Matthew 15:21

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

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

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

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

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

Matthew 15:21 (KJV) marks a significant geographical and thematic shift in Jesus' ministry, setting the stage for one of the New Testament's most profound encounters of faith.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' intense debate with the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem concerning ritual purity and man-made traditions versus God's commandments (Matthew 15:1-20). After exposing their hypocrisy and teaching the disciples about what truly defiles a person, Jesus withdraws from the region of Gennesaret in Galilee.

His departure "into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon" is notable. Tyre and Sidon were ancient Phoenician port cities located on the Mediterranean coast, north of Galilee. These were predominantly Gentile territories, known for their commercialism and pagan worship, starkly different from the Jewish towns where Jesus typically ministered. This move signifies a deliberate withdrawal from the escalating religious opposition in Israel and a temporary venture into non-Jewish lands.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Strategic Withdrawal: Jesus often sought solitude or withdrew from areas of intense conflict or public pressure. This journey might have been for rest, to avoid further confrontation with the religious authorities, or to prepare for the next phase of His ministry.
  • Broadening Scope of Ministry: While Jesus explicitly stated His primary mission was to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24), His venture into Gentile regions like Tyre and Sidon foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel. It hints at the future inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom, a theme fully realized after His resurrection and the Great Commission.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Jesus' movements were not random but guided by divine purpose. His presence in this foreign territory sets the scene for the remarkable demonstration of faith by the Canaanite woman, which immediately follows in the narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "coasts of Tyre and Sidon" uses "coasts" in its older sense, meaning "borders" or "regions," rather than exclusively referring to the shoreline. It indicates Jesus entered the general vicinity or outlying districts of these cities, not necessarily the cities themselves.

Practical Application

Matthew 15:21 reminds us that Jesus' ministry was not confined by human expectations or geographical boundaries. It encourages believers to:

  • Seek God's Guidance in Direction: Just as Jesus strategically moved, we should seek God's leading in our own paths, even when it takes us outside our comfort zones or familiar territories.
  • Embrace a Global Vision: This verse subtly points to the expansive nature of God's love and salvation, which is for all people, not just a select group. It challenges us to look beyond our immediate circles and consider how we can participate in God's mission to all nations.
  • Recognize Divine Appointments: Sometimes, a change of scenery or a new location brings unexpected encounters and opportunities for faith, as seen in the subsequent interaction with the Canaanite woman.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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