Matthew 15:25

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Then {G1161} came she {G2064} and worshipped {G4352} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Lord {G2962}, help {G997} me {G3427}.

But she came, fell at his feet and said, "Sir, help me!"

The woman came and knelt before Him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

But she came and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

Commentary

Matthew 15:25 KJV: "Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me."

Context of Matthew 15:25

This verse is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Canaanite woman, found in the broader passage of Matthew 15:21-28. Jesus had withdrawn to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, a region predominantly Gentile, seeking respite from the intense crowds in Galilee. A Canaanite woman approaches Him, initially crying out for mercy concerning her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus' initial silence and His statement about being sent only to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24) present a significant challenge. Despite this, the woman's profound faith and desperation compel her to come directly to Him, prostrating herself in an act of deep reverence, as described in this verse.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Perseverance in Faith: The woman's unwavering persistence despite initial silence and apparent rebuffs is a powerful testament to her deep conviction in Jesus' ability and willingness to help. She didn't give up, demonstrating a faith that would not be denied.
  • Humility and Worship: Her act of "worshipped him" signifies not just a desperate plea but also profound reverence and acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and power. Her simple, direct cry, "Lord, help me," encapsulates a humble yet urgent appeal for intervention.
  • Jesus' Divine Authority and Compassion: While Jesus' initial responses might seem harsh, they serve to highlight the extraordinary depth of the woman's faith. Ultimately, her persistence and worship move Him to commend her "great faith" (Matthew 15:28) and grant her request, demonstrating His boundless compassion and authority over all affliction.
  • Inclusion of Gentiles: This encounter subtly foreshadows the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles, a theme more explicitly developed later in the New Testament (e.g., Ephesians 2:13).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "worshipped" is proskuneō (προσκυνέω). It literally means "to prostrate oneself before," often implying an act of homage or adoration. While it can refer to bowing down to a king or a superior, in this context, especially given Jesus' subsequent commendation of her faith, it carries a strong sense of acknowledging His divine nature and authority. Her plea, "Lord, help me," is a direct, earnest cry from the heart, recognizing His sovereignty and power to deliver.

Practical Application

Matthew 15:25 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Persistence in Prayer: This verse encourages us to pray with unwavering persistence, even when answers are delayed or circumstances seem bleak. Like the Canaanite woman, we are called to bring our needs directly to the Lord with faith and humility (see Luke 18:1-8 for the parable of the persistent widow).
  • Humility Before God: Approaching God with a humble and worshipful heart, acknowledging His supreme authority, is crucial. Our prayers should stem from a place of reverence and trust in His perfect will and power.
  • Trusting God's Compassion: No matter how desperate our situation, we can trust that God hears our cries and is moved by genuine faith. He is always willing to help those who seek Him sincerely and persistently.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 14:33

    Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

  • Hosea 12:4

    Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

  • Matthew 20:31

    And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, [thou] Son of David.

  • Genesis 32:26

    And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

  • Mark 9:22

    And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

  • Luke 18:1

    ¶ And he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

  • Luke 18:8

    I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
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