### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Syrophoínissa**, represented by `{{G4949}}`, specifically identifies a **Syro-phœnician woman**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly specific. The term itself is a compound that denotes a female native of Phœnicia in Syria, providing a clear geographical and ethnic identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4949}}` is found in [[Mark 7:26]]. In this account, the woman approaching Jesus is described with layered identity: she **was** `{{G2258}}` a **Greek** `{{G1674}}`, and a **Syrophenician** by **nation** `{{G1085}}`. The context of her appearance is a desperate plea; she **besought** `{{G2065}}` Jesus that he would **cast forth** `{{G1544}}` the **devil** `{{G1140}}` out of her **daughter** `{{G2364}}`. This singular mention places the word at the center of a narrative about a Gentile's faith and Jesus's power.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the woman and her situation:
* `{{G1674}}` **Hellēnís** (Greek): This term for "a Grecian (i.e. non-Jewish) woman" is used in parallel with `{{G4949}}` to emphasize her non-Jewish identity [[Mark 7:26]]. It also appears in [[Acts 17:12]] to describe "honourable **women** which were **Greeks**" who believed.
* `{{G1085}}` **génos** (nation): This word, meaning "kin," "stock," or "nation," explicitly defines her origin. It is used elsewhere to denote lineage, such as the "children of the **stock** of Abraham" [[Acts 13:26]].
* `{{G1135}}` **gynḗ** (woman): As the subject of the account, this word for "a woman; specially, a wife" is fundamental. It is used throughout scripture to identify key female figures, such as when the angel tells Zacharias that his **wife** Elisabeth would bear a son [[Luke 1:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4949}}` comes entirely from its narrative context.
* **Gentile Faith:** By identifying the subject as a **Syrophenician**, the text highlights that she is a non-Jew. Her act of beseeching Jesus demonstrates a faith that crosses ethnic and religious boundaries [[Mark 7:26]].
* **Jesus's Authority:** The woman's request is for Jesus to exercise His authority and **cast forth** `{{G1544}}` a **devil** `{{G1140}}`. This interaction shows that Jesus's power over demonic beings was sought by and available to those outside the nation of Israel.
* **Specific Identity:** The use of `{{G4949}}` alongside **Greek** `{{G1674}}` gives a precise identity to this woman, grounding a profound moment of faith and deliverance in a real-world person from a specific place and people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4949}}` provides a specific and unique identifier for a Gentile woman in the Gospel of Mark. Though used only once, its appearance is pivotal. It defines a person whose persistent faith led her to seek Jesus for the deliverance of her **daughter** `{{G2364}}`. The term encapsulates a narrative that demonstrates the expansive reach of Jesus's ministry and the power of faith, regardless of one's **nation** `{{G1085}}`.
TRV