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Matthew 15

Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

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

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.

And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala,

What does Matthew 15:21 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 15:21 describes Jesus's departure from the Galilee region to the northwest, toward the non-Jewish territory of Tyre and Sidon. This movement away from Israel's traditional boundaries signifies a significant moment where Jesus's ministry expands to Gentiles.

This verse sets the context for the subsequent verses where He will interact with a Canaanite woman, highlighting themes of faith, inclusion, and mercy that transcend ethnic and religious barriers.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Tyre and Sidon were coastal cities located in the region known today as Lebanon.

Historically, the Jews and the inhabitants of Tyre and Sidon (Phoenicians) had periods of both cooperation and conflict.

This region was largely Gentile, and Jews often considered the people there as pagans.

By visiting these areas, Jesus is seen stepping beyond the Jewish cultural and religious borders.

Theological Insights

This passage offers several theological insights.

It reflects God's interest in the salvation of all peoples, not just Israel.

Jesus' ministry to a Cananian woman just after this verse suggests that His message and grace were for all humanity.

The journey to Tyre and Sidon serves as a precursor to the Great Commission, where the apostles are instructed to spread the gospel to all nations.

Practical Applications

The journey of Jesus to the coasts of Tyre and Sidon can be seen as an encouragement for modern believers to reach out beyond their own cultural and religious comfort zones.

It challenges individuals to extend their ministry and compassion to those who are different from them, reflecting Jesus's example of inclusivity and love towards those outside of the traditional faith community.

Cross-References

Mark 7:24 - "And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid."
Isaiah 49:6 – "...I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."
Acts 1:8 - "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Language Study

In this verse, the key phrase "Tyre and Sidon" refers to actual cities but also symbolizes Gentile nations.

The terms used are:

"Departed" (ἀναχωρέω, anachōreō): to withdraw or go away, often indicating a change in location with a significant purpose.
"Coasts" (ὁρίων, horiōn): boundaries or regions, implying Jesus is moving into a new territory or domain.

Exploring these Greek words unveils the intent behind Jesus' actions as intentional and mission-focused, rather than arbitrary travel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Tyre and Sidon were mentioned in various ancient texts and mythologies, known for their wealth and idolatry from a Biblical viewpoint.

Comparably in the Greek world, Tyre was associated with Heracles and the discovery of purple dye.

Religious interpretations by both Jewish and Christian scholars often use Tyre and Sidon as symbols of God's judgment and mercy, a theme recurring in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.

Scientific Perspectives

There is no direct scientific angle to this verse.

However, researchers in archaeology and cultural anthropology study ancient regions like Tyre and Sidon to understand the historical settings of Biblical texts better. Such research helps in comprehending the socio-cultural dynamics during Jesus' time.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that Jesus's withdrawal to the region of Tyre and Sidon served to test and manifest the great faith of the Canaanite woman that follows.

According to the IVP New Testament Commentary Series, this narrative demonstrates that Jesus's mission was not thwarted by Jewish rejection; instead, it paved the way for a more inclusive outreach to the Gentiles.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes the significance of Jesus entering a Gentile region as an anticipation of the gospel's spread to all nations.

Matthew 15

Matthew 15

What does Matthew 15:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 15:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?