Matthew 15:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:25 captures a pivotal moment in the encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, where she, driven by desperate need and profound faith, approaches Him with an act of worship and a simple, earnest plea for help. This verse highlights her unwavering persistence and deep reverence, setting the stage for Jesus' commendation of her "great faith" and the miraculous healing of her daughter, demonstrating the power of humble, persistent supplication to the Son of David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of the Syrophoenician (or Canaanite) woman's encounter with Jesus, detailed in [Matthew 15:21-28](/matthew/15-21-28 "Matthew 15:21-28 - The Canaanite Woman's Faith"). Immediately preceding this, Jesus has withdrawn to the Gentile regions of Tyre and Sidon, seeking a measure of privacy after intense confrontations with the Pharisees and scribes regarding ritual purity (cf. [Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - Debates on Purity")). The woman's initial cries for mercy (Matthew 15:22) are met with silence from Jesus and a dismissive response from the disciples. Jesus then states His mission is primarily to the [lost sheep of the house of Israel](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel") (Matthew 15:24). It is precisely at this challenging juncture that the woman "came and worshipped him," demonstrating an extraordinary act of humble persistence and faith that transcends the apparent barriers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in the region of Tyre and Sidon is significant, as it was predominantly Gentile territory, distinct from Jewish Galilee. The woman is identified as a "Canaanite," a term that would evoke ancient enemies of Israel, further emphasizing her foreignness and the cultural divide. In Jewish society of the time, interactions between Jews and Gentiles, particularly in matters of religious or social significance, were often limited or fraught with tension. For a Gentile woman to approach a Jewish rabbi, let alone one of Jesus' stature, and then to prostrate herself in worship, was an act of profound humility and cultural boundary-crossing. Her desperation, stemming from her daughter's demonic affliction, overrides social conventions, highlighting the universal human need for divine intervention regardless of ethnic or religious background.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 15:25 contributes to several overarching themes in the Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **faith beyond boundaries**, showcasing how genuine faith can be found even among those outside the traditional covenant community of Israel. The woman's faith stands in stark contrast to the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders Jesus just encountered. Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' divine authority and compassion**, demonstrating that while His primary mission was to Israel, His compassion extends to all who genuinely seek Him, foreshadowing the later inclusion of Gentiles into the Church. Thirdly, it highlights the **power of persistent prayer and humble supplication**, revealing that God responds to earnest cries from the heart, even when initial responses seem discouraging. This narrative serves as a vital bridge, subtly preparing the disciples for the eventual global mission of the church, as commanded in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **worshipped (Greek, _proskynéō'_):** G4352. This verb literally means "to prostrate oneself before," often implying an act of homage or adoration. It describes bowing down, kneeling, or falling to the ground as a sign of profound respect, submission, or reverence. While it can be used for showing respect to a king or a superior, in the context of Jesus, especially given His subsequent commendation of her faith, it carries a strong sense of acknowledging His divine nature, authority, and power. It's an act of profound spiritual recognition, not merely a social greeting.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** G2962. Derived from a word implying "supremacy," this term denotes one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or a master. It is a respectful title, akin to "Sir," but in this context, especially combined with the act of worship, it carries significant theological weight. The woman's use of "Lord" (and earlier "Son of David" in Matthew 15:22) indicates her recognition of Jesus' unique power and position, far beyond that of an ordinary man or even a prophet. It is a title of sovereignty and divine authority.
* **help (Greek, _boēthéō'_):** G997. This verb means "to aid or relieve." It signifies coming to the assistance of someone in distress, providing succor or support. The woman's plea is direct, urgent, and specific, reflecting her desperate need for Jesus' intervention in her daughter's suffering. It is a cry for active, immediate, and effective assistance from one she believes has the power to provide it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came she":** This phrase marks the woman's determined physical approach to Jesus. Despite His initial silence and the disciples' desire to send her away (Matthew 15:23), and even after Jesus' statement about His mission to Israel (Matthew 15:24), she does not retreat. Her "coming" signifies an act of unwavering resolve and an active pursuit of Jesus, demonstrating a faith that refuses to be deterred by obstacles or apparent rejection.
* **"and worshipped him":** This is a profound act of homage. It goes beyond a simple request for help, indicating her deep reverence and acknowledgment of Jesus' supreme authority and divine power. Her prostration before Him is a physical manifestation of her spiritual recognition of who He is—not just a healer, but the Lord, worthy of adoration and capable of miraculous intervention. This act elevates her plea from a mere request to an act of faith-filled submission.
* **"saying, Lord, help me":** This is the core of her desperate, yet humble, supplication. The address "Lord" reaffirms her recognition of His authority, echoing her earlier cry of "Son of David." Her plea, "help me," is concise, direct, and utterly dependent. It encapsulates her entire burden—the suffering of her daughter—and places it squarely before Jesus, trusting in His ability and willingness to act. It is a model of urgent, focused prayer rooted in profound trust.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:25 employs several powerful literary devices. The **Dramatic Contrast** between Jesus' initial silence and seemingly exclusive statement (Matthew 15:24) and the woman's persistent, worshipful approach is striking. This contrast serves to highlight the extraordinary nature of her faith. The act of "worshipping" itself is rich in **Symbolism**, representing not only her desperate need but also her profound recognition of Jesus' divine identity and authority, a recognition often lacking in the Jewish religious leaders. Her simple, direct plea, "Lord, help me," is an example of **Conciseness** that conveys immense emotional depth and spiritual urgency, making it a memorable and impactful statement of faith. Furthermore, the narrative employs **Irony**, as this Gentile woman, initially presented as an outsider, demonstrates a level of faith that surpasses many within Israel, ultimately leading to her commendation and the miracle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 15:25 serves as a powerful testament to the nature of true faith and God's responsiveness to humble, persistent prayer. The woman's act of worship and her direct plea underscore the theological truth that genuine faith transcends ethnic and social boundaries, finding its object in the person of Jesus Christ. Her persistence, despite initial apparent rebuffs, illustrates the importance of unwavering trust in God's compassion and power, even when circumstances seem bleak. This passage foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel, demonstrating that God's grace is not confined to one people group but is available to all who, like this woman, approach Him with humility, worship, and desperate need.

