Matthew 15:27

KJV

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} she said {G2036}, Truth {G3483}, Lord {G2962}: yet {G2532}{G1063} the dogs {G2952} eat {G2068} of {G575} the crumbs {G5589} which {G3588} fall {G4098} from {G575} their {G846} masters {G2962}' table {G5132}.

Complete Jewish Bible

She said, "That is true, sir, but even the dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their master's table."

Berean Standard Bible

“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

American Standard Version

But she said, Yea, Lord: for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:27 captures the profound and insightful response of the Canaanite woman to Jesus' challenging statement. Her words, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table," reveal not only her remarkable humility and quick wit but also a tenacious faith that understands the boundless nature of divine grace. She masterfully transforms an apparent barrier into a powerful plea for mercy, demonstrating that even a perceived "crumb" of God's blessing is sufficient for her desperate need.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This poignant encounter is situated immediately after Jesus' intense confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes regarding ritual defilement versus true defilement of the heart, as detailed in [Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - Conflict over Tradition"). Following this, Jesus withdraws to the Gentile regions of Tyre and Sidon, a significant geographical shift that sets the stage for His interaction with a non-Israelite. The narrative flow begins with the woman's persistent cries ([Matthew 15:22](/matthew/15-22 "Matthew 15:22 - The Canaanite Woman's Plea")), Jesus' initial silence, and His disciples' plea for her dismissal ([Matthew 15:23](/matthew/15-23 "Matthew 15:23 - Disciples' Request")). Jesus then states His primary mission is to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")), followed by the woman's act of worship and renewed plea ([Matthew 15:25](/matthew/15-25 "Matthew 15:25 - Her Persistent Worship")). Her response in [Matthew 15:27](/matthew/15-27 "Matthew 15:27 - The Woman's Witty Reply") is a direct and brilliant reply to Jesus' analogy in [Matthew 15:26](/matthew/15-26 "Matthew 15:26 - The Children's Bread Analogy"), where He compares giving "the children's bread to the dogs." Her answer leads directly to Jesus' commendation of her "great faith" and the healing of her daughter ([Matthew 15:28](/matthew/15-28 "Matthew 15:28 - Jesus Commends Her Faith")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in the region of Tyre and Sidon is crucial, as it marks Jesus' foray into predominantly Gentile territory. This geographic detail underscores the woman's identity as a non-Jew, specifically a Canaanite, a people historically antagonistic to Israel. The term "dogs" (Greek: _kynárion_) used by Jesus in [Matthew 15:26](/matthew/15-26 "Matthew 15:26 - The Children's Bread Analogy") was a common Jewish derogatory epithet for Gentiles (compare [Philippians 3:2](/philippians/3-2 "Philippians 3:2 - Beware of Dogs")). However, the specific diminutive form chosen by Jesus, _kynárion_, refers to "little dogs" or "house pets," rather than wild scavengers (_kyōn_). This subtle linguistic choice implies a household setting where even pets receive sustenance, albeit not the main meal. The woman, understanding this nuance, brilliantly seizes upon it. Her appeal from "their masters' table" evokes the common practice of household animals receiving scraps from the family meal, a cultural image that would have been readily understood by the audience.

