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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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