### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G4949 (Syrophoínissa) is a compound word, precisely describing a woman from the region of Syro-Phoenicia. It is derived from Σύρος (Syros, meaning "Syrian") and Φοινίκη (Phoinike, meaning "Phoenicia"). This compound designation is crucial, as it specifies her origin within the Roman province of Syria, distinguishing her from other Phoenicians (e.g., those from North Africa, like Carthage). The term therefore denotes a female native of the Phoenician coastal cities (such as Tyre and Sidon) which, at the time of Jesus, fell under the administrative jurisdiction of the Roman province of Syria. It is a precise geographical and ethnic identifier, highlighting her non-Jewish background and her specific regional identity within the broader Gentile world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4949 occurs only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 7:26]]**: "Now the woman was a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter."
This singular occurrence is highly significant. The passage describes Jesus' journey into the region of Tyre and Sidon, Gentile territory. Here, a woman approaches Him, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter. Mark's specific identification of her as "Syrophoenician by birth" (Συροφοίνισσα τῷ γένει) underscores her non-Jewish identity.
The parallel account in Matthew's Gospel, [[Matthew 15:21-28]], identifies the same woman as a "Canaanite woman" (`{{G5478}}`). This difference is not a contradiction but a complementary perspective: Mark uses the contemporary geographical and administrative term (Syro-Phoenician), reflecting the political reality of the day, while Matthew uses an older, ethnological term (Canaanite), connecting her to the ancient inhabitants of the land, thereby emphasizing the historical and theological significance of her Gentile identity. Both designations highlight her status as an "outsider" from a Jewish perspective.
The interaction between Jesus and this woman is profound. Despite Jesus' initial statements that His mission is primarily to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel," the woman's persistent faith, humility, and quick wit ("Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs") lead Jesus to commend her great faith and grant her request. Her designation as Syrophoenician thus serves to emphasize the dramatic nature of this encounter, where divine grace extends beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G4949 naturally connects to several related terms and broader concepts:
* **`{{G4948}}` (Syria):** The administrative region to which Phoenicia belonged, underscoring the geographical context.
* **`{{G5403}}` (Phoenicia):** The historical and cultural region from which the woman hailed.
* **`{{G5478}}` (Canaanite):** As used in the parallel account in [[Matthew 15:22]], this term provides an ancient ethnic lens to understand her identity, linking her to the pre-Israelite inhabitants of the land.
* **Gentiles (ἔθνη - `{{G1484}}`):** The broader category of non-Jews, to which the Syrophoenician woman definitively belongs. Her story is a powerful illustration of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan.
* **Faith (πίστις - `{{G4102}}`):** Her unwavering faith, despite initial resistance, is the catalyst for her daughter's healing and a model for discipleship.
* **Geographical and Ethnic Boundaries:** The narrative featuring the Syrophoenician woman directly confronts and transcends the socio-religious boundaries prevalent in the first century between Jews and non-Jews.
### Theological Significance
The narrative involving the Syrophoenician woman, identified by G4949, carries immense theological weight:
1. **The Inclusivity of the Gospel:** This encounter powerfully demonstrates that God's saving grace is not confined to the nation of Israel but extends to all peoples, regardless of their ethnic or geographical origin. The Syrophoenician woman represents the "outsider" who nonetheless receives divine favor through faith. It foreshadows the universal mission of the Church.
2. **The Nature of True Faith:** Her persistent, humble, and insightful faith is highlighted as exemplary. Despite being a Gentile and facing a challenging initial response from Jesus, her profound trust and understanding of His power lead to a miraculous outcome. She models a faith that recognizes Jesus' authority and mercy, even when it seems distant.
3. **Jesus' Expanding Mission:** While Jesus states His primary mission is to "the lost sheep of Israel," this episode reveals the ultimate trajectory of His redemptive work to encompass all nations. It is a "firstfruits" of Gentile inclusion, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God is open to all who believe.
4. **Breaking Down Barriers:** The story challenges and ultimately breaks down the rigid ethnic and religious barriers of the time. Jesus' interaction with and commendation of a Syrophoenician woman, a Gentile, signals a new era where such distinctions are overcome by faith in Him. It underscores the radical nature of the Gospel's embrace of humanity.
### Summary
G4949 (Syrophoínissa) precisely identifies a woman from the region of Syro-Phoenicia, a Gentile territory under Roman administration. Appearing uniquely in [[Mark 7:26]], this term highlights the woman's non-Jewish identity in a pivotal encounter with Jesus. Her story, paralleled in Matthew as a "Canaanite woman," serves as a profound theological statement on the expansive nature of God's grace. It powerfully illustrates that salvation is available to all who demonstrate genuine faith, transcending ethnic, geographical, and social boundaries. The Syrophoenician woman's unwavering faith and the subsequent healing of her daughter underscore the universal scope of Jesus' mission and the radical inclusivity of the Gospel.
TRV