syria. These descriptors are not incidental; they establish her as an outsider from a Jewish perspective, setting the stage for Jesus' groundbreaking interaction with her and highlighting the universal scope of His compassion and power.
* **"and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.":** This clause reveals the woman's desperate motivation and her faith in Jesus' unique power. "Besought him" (erōtáō) indicates an earnest and persistent request, born out of deep maternal love and anguish for her afflicted child. Her specific request, "that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter," directly acknowledges Jesus' authority over demonic forces, a power widely recognized in His ministry. This plea demonstrates her belief that Jesus possessed the ability to deliver her daughter from a tormenting evil spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 7:26 employs several significant literary devices. **Characterization** is key, as the woman is immediately identified by her ethnicity and nationality, setting her apart as a Gentile and an outsider from the Jewish world. This precise **Identification** underscores the cultural and theological barriers that Jesus is about to transcend. The woman's "besought him" introduces **Pathos**, evoking sympathy for her desperate situation and highlighting the depth of her maternal love. Furthermore, the entire narrative segment, beginning with this verse, serves as **Foreshadowing** for the future inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, illustrating that God's grace and salvation are not exclusive to one nation but are open to all who come in faith. The narrative also presents a subtle **Contrast** between the rigid, inward-focused purity laws discussed earlier in the chapter and Jesus' outward-reaching, compassionate ministry to a "defiled" Gentile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 7:26 is profoundly significant for its theological implications, particularly concerning the universal nature of God's grace and the breaking down of barriers. The encounter with the Syrophenician woman demonstrates that God's love and power are not confined by human-made distinctions of race, nationality, or religious background. Her persistent faith, despite her outsider status, unlocks divine intervention, revealing that access to Jesus' healing and deliverance is predicated on belief, not on lineage or social standing. This narrative challenges the narrow ethnocentric views prevalent at the time, underscoring that the Kingdom of God is expansive and inclusive, welcoming all who genuinely seek Christ. It also highlights the power of intercessory prayer, especially when fueled by desperate love and unwavering faith.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")
* [Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Distinction Between Jew and Greek")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the Syrophenician woman in Mark 7:26 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Her unwavering determination to approach Jesus, despite her "outsider" status and the cultural barriers, serves as a powerful example of persistent faith. We are reminded that God's compassion extends to all people, regardless of their background, race, social standing, or past. This verse challenges us to examine our own prejudices and preconceived notions about who is "worthy" of God's attention or who deserves His grace. Just as Jesus responded to her desperate plea, He invites us to bring our most profound needs and the needs of those we love to Him with confident expectation. Her example encourages us not to give up when faced with initial difficulties or perceived obstacles, but to press into God with humility and unwavering trust in His power and goodness. It underscores the universal scope of salvation and healing offered through Christ, open to anyone who believes and seeks Him earnestly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What cultural or social barriers might prevent people from approaching Jesus today, and how can we help dismantle them?**
* **How does the Syrophenician woman's persistence challenge my own prayer life and my willingness to intercede for others?**
* **In what ways might I be limiting God's grace or compassion by placing boundaries on who I believe He would help?**

### FAQ
**Who was the "Greek, a Syrophenician by nation" woman mentioned in Mark 7:26?**

Answer: The woman was a Gentile, meaning she was not Jewish. "Greek" (Hellēnis) in this context refers to her cultural and linguistic affiliation, indicating she was a non-Jew who likely spoke Greek and lived in a Hellenized region. Her specific ethnic and geographical identity as "Syrophenician by nation" means she was a native of Phoenicia, a region located within the Roman province of Syria, distinguishing her from other Phoenician groups. This detailed description emphasizes her complete outsider status from a Jewish perspective, making her encounter with Jesus particularly significant for demonstrating the expansive nature of His ministry. The parallel account in [Matthew 15:22](/matthew/15-22 "Matthew 15:22 - The Canaanite Woman") identifies her as a "Canaanite woman," further highlighting her non-Jewish background and the historical animosity between her people and the Jews.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in Mark 7:26, where a Gentile woman seeks Jesus' help for her demon-possessed daughter, powerfully foreshadows and embodies the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus, as the Son of God, demonstrates His absolute authority over the forces of darkness, fulfilling the prophetic vision of one who would [destroy the works of the devil](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil"). His compassionate response to this "outsider" breaks down the deeply entrenched ethnic and religious barriers of His time, revealing that His salvation is not limited to Israel but is for all humanity. This act of casting out the demon for a Gentile prefigures the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to [make disciples of all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), signifying that His victory over sin and evil extends to every tribe and tongue. Ultimately, Christ's willingness to engage with and heal the Syrophenician woman's daughter points to His ultimate work on the cross, where He [triumphed over principalities and powers](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities"), offering deliverance and new life to all who, like this woman, come to Him in faith, regardless of their background. His ministry to her serves as a living parable of the global reach of the Gospel and the inclusive nature of His kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:22

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, [thou] Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Isaiah 49:12

Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.