* [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")
* [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Prayer of a Righteous Person")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Canaanite woman's encounter with Jesus in Matthew 15:25 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Her unwavering persistence in the face of silence and apparent rejection challenges us to examine the depth of our own faith and the tenacity of our prayers. She models for us a humble yet determined approach to God, one that combines profound reverence ("worshipped him") with a direct, earnest cry for help ("Lord, help me"). In our own lives, when we face overwhelming challenges or feel that our prayers are unheard, this passage encourages us to press into God's presence with renewed faith, trusting in His ultimate compassion and power to intervene. It reminds us that true worship is not just about praise, but also about complete dependence and a willingness to lay our deepest needs bare before our sovereign Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Canaanite woman's persistence challenge my own approach to prayer, especially when answers are delayed or circumstances seem difficult?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a heart of deeper worship and humility when bringing my requests before God?**
* **What "boundaries" (whether personal, social, or spiritual) might I need to overcome to approach Jesus with the same level of desperate faith as this woman?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus initially seem to ignore or rebuff the woman?**

Answer: Jesus' initial silence and His statement about being sent only to the [lost sheep of the house of Israel](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel") (Matthew 15:24), followed by the "crumbs" analogy (Matthew 15:26), appear harsh at first glance. However, scholars suggest several reasons for this approach. Firstly, it served to test and highlight the extraordinary depth of the woman's faith, demonstrating that true faith transcends ethnic and social barriers. Secondly, it educated the disciples, who were likely still operating under a Jewish-centric view of God's salvation, showing them that God's grace could extend even to Gentiles who exhibited such profound faith. Thirdly, it underscored the priority of Jesus' earthly ministry to Israel, while simultaneously foreshadowing the future inclusion of Gentiles into the kingdom, which would fully unfold after His resurrection and the Great Commission. His seemingly harsh words ultimately served to magnify the woman's faith and His own boundless compassion.

**What is the significance of the woman "worshipping" Jesus?**

Answer: The act of "worshipping" (Greek: _proskynéō_) is highly significant. It goes beyond mere respect or a desperate plea; it signifies profound homage, reverence, and an acknowledgment of divine authority. In the Gospels, this term is often used for worshipping God. For a Gentile woman to prostrate herself before Jesus in this manner indicates her recognition of His unique, divine status and power. It's an act of spiritual submission and adoration, demonstrating that she perceived Him as more than just a prophet or healer—she saw Him as Lord, capable of miraculous intervention. This act of worship, coupled with her persistent plea, highlights the depth of her faith and her understanding of Jesus' true identity, contrasting sharply with the spiritual blindness of many Jewish leaders of the time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in Matthew 15:25, where a Gentile woman worships Jesus and cries for help, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Her act of worship and recognition of Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David" anticipates the universal adoration that will be given to Christ by people "from every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The Lamb Worthy to Open the Scroll")). Jesus' eventual commendation of her "great faith" (Matthew 15:28) and the healing of her daughter demonstrate that His saving power is not limited by ethnic or religious boundaries, but extends to all who come to Him in humble, persistent faith. This narrative beautifully illustrates the truth that in Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Gal 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The woman's desperate cry for help is met by the compassionate Savior, who, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, would become the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering salvation and healing to all who call upon His name, regardless of their background. Her story is a powerful prefigurement of the global reach of the Gospel, made possible through the inclusive work of Christ.

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

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?