Mark 7:26

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

{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}.

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

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

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

Mark 7:26 introduces a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a Gentile woman, highlighting the expansive nature of His ministry and the power of persistent faith. This verse sets the scene for a remarkable demonstration of Jesus' compassion and authority over evil spirits, transcending traditional boundaries.

Context

This event occurs after Jesus has retreated to the region of Tyre and Sidon, Gentile territories north of Galilee. It follows His significant teaching on what truly defiles a person, emphasizing that defilement comes from within, not from external adherence to ritualistic laws. This encounter with a non-Jewish woman immediately illustrates His willingness to extend grace and healing beyond the confines of Israel. The parallel account in Matthew 15:22-28 identifies her as a Canaanite woman, further emphasizing her non-Jewish background and the traditional animosity between Jews and Canaanites, making Jesus' interaction even more significant.

Key Themes

  • Faith Beyond Boundaries: The woman's identification as a "Greek, a Syrophenician by nation" is crucial. She was a Gentile, not part of the covenant people of Israel. Her desperate plea demonstrates that faith in Jesus was not limited by ethnicity or religious background, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family.
  • Desperate Plea and Parental Love: Her immediate action to "besought him" (earnestly pleaded with Him) underscores the depth of her love for her daughter and her desperation for healing. This highlights the powerful motivation of parental love seeking relief for an afflicted child.
  • Jesus' Power Over Evil: The specific request "that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter" points directly to Jesus' undisputed authority over demonic forces. This power was a hallmark of His ministry, demonstrating His victory over the spiritual realm. Mark 1:27 provides another example of His command over unclean spirits.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "Greek" (HellΔ“nis) here refers not necessarily to someone from Greece, but more broadly to a Gentile, a non-Jew, often one who adopted Greek culture or language.
  • "Syrophenician" specifically denotes her ethnic and geographical origin – a Phoenician from Syria, distinguishing her from Liby-Phoenicians or other Phoenician groups. This precise identification emphasizes her non-Jewish identity within the region.

Practical Application

Mark 7:26 reminds us that God's compassion extends to all people, regardless of their background, race, or social standing. It encourages us to approach Jesus with persistent faith, even when circumstances seem challenging or initial responses are unexpected. The woman's example demonstrates that a mother's fervent prayer for her child, coupled with unwavering belief in Jesus' power, can move mountains. It underscores the universal scope of salvation and healing offered through Christ, open to anyone who believes.

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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.
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