Matthew 15:21

KJV

¶ Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went {G1831} thence {G1564}, and departed {G402} into {G1519} the coasts {G3313} of Tyre {G5184} and {G2532} Sidon {G4605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua left that place and went off to the region of Tzor and Tzidon.

Berean Standard Bible

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.

American Standard Version

And Jesus went out thence, and withdrew into the parts of Tyre and Sidon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:21 marks a pivotal geographical and strategic shift in Jesus' ministry, as He intentionally withdraws from the Jewish regions of Galilee, where opposition from religious authorities had intensified, and ventures into the predominantly Gentile territories bordering Tyre and Sidon. This movement is not merely a retreat but a purposeful redirection, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of faith from an unexpected source and subtly foreshadowing the future, universal scope of the Gospel message beyond the confines of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a significant confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem, detailed in [Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - Jesus Confronts the Pharisees"). In this exchange, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy regarding ritual purity and man-made traditions, contrasting them with the true commandments of God and the defilement that comes from within a person's heart. Having concluded this intense theological debate and taught His disciples about true defilement, Jesus' departure from Gennesaret in Galilee signifies a deliberate withdrawal from the escalating religious opposition and a strategic move away from the immediate Jewish context of His primary ministry. This withdrawal provides a narrative pause and sets the scene for a new type of encounter, distinct from the previous disputes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre and Sidon were ancient, prominent Phoenician port cities located along the Mediterranean coast, north of Galilee in what is modern-day Lebanon. Historically, these cities were renowned for their maritime trade, wealth, and commercialism, and were predominantly Gentile (non-Jewish) territories. Their culture was deeply influenced by pagan worship, particularly of Baal and Asherah, standing in stark contrast to the monotheistic Jewish faith. While there might have been small Jewish communities in these areas, the region as a whole was distinctly foreign to Jesus' usual sphere of ministry. Jesus' venture into these "coasts" (meaning borders or regions, not necessarily the cities themselves) highlights a temporary but significant foray into non-Jewish lands, a move that would have been highly unusual for a Jewish rabbi.
* **Key Themes:** Jesus' journey to the borders of Tyre and Sidon contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Strategic Withdrawal**, a recurring pattern in Jesus' ministry where He often sought solitude, avoided premature confrontation, or prepared for the next phase of His work, as seen in [Matthew 12:15](/matthew/12-15 "Matthew 12:15 - Jesus Withdraws from the Pharisees"). Secondly, this move subtly introduces the theme of the **Broadening Scope of Ministry**. Although Jesus explicitly states His primary mission is "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" in [Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel"), His presence in Gentile territory foreshadows the eventual universal reach of the Gospel, which would fully embrace Gentiles after His resurrection and the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"). Finally, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty** in Jesus' movements; His path was not random but divinely guided, orchestrating the remarkable encounter with the Canaanite woman that immediately follows this verse, demonstrating God's redemptive plan extending beyond ethnic boundaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **went (Greek, _exérchomai'_):** This verb signifies a movement "out of" or "forth from" a place. In this context, it emphasizes Jesus' departure from the Jewish regions of Galilee, specifically from the area where He had just engaged with the Pharisees. It implies a deliberate exit, marking a clear geographical and perhaps strategic separation from the immediate conflict and the familiar territory of His public ministry among the Jewish people.
* **departed (Greek, _anachōréō'_):** This word carries the sense of "to retire," "to withdraw," or "to go aside." It suggests an intentional act of retreat or removal from a previous location or situation. Coupled with "went," it reinforces the idea that Jesus' movement to Tyre and Sidon was not accidental but a purposeful withdrawal, possibly for rest, to avoid further confrontation, or to prepare for a new phase of ministry away from the intense scrutiny of the Jewish religious leaders.
* **coasts (Greek, _méros'_):** While "coasts" might evoke images of a shoreline, the Greek word `méros` is broader, meaning a "division," "share," or "part." In this context, it refers to the "borders," "regions," or "districts" adjacent to the cities of Tyre and Sidon. This indicates that Jesus entered the general vicinity or outlying areas of these Gentile cities, rather than necessarily entering the cities themselves. This precision is important, as it highlights His presence in Gentile territory without necessarily implying a full-scale evangelistic mission within the pagan cities' core.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus went thence":** This clause indicates a direct consequence or next step after the preceding events, specifically the intense debate with the Pharisees. "Thence" refers to the area of Gennesaret or Galilee where Jesus had been ministering. Jesus' action of "going" signifies a purposeful movement, a departure from His immediate context.
* **"and departed into the coasts":** This phrase further clarifies the nature of Jesus' movement as a deliberate withdrawal or retirement. The term "coasts" (Greek: `méros`) here means the border regions or territories. This emphasizes that Jesus was moving into the *vicinity* or *outlying districts* of the named cities, not necessarily entering the urban centers themselves. This strategic withdrawal suggests a desire for a measure of solitude or a shift in the immediate focus of His public ministry.
* **"of Tyre and Sidon":** These are specific geographical markers, identifying the destination of Jesus' journey. Tyre and Sidon were well-known Phoenician cities, predominantly Gentile and distinct from the Jewish areas of Galilee. Their mention highlights the significant and unusual nature of Jesus' presence in non-Jewish territory, setting the stage for the subsequent encounter with the Canaanite woman, a Gentile.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:21 employs several significant literary devices. **Geographical Symbolism** is prominent, as Jesus' move from Jewish Galilee to the Gentile borders of Tyre and Sidon is not merely a change of location but a symbolic foreshadowing of the Gospel's eventual expansion beyond Israel. This geographical shift acts as a **Narrative Transition**, signaling a new phase in Jesus' ministry, moving away from the internal conflicts with Jewish religious authorities towards an encounter that highlights the breaking down of ethnic barriers. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, a theme that will be more explicitly developed through the subsequent interaction with the Canaanite woman and ultimately in the Great Commission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:21, though brief, is rich with theological implications, primarily underscoring God's sovereign plan to extend salvation beyond the confines of Israel. Jesus' deliberate withdrawal into Gentile territory, while perhaps initially for rest or strategic avoidance of conflict, inherently reveals His divine intentionality to engage with those outside the traditional covenant community. This act challenges the prevailing Jewish understanding that God's favor was exclusively for Israel, demonstrating that His compassion and redemptive power transcend ethnic and geographical boundaries. It sets the stage for the dramatic display of faith by the Canaanite woman, showing that faith, not ethnicity, is the true pathway to God's blessing.

