Matthew 15:27

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

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}.

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

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

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

Matthew 15:27 records the remarkable and humble response of the Canaanite woman to Jesus, who had initially presented a challenging analogy regarding His mission. Her words demonstrate profound faith, quick wit, and a deep understanding of grace, turning a perceived barrier into a plea for mercy.

Historical and Cultural Context

This interaction takes place in the region of Tyre and Sidon, Gentile territory where Jesus had withdrawn. At this point in His ministry, Jesus' primary mission was directed towards the "lost sheep of the house of Israel". The term "dogs" (Greek: kynarion, a diminutive, meaning "little dogs" or "house pets") used by Jesus in Matthew 15:26 was a common Jewish metaphor for Gentiles, though the diminutive suggests a nuance of household animals rather than wild scavengers. The woman, a Gentile, acknowledges the truth of Jesus' statement (that the "children"—Israel—have priority) but cleverly uses the very imagery to appeal for the "crumbs" of blessing that even household pets receive from their masters' table, symbolizing the overflow of God's grace.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humble Persistence: The woman's response is a masterclass in humility. She does not argue or demand but accepts the analogy, yet finds a way to appeal within its framework. Her persistence, despite initial apparent rejection, is key.
  • Extraordinary Faith: Her faith is not just persistent but also insightful and profound. She believes that even a "crumb" of Jesus' power is enough to heal her daughter, demonstrating a deep trust in His divine ability and boundless mercy. This faith contrasts with the often-skeptical faith of many Jews of the time.
  • Inclusion of Gentiles: This narrative is a powerful foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant blessings through Christ. Jesus' commendation of her "great faith" and subsequent healing of her daughter signify that God's grace is not limited by ethnicity or social standing, but is accessible to all who believe.
  • The Nature of God's Grace: The "crumbs" represent the abundant and overflowing nature of God's grace. Even what seems small from God's table is more than sufficient for human need.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "dogs" here is kynarion (κυνάριον), which specifically refers to "little dogs" or "house pets," as opposed to kyōn (κύων), which denotes wild or scavenging dogs. This distinction is crucial. Jesus' choice of kynarion softens the analogy, implying a household setting where even pets receive sustenance, albeit not the main meal. The woman wisely seizes on this nuance, acknowledging her position outside the immediate "family" of Israel but appealing to the universal provision available even to those considered "outside."

Practical Application

The Canaanite woman's example encourages believers to approach God with humble and persistent prayer, even when circumstances seem bleak or answers are delayed. Her faith teaches us that God's compassion extends beyond our expectations and that even a small measure of His grace is immeasurably powerful. It reminds us that our worthiness is not the basis for receiving God's blessings, but rather His boundless mercy and our trusting faith in Him. We are invited to come to the Lord's table, knowing that even the "crumbs" of His blessing are life-changing.

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.

  • 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.

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