Matthew 15 27

Matthew 15:27 kjv

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

Matthew 15:27 nkjv

And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."

Matthew 15:27 niv

"Yes it is, Lord," she said. "Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table."

Matthew 15:27 esv

She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

Matthew 15:27 nlt

She replied, "That's true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters' table."

Matthew 15 verses

Matthew 15 27 Meaning

Matthew 15:27 records the insightful and humble response of the Canaanite woman to Jesus. Despite Jesus' initial testing, implying His primary mission was to Israel ("the children"), she acknowledges His Lordship and accepts her status as an outsider ("dogs"). Her profound faith and wit are evident as she argues that even "dogs" (specifically household pets, kynaria) are allowed to eat the "crumbs" which naturally fall from the "masters' table." This conveys a plea for mercy and healing, recognizing Jesus' overflowing abundance of grace and power, a portion of which would be sufficient for her daughter, without diminishing the share for the "children of Israel."

Matthew 15 27 Context

Matthew chapter 15 records a pivotal period in Jesus' ministry. It immediately follows a confrontation with the Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem who accused Jesus' disciples of breaking traditional hand-washing laws. Jesus counters by exposing their hypocrisy and how their traditions nullified God's commandments (Mt 15:1-9). He then teaches on defilement, clarifying that true defilement comes from the heart, not from external rituals (Mt 15:10-20). Immediately after this discourse, Jesus withdraws to the region of Tyre and Sidon, Gentile territory (Mt 15:21). This setting is crucial for the interaction with the Canaanite woman, highlighting Jesus' intentional outreach, or at least willingness to be found, in Gentile lands. His initial responses to her, first silence (Mt 15:23), then the disciples' plea to send her away (Mt 15:23), and finally His direct statement about being sent "only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Mt 15:24) set the stage for her display of extraordinary faith. The conversation tests the boundaries of both Jewish and Gentile understanding of salvation, leading to the climactic verse 27 and Jesus' subsequent commendation. The overall narrative progression from internal Jewish legalism to external Gentile faith underscores the expanding reach of God's grace through Christ.

Matthew 15 27 Word analysis

• And she said, Yes, Lord: This direct affirmation, "Yes, Lord" (Ναί, Κύριε – Nai, Kyrie), signals immediate agreement with Jesus' premise, yet prepares for a profound counter-argument. Her use of "Lord" continues her deferential address from Mt 15:22 and 25, acknowledging His authority and divine power. Her affirmation is not one of resignation, but strategic agreement, turning His statement into an opening for her plea.
• yet: (καί γαρ – kai gar). This Greek phrase often introduces an explanation or further elaboration. Here, it functions as "for even," or "since even," establishing a logical link that permits her subsequent argument within the bounds of His metaphor.
• the dogs: (τὰ κυνάρια – ta kynaria). This is a crucial Greek term. It is the diminutive form of κύνες (kynes, wild/street dogs), meaning "little dogs," "puppies," or "house pets." This nuance is vital. While kynes was a derogatory Jewish term for Gentiles, kynaria softened the imagery. Jesus used the less offensive term, implying that even these household "pets" (Gentiles under His broader care) are connected to the "master." She picks up on this softened imagery, skillfully accepting her "lesser" position, yet implying she is still part of the household.
• eat: (ἐσθίει – esthiei). Simple present tense. Implies a continuous, regular action, suggesting it is permissible and customary for the little dogs to eat. It is not about begging or struggling for scraps, but a normal occurrence.
• of the crumbs: (ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων – apo tōn psichion). The Greek ψιχίον (psichion) refers to tiny, leftover pieces of food, the smallest fragments. This signifies her humility and faith: she does not demand a feast, but acknowledges that even a minute portion of His abundant power and grace would be more than sufficient to heal her daughter.
• which fall: (τῶν πιπτόντων – tōn piptontōn). The participle "falling" denotes something that naturally descends, not something intentionally given or earned. It further underscores the concept of overflow and abundance from the "masters' table," requiring no effort on her part to obtain them, only reception.
• from their masters' table: (ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν – apo tēs trapezēs tōn kyriōn autōn). The "masters' table" represents the source of blessing and sustenance for the "children"—Israel. This metaphor beautifully highlights the abundant provision and salvation prepared for Israel. Her argument is that the grace and power emanating from Jesus (the Master) is so vast that even the excess, the "overflow," can extend to those considered "outside" without diminishing the portion intended for the "children."

Matthew 15 27 Bonus section

The Canaanite woman's theological insight is remarkable. She doesn't reject Jesus' comparison but embraces it, turning a potential barrier into a bridge. This echoes a common wisdom about resourcefulness in a world of privilege and limited access. Her reply showcases a form of wisdom literature within a narrative setting, demonstrating a 'wisdom from below' that recognizes the comprehensive and abundant nature of God's provision. It challenges the conventional view of who is worthy of divine favor and prepares the reader for the universal mission of the church. This humble woman's interaction profoundly influenced the early Christian understanding of the Gospel's reach, pushing against ethno-centric biases inherent at that time.

Matthew 15 27 Commentary

The Canaanite woman's response in Matthew 15:27 stands as a testament to profound faith, humble persistence, and spiritual discernment. When Jesus uses the metaphor of "children's bread" (Mt 15:26) for salvation/healing, and Gentiles as "dogs," He is testing her faith, revealing the established divine order (salvation first for Israel). By accepting the identity of a "little dog" (kynarion), she demonstrates humility, recognizing the covenantal priority of Israel. However, her brilliance lies in immediately subverting the implication of exclusion. She understands that even these household "dogs" are part of the larger family sphere and receive some sustenance from the master’s overflowing bounty.

Her logic is impeccable: the crumbs that fall naturally from a generous table are not denied to the household pets. This signifies that Jesus' power and mercy are so abundant that providing for a Gentile does not diminish His care for Israel. Her faith isn't in her worthiness, but in His immense sufficiency. This interaction anticipates the full inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant, demonstrating that God's grace is not confined by ethnic boundaries for those who possess such tenacious, trusting faith. It’s a vivid illustration that even the slightest touch of Christ's overflowing goodness is enough to bring about transformative change.