* [Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to the Lost Sheep of Israel")
* [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission to All Nations")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:21 invites us to consider the intentionality and breadth of Jesus' ministry, offering profound lessons for our own lives of faith. Just as Jesus strategically moved beyond familiar boundaries, we are called to be open to God's leading, even when it takes us outside our comfort zones, challenges our preconceived notions, or calls us to engage with people and places we might otherwise overlook. This verse subtly encourages us to embrace a global vision for God's kingdom, recognizing that His love and salvation are for all humanity, regardless of background, ethnicity, or social standing. It challenges us to examine our own biases and to actively seek opportunities to share the transforming power of the Gospel with those who may seem "outside" our usual circles. Furthermore, it reminds us that divine appointments often occur in unexpected places, urging us to remain spiritually alert and responsive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, trusting that God is at work in every circumstance and location, orchestrating encounters that can lead to profound demonstrations of faith and the expansion of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling me to step outside my comfort zone or familiar territory in my faith journey or ministry?**
* **How can I cultivate a more expansive, global vision for God's kingdom in my daily life and prayers?**
* **Am I open to encountering God's work and demonstrating His love in unexpected places or among people I might not typically engage with?**
* **What "coasts" or "borders" in my own life or community might God be prompting me to venture into with His message?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus go to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, Gentile territory?**

Answer: Jesus' precise reasons are not explicitly stated, but biblical scholars suggest several possibilities. Firstly, it may have been a strategic withdrawal (as hinted by the Greek word `anachōréō` for "departed") from the escalating opposition and intense scrutiny of the Jewish religious leaders in Galilee, providing a period of rest or strategic planning. Secondly, while His primary mission was to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")), His venture into Gentile territory subtly foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel and the future inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom, a theme fully realized after His resurrection ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Thirdly, it sets the stage for the remarkable encounter with the Canaanite woman, a Gentile, whose great faith is highlighted immediately after this verse, demonstrating that faith transcends ethnic boundaries.

**What does "coasts" mean in this context?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "coasts" (from the Greek `méros`) does not exclusively mean the shoreline, but rather refers to the "borders," "regions," or "districts" adjacent to the cities of Tyre and Sidon. It indicates that Jesus entered the general vicinity or outlying areas of these cities, rather than necessarily entering the urban centers themselves. This distinction is important as it implies a strategic presence in Gentile territory without necessarily initiating a full-scale public ministry within the pagan cities, aligning with His primary focus on Israel while still demonstrating God's broader reach.

**Did Jesus preach or perform miracles extensively in Tyre and Sidon?**

Answer: The Gospels do not record extensive public preaching or numerous miracles by Jesus within the cities of Tyre and Sidon themselves. The primary event recorded immediately after His arrival in this region is His encounter with the Canaanite woman ([Matthew 15:22-28](/matthew/15-22-28 "Matthew 15:22-28 - The Canaanite Woman's Faith")). This suggests that His time there was perhaps more private or focused on specific, divinely orchestrated encounters rather than a broad public ministry campaign, further emphasizing the strategic and symbolic nature of His visit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' intentional journey into the "coasts of Tyre and Sidon" in [Matthew 15:21](/matthew/15-21 "Matthew 15:21 - Jesus Goes to Tyre and Sidon") is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, subtly yet powerfully revealing the universal scope of His redemptive mission. Though Jesus explicitly stated His primary calling was to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")), His very presence in Gentile territory, a place steeped in paganism, foreshadows the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, a central theme in the New Covenant. This physical movement anticipates the spiritual reality that through Christ, the nations would be brought into God's family, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")) and that all peoples would come to worship Him ([Psalm 2:8](/psalms/2-8 "Psalm 2:8 - Ask of Me, and I will Give You the Nations")). His subsequent encounter with the Canaanite woman in this very region ([Matthew 15:22-28](/matthew/15-22-28 "Matthew 15:22-28 - The Canaanite Woman's Faith")) serves as a living parable, demonstrating that faith, not ethnicity or geographical location, is the criterion for receiving God's grace. Ultimately, this journey points to the resurrected Christ's Great Commission, where He commands His disciples to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), revealing that His saving work was always intended to encompass the entire world, bringing reconciliation and unity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

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

Mark 7:24

¶ 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.

Mark 7:30

And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Matthew 11:21

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.

Matthew 11:23

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.

Joshua 19:28

And Hebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, [even] unto great Zidon;

Joshua 19:29

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:

Joshua 13:6

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.