Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

But {G1161} he answered {G611} her {G846} not {G3756} a word {G3056}. And {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} came {G4334} and besought {G2065} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Send {G630} her {G846} away {G630}; for {G3754} she crieth {G2896} after {G3693} us {G2257}.

But Yeshua did not say a word to her. Then his talmidim came to him and urged him, "Send her away, because she is following us and keeps pestering us with her crying."

But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Matthew 15:23 (KJV) presents a pivotal moment in the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, revealing both Jesus' initial testing and the disciples' limited understanding.

Context

This verse is part of a significant narrative following Jesus' departure from Gennesaret into the Gentile region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman, whose daughter was grievously vexed with a devil, approached Jesus, crying out for mercy. Her initial plea is detailed in Matthew 15:22. Despite her desperate and public appeal, Jesus' immediate response is striking: "But he answered her not a word." This silence is unusual for Jesus, who often responded quickly to those in need. The disciples, seemingly annoyed by her persistent cries, then intervene, urging Jesus to "send her away."

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Apparent Silence as a Test: Jesus' deliberate non-response is not indifference but a profound test of the woman's faith and persistence. This divine silence often precedes a powerful demonstration of God's grace or reveals the depth of a person's trust. It challenges the seeker to press in further, much like the friend at midnight in Luke 11:8 or the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8.
  • The Disciples' Limited Perspective: The disciples' request, "Send her away; for she crieth after us," highlights their lack of compassion and their narrow understanding of Jesus' mission at this point. They seem more concerned with their own comfort or with adhering to traditional boundaries that excluded Gentiles. This reveals their ongoing need for spiritual growth and a broader vision of God's redemptive plan beyond Israel.
  • Foreshadowing of Persistence: While Jesus remains silent, the text notes the woman "crieth after us." The Greek word for "crieth," krazei (κράζει), implies a loud, continuous, and insistent shouting. This detail foreshadows her unwavering determination and faith, which will ultimately lead to her daughter's healing and Jesus' commendation in Matthew 15:28.

Linguistic Insights

  • "answered her not a word": This phrase emphasizes the complete and utter lack of verbal response from Jesus, making His silence even more pronounced and impactful.
  • "besought him": The Greek word here is parekaloun (παρεκάλουν), which means to earnestly appeal, urge, or implore. The disciples were not merely suggesting but actively pleading with Jesus to dismiss the woman.
  • "crieth after us": As mentioned, krazei (κράζει) signifies a loud, public, and persistent outcry, underscoring the woman's distress and her relentless pursuit of Jesus.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers not to be discouraged by apparent divine silence or delays in prayer. God's timing and methods are often beyond human comprehension, and His silence may be a means to strengthen faith or reveal a deeper purpose. It also serves as a reminder for us to cultivate compassion and avoid the impatience or prejudice that characterized the disciples. True faith is often demonstrated through persistent prayer and an unwavering trust in God's goodness, even when immediate answers are not forthcoming.

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.

  • Matthew 14:15

    And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

  • Genesis 42:7

    ¶ And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.

  • Mark 10:47

    And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, [thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Mark 10:48

    And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Lamentations 3:8

    Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.

  • Psalms 28:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, [if] thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

  • Deuteronomy 8:2

    And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, [and] to prove thee, to know what [was] in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.

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