* **Key Themes:** This narrative powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **faith beyond boundaries**, demonstrating that true faith, regardless of ethnic or social standing, is what truly matters to God. The woman's persistence in prayer, despite initial silence and apparent rejection, underscores the theme of **humble persistence**, a quality Jesus often commends, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). Furthermore, the "crumbs" symbolize the **overflowing nature of God's grace**, suggesting that even a small measure of His divine power and blessing is more than sufficient for human need. Finally, this encounter serves as a significant **foreshadowing of Gentile inclusion** into God's covenant blessings through Christ, anticipating the universal scope of the Gospel's reach, a theme explicitly developed in passages like [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius") and [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - God's Plan for Israel and Gentiles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Truth (Greek, _naí_):** G3483 - This primary particle serves as a strong affirmation, meaning "yes," "surely," or "verily." The woman's immediate response, "Truth, Lord," signifies her humble and insightful agreement with Jesus' initial premise. She acknowledges the priority of the "children" (Israel) and does not dispute His authority or the analogy itself, but rather accepts it as a starting point for her ingenious appeal. Her "yes" is not a surrender, but a strategic acceptance that opens the door for her counter-argument.
* **dogs (Greek, _kynárion_):** G2952 - This neuter diminutive form, derived from _kyōn_ (a wild dog), specifically denotes "a puppy" or "little dog," often referring to household pets. This choice of word is critical. While "dogs" could be a harsh epithet for Gentiles, Jesus' use of the diminutive softens the term significantly, implying a domestic setting where even these "little dogs" are part of the household, albeit not the primary recipients of the meal. The woman's brilliance lies in recognizing and leveraging this nuance, transforming a potential insult into an opportunity for grace.
* **crumbs (Greek, _psichíon_):** G5589 - This diminutive from a root meaning "a crumb" or "a little bit/morsel" emphasizes the smallness of the portion. It refers to the small pieces of bread that would fall from the table during a meal, often swept up or given to household animals. The woman's request for "crumbs" highlights her humility and her profound understanding that even the smallest overflow of Jesus' power and grace would be more than enough to heal her daughter. It underscores the immense power of Jesus, where even a "morsel" of His blessing is sufficient for a desperate need.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And she said, Truth, Lord":** This opening phrase reveals the woman's immediate and humble acceptance of Jesus' statement. She doesn't argue or protest the analogy of "children's bread" and "dogs." Instead, her "Truth, Lord" (or "Yes, Lord") signifies her acknowledgment of His authority and the validity of His initial premise regarding the priority of Israel. This humility disarms potential conflict and creates an opening for her appeal.
* **"yet the dogs eat of the crumbs":** This is the heart of her ingenious and faithful response. She takes Jesus' own analogy of "dogs" (understood as household pets due to the diminutive) and extends it. She acknowledges her position as an "outsider" (a "dog" in the analogy) but points out that even household pets are not entirely excluded from the master's provision. They receive the "crumbs," the overflow, from the table. This demonstrates her quick wit and spiritual insight, turning a perceived barrier into a bridge.
* **"which fall from their masters' table":** This final clause clarifies the source of the "crumbs" and reinforces the idea of an abundant provision. The crumbs are not earned or demanded but are an overflow from the "masters' table." This implies that the master's provision is so abundant that even the accidental leavings are sufficient to sustain those on the periphery. It's a powerful statement about the overflowing, superabundant nature of God's grace, which is more than enough for all who seek it, even those who might initially seem outside the primary circle of blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Analogy** is central, as Jesus initially uses the comparison of "children's bread" and "dogs" to explain the priority of His mission to Israel. The woman, however, brilliantly extends and reframes this analogy, turning it into a plea for mercy. Her response is a prime example of **rhetorical skill** and **persuasion**, as she uses Jesus' own imagery to make her case. The use of **diminutives** in both Jesus' "little dogs" (_kynárion_) and the woman's "crumbs" (_psichíon_) is a subtle yet powerful device. These diminutives soften the harshness of the "dog" metaphor and emphasize the smallness yet sufficiency of the "crumbs," creating a tone that allows for her appeal. Finally, there is a powerful sense of **irony** in the narrative: Jesus, who appears to initially rebuff the Gentile woman, ultimately commends her "great faith," a faith often lacking among the very Israelites He came to serve. This highlights the unexpected recipients of God's grace and the surprising ways in which faith manifests.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Canaanite woman's response in Matthew 15:27 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's grace and the power of faith. It reveals that God's compassion and provision are not limited by ethnic or social boundaries, but are extended to all who approach Him with humble and persistent faith. Her understanding that even the "crumbs" from the Master's table are sufficient speaks volumes about the overflowing abundance of God's grace, which is more than enough to meet every human need. This encounter serves as a powerful testament to the universal scope of the Gospel, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles into the family of God and demonstrating that God's blessings are accessible to all who believe, regardless of their background or perceived status.

