Matthew 15:28

KJV

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great [is] thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto her {G846}, O {G5599} woman {G1135}, great {G3173} is thy {G4675} faith {G4102}: be it {G1096} unto thee {G4671} even as {G5613} thou wilt {G2309}. And {G2532} her {G846} daughter {G2364} was made whole {G2390} from {G575} that very {G1565} hour {G5610}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua answered her, "Lady, you are a person of great trust. Let your desire be granted." And her daughter was healed at that very moment.

Berean Standard Bible

“O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

American Standard Version

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it done unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 15:28 captures the climactic moment of Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman, where He commends her extraordinary faith and immediately grants her fervent request. This verse stands as a profound testament to the power of persistent, humble belief, demonstrating Jesus' divine authority and His expansive compassion that transcends ethnic and societal boundaries, culminating in the instantaneous healing of the woman's demon-possessed daughter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes an intense and pivotal interaction that begins in [Matthew 15:21](/matthew/15-21 "Matthew 15:21 - Jesus in Tyre and Sidon"). Jesus has just withdrawn from Galilee to the Gentile regions of Tyre and Sidon, a strategic move following a contentious debate with the Pharisees over traditions and true defilement ([Matthew 15:1-20](/matthew/15-1-20 "Matthew 15:1-20 - Clean and Unclean")). The Canaanite woman's desperate plea for her daughter's healing is initially met with silence, then a challenging statement about Jesus' primary mission to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")). Her persistent worship and humble, witty response to Jesus' "children's bread" metaphor ([Matthew 15:26-27](/matthew/15-26-27 "Matthew 15:26-27 - The Children's Bread and the Dogs")) completely transforms the dynamic, leading directly to Jesus' commendation of her "great faith" and the immediate miracle described in this narrative serves as a powerful illustration of the principles Jesus taught regarding the heart's condition over external observances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting in Tyre and Sidon is significant as these were predominantly Gentile territories, historically antagonistic to Israel. A "Canaanite woman" (or Syrophoenician in Mark's account) would have been viewed by many Jews as an outsider, ritually unclean, and beyond the scope of God's immediate covenant blessings. Jesus' initial responses, while seemingly harsh, reflect the prevailing Jewish understanding of the Messiah's mission being first to Israel, and they also serve to test and reveal the depth of the woman's faith. Her humility in accepting the "dog" metaphor, while re-framing it to highlight God's abundant provision, was culturally astonishing. This interaction begins to dismantle the rigid ethnic and religious barriers prevalent in first-century Judaism, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel that would be fully revealed after Jesus' resurrection and the outpouring of the Spirit.
* **Key Themes:** This encounter powerfully contributes to several major themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **faith**, particularly "great faith," which Jesus rarely commends, notably also seen in the Roman Centurion ([Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - The Centurion's Great Faith")). The woman's faith is characterized by **persistence** despite initial discouragement, **humility** in her response, and **unwavering trust** in Jesus' power. Secondly, it underscores **Jesus' divine authority** over sickness and demonic forces, as evidenced by the instantaneous healing. Thirdly, and profoundly, it illustrates **God's inclusive compassion**, demonstrating that salvation and healing are not limited by ethnic or religious background but are accessible to all who approach Him in genuine faith. This foreshadows the Gentile mission that would become central to the early church, as seen in passages like [Acts 10](/acts/10 "Acts 10 - Peter and Cornelius").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **great (Greek, _mégas'_):** This adjective (G3173) signifies something "big," "large," or "exceedingly" so, used in a very wide application. When Jesus describes the woman's faith as "great," it implies an extraordinary, exceptional, and profound quality, not merely its presence but its remarkable depth and resilience in the face of adversity. It suggests a faith that surpasses common expectations.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This noun (G4102) denotes "persuasion," "credence," or "moral conviction." In a religious context, it refers to reliance upon Christ for salvation and a deep trust in God's truthfulness. The woman's *pístis* was not just a belief in Jesus' power, but a profound trust in His willingness and ability to act, even when His words seemed to deter her. It encompasses both intellectual assent and active reliance.
* **made whole (Greek, _iáomai'_):** This verb (G2390) means "to cure" or "to heal," whether literally or figuratively. Its use here emphasizes a complete and instantaneous restoration of health to the daughter. The passive voice ("was made whole") highlights that the healing was an action performed upon the daughter by Jesus' divine power, a direct result of His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Jesus answered and said unto her,"**: This phrase marks the turning point in the dialogue. After the woman's humble yet powerful retort in [Matthew 15:27](/matthew/15-27 "Matthew 15:27 - The Canaanite Woman's Reply"), Jesus responds directly, acknowledging her words and the profound faith they revealed. His "answer" is not merely a reply but a divine pronouncement.
* **"O woman, great [is] thy faith:"**: This is Jesus' direct commendation, a rare and significant declaration. The vocative "O woman" is not a rebuke but an address of recognition and perhaps even admiration. The emphasis on "great" underscores the exceptional nature of her belief, which had persevered through silence, a seeming rejection, and a challenging metaphor. It is her faith, not her ethnicity or status, that Jesus highlights.
* **"be it unto thee even as thou wilt."**: This is Jesus' powerful, authoritative decree. The phrase "be it unto thee" (Greek: *genoito soi*) is a divine fiat, meaning "let it happen to you" or "may it be done for you." It signifies Jesus' absolute power to bring about what is desired. The phrase "even as thou wilt" (Greek: *hōs theleis*) indicates that her desire, born of faith, aligns perfectly with God's will and Jesus' compassionate power. Her will, empowered by faith, becomes the conduit for God's action.
* **"And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."**: This final clause confirms the immediate and complete fulfillment of Jesus' word and the woman's request. The healing was not gradual or partial but instantaneous, occurring "from that very hour" (Greek: *apo ekeinēs tēs hōras*). This detail emphasizes the direct correlation between Jesus' declaration and the miraculous outcome, reinforcing His divine authority and the tangible power of faith.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 15:28 employs several powerful literary devices. **Commendation** is central, as Jesus explicitly praises the woman's faith, a rare and highly significant act that elevates her example. The use of the adjective "great" (Greek: *megas*) functions as **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, highlighting the extraordinary and exceptional quality of her faith, which stood out even to Jesus. The phrase "be it unto thee even as thou wilt" serves as a **divine fiat** or **declarative speech act**, where Jesus' words themselves bring about the desired reality, demonstrating His inherent authority and power. Finally, the verse clearly illustrates **cause and effect**, where the woman's "great faith" is the direct catalyst for the instantaneous "making whole" of her daughter, underscoring the transformative power of belief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter in Matthew 15:28 resonates deeply with core biblical truths about faith, prayer, and God's expansive grace. The Canaanite woman's persistent and humble faith, which Jesus so profoundly commends, serves as a model for all believers. It demonstrates that genuine faith is not deterred by obstacles or initial silence, but presses into God with unwavering trust, believing in His power and goodness. This narrative powerfully prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant family, breaking down the perceived barriers between Jew and Gentile and revealing God's universal plan of salvation. It underscores that God's compassion and power are available to all who seek Him with a sincere heart, regardless of their background or previous standing.