* [Mark 7:28](/mark/7-28 "Mark 7:28 - The Syrophoenician Woman's Parallel Account")
* [Romans 11:11-12](/romans/11-11-12 "Romans 11:11-12 - Salvation for Gentiles and Israel's Fullness")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Strangers, but Fellow Citizens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The Canaanite woman's example in Matthew 15:27 offers profound lessons for our own spiritual lives. Her humble persistence, even in the face of initial silence and what seemed like rejection, challenges us to examine the depth of our own faith and the tenacity of our prayers. Do we give up easily when answers are delayed, or do we, like her, continue to press into God's presence, believing that even the "crumbs" of His grace are more than enough? Her faith teaches us that God's compassion extends far beyond our expectations and that His power is limitless, capable of working through even the smallest measure of our trust. This passage invites us to approach God's table with a similar blend of humility and audacious faith, knowing that our worthiness is not the basis for receiving His blessings, but rather His boundless mercy and our trusting reliance on Him. We are reminded that every blessing, every provision, every answer to prayer, is an overflow of His abundant grace, and even what seems like a "crumb" from His table is truly a feast for our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the Canaanite woman's persistence challenge your own approach to prayer, especially when answers seem delayed or difficult?**
* **In what areas of your life are you seeking "crumbs" of God's grace, trusting that even a small portion of His power is sufficient?**
* **How can you cultivate a faith that, like the woman's, humbly accepts your position before God yet boldly appeals to His overflowing mercy?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus initially seem to ignore or reject the woman?**

Answer: Jesus' initial silence and seemingly harsh statements were not a true rejection, but rather a test of the woman's faith and a teaching moment for His disciples. By highlighting the priority of His mission to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")), He underscored the historical covenantal order. However, He also provided a linguistic opening (using the diminutive "little dogs" rather than "wild dogs") that allowed the woman to demonstrate extraordinary faith. This interaction ultimately served to reveal the depth of her faith, commend it publicly, and foreshadow the future inclusion of Gentiles into God's kingdom, demonstrating that God's plan, while initially focused on Israel, would ultimately extend to all nations.

**What is the significance of "crumbs" in this verse?**

Answer: The "crumbs" symbolize the overflowing and abundant nature of God's grace and provision. The woman's request for "crumbs" from the master's table signifies her understanding that even a small portion, an overflow, of Jesus' power and blessing would be more than enough to heal her daughter. It highlights her humility, acknowledging that she is not entitled to the "children's bread," but also her profound faith in Jesus' boundless capacity. It teaches us that God's resources are so vast that even what might seem like a mere "morsel" from His table is sufficient to meet desperate needs, demonstrating that His grace is superabundant and extends beyond the primary recipients to all who believe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Canaanite woman's plea for "crumbs" from her masters' table finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") come down from heaven. While His earthly ministry was primarily directed to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")), this encounter powerfully foreshadows the universal scope of His redemptive work. The "crumbs" that fall from the Master's table represent the overflow of God's grace, made fully accessible to all humanity through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Through His atoning work, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile has been broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), and Gentiles, once considered "strangers and aliens," are now "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Strangers, but Fellow Citizens")). The woman's faith, commended by Jesus, serves as a paradigm for all who, regardless of their background, come to Christ in humble reliance, trusting that even the smallest measure of His infinite grace is more than sufficient for salvation and healing. Her story is a testament to the truth that in Christ, the "crumbs" become a full feast for all who believe, fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of [all nations](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission").

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

Luke 16:21

And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Luke 15:18

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Luke 15:19

And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Job 40:4

Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.

Job 40:5

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.