* [Matthew 8:10](/matthew/8-10 "Matthew 8:10 - The Centurion's Great Faith")
* [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 15:28 offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for contemporary believers. It challenges us to examine the quality of our own faith: Is it merely intellectual assent, or is it a "great" faith that perseveres in the face of silence, apparent rejection, or daunting circumstances? The Canaanite woman's example teaches us the power of persistent, humble prayer, reminding us that God often uses trials to refine and reveal the depth of our trust in Him. This passage also serves as a powerful reminder of God's boundless compassion and inclusivity. Our background, past mistakes, or perceived unworthiness do not disqualify us from approaching Christ. Instead, it is our humble, unwavering faith that draws His attention and elicits His miraculous intervention. When we bring our deepest needs to Jesus with such faith, we can trust that His will is to respond with compassion and power, often exceeding our expectations, just as He did for the Canaanite woman.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "great faith" mean to you in a practical sense, and how can you cultivate it in your daily life?**
* **How does the Canaanite woman's persistence challenge your own approach to prayer, especially when prayers seem unanswered?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise a "great faith" that trusts in Jesus' power and compassion, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **How does this story encourage you regarding God's willingness to extend His grace and healing beyond conventional boundaries?**

### FAQ

**What makes the Canaanite woman's faith "great"?**

Answer: The Canaanite woman's faith is deemed "great" by Jesus for several reasons. Firstly, it was **persistent** despite initial silence and seemingly discouraging words from Jesus, including the metaphor of the "children's bread" ([Matthew 15:26](/matthew/15-26 "Matthew 15:26 - The Children's Bread")). She did not give up, continuing to plead for her daughter. Secondly, it was **humble**; she accepted her position as an outsider ("dog") but ingeniously used the metaphor to argue for the crumbs of grace ([Matthew 15:27](/matthew/15-27 "Matthew 15:27 - The Canaanite Woman's Reply")). This humility demonstrated a profound understanding of her need and Jesus' abundant provision. Thirdly, it was **unwavering**; she believed in Jesus' power to heal even from a distance and despite her Gentile status. Her faith transcended societal and religious barriers, focusing solely on Jesus' ability and compassion.

**Does this story suggest that Jesus initially discriminated against Gentiles?**

Answer: This story does not suggest that Jesus discriminated against Gentiles in a negative sense, but rather that His earthly ministry had a specific, divinely ordained sequence: "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" ([Matthew 15:24](/matthew/15-24 "Matthew 15:24 - Jesus' Mission to Israel")). This was in line with God's covenant promises to Israel. However, Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman, like His earlier encounter with the Roman Centurion ([Matthew 8:5-13](/matthew/8-5-13 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Centurion's Servant")), demonstrates that His compassion and willingness to heal extended beyond ethnic boundaries when met with extraordinary faith. This encounter serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the universal scope of the Gospel, which would fully embrace Gentiles after His resurrection ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Jesus' initial responses were not rejections but tests designed to reveal and commend the woman's profound faith, ultimately demonstrating His expansive grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 15:28 is a powerful Christ-centered narrative, revealing Jesus as the compassionate Lord who responds to genuine faith, regardless of external circumstances or societal standing. In this moment, Jesus fulfills His role as the ultimate Healer and the one who breaks down barriers. His declaration, "be it unto thee even as thou wilt," is a demonstration of His divine authority, echoing God's creative power in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") where His word brings forth reality. This act of healing a Gentile woman's daughter foreshadows the universal reach of the Gospel, demonstrating that Jesus' redemptive work is not confined to Israel but extends to all nations, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - The Abrahamic Covenant")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and His compassionate response to the Canaanite woman illustrates that His kingdom is open to all who approach Him in humble, persistent faith, prefiguring the glorious inclusion of Gentiles into the body of Christ, the Church, as powerfully articulated by Paul in [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Christ Our Peace"). This encounter is a microcosm of God's redemptive plan, centered on Christ's power to transform lives and transcend all human divisions through faith.

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

Mark 9:23

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things [are] possible to him that believeth.

Mark 9:24

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Matthew 8:13

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, [so] be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

Mark 5:34

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

Psalms 145:19

He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

Matthew 9:22

But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Romans 4:19

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: