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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 15:23 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 15:23 is a part of the narrative where Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman.

This woman seeks Jesus' help to cure her daughter who is "vexed with a devil." The disciples' response might seem to lack compassion, asking Jesus to send her away due to her persistent pleas.

Jesus' initial silence can be interpreted in different ways: as a test of the woman's faith, a teaching moment for the disciples, or highlighting the prevailing cultural boundaries between Jews and Gentiles.

As the narrative continues, Jesus does engage with the woman, leading to further theological implications and discussions.

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Historical Context

This passage occurs during Jesus' ministry in the regions of Tyre and Sidon, predominantly Gentile areas outside of Jewish territory.

Historically, Jews and Canaanites had a complex and often antagonistic relationship.

The Canaanite identity of the woman is significant as it reflects the existing socio-religious divide.

Jesus' ministry was primarily focused on the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," and his interaction with a Canaanite raises significant questions about the scope of his mission and the inclusivity of his message.

Theological Insights

Theological interpretations of this passage vary.

Some view Jesus' silence and initial refusal as a reflection of his mission to the Jews first.

Others interpret it as a test or development of the woman's faith.

The subsequent exchange, where Jesus commends her faith following her humble and witty reply, indicates a theological expansion of Jesus' ministry to include Gentiles.

It challenges notions of ethnic and religious superiority and underscores a theme central to the Gospel: faith is the key to divine grace, not ethnic or religious identity.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse serves as an encouragement for persistent prayer and demonstrates that faith can transcend social and cultural barriers. It can also inspire believers to practice humility and perseverance in seeking help or change.

Furthermore, this passage can guide Christians to show greater inclusivity and to be aware of our own potential biases towards others who may seem different from us.

Cross-References

Matthew 7:7-8: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:"
Matthew 28:19: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
Ephesians 2:14: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"

Language Study

The key terms in this verse are "answered her not a word" and "besought him." The Greek phrase translated as "answered her not a word" (οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον) emphasizes Jesus' silence.

The word "besought" (παρεκάλουν) carries a sense of urgency in the disciples' request, reflecting their desire for Jesus to send the woman away.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The interaction echoes themes found in other ancient religious traditions where individuals outside a particular ethnic or religious group seek favor or help from a deity or prophet belonging to another community.

It speaks to the universal human experience of seeking divine intercession.

The narrative also contrasts with myths where gods show favoritism based solely on lineage or nationality.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse doesn't directly intersect with empirical disciplines.

However, it may engage fields like psychology or sociology in understanding human behavior in social dynamics, inclusivity, and the persistence of minority groups in seeking equity or recognition from dominant cultural groups.

commentaries

Commentators offer varied perspectives on this verse:

Some suggest Jesus' silence is a deliberate strategy to draw out a greater display of the woman's faith.
Others see it as a reflection of the societal norms of the time, which Jesus ultimately transcends.
Craig S.

Keener, in his "IVP Bible Background Commentary," suggests Jesus' behavior might mirror the testing of a suitor by a reluctant patron, common in the patronage systems of the time.

John Calvin notes the faith and perseverance of the woman despite receiving no answer and the disciples' seeming impatience, emphasizing the woman's exemplary faith and humility.
William Barclay points out Jesus' silence as a significant teaching moment, demonstrating that the love and grace of God are available to all, Jew and Gentile alike.

Matthew 15

Matthew 15

What does Matthew 15:23 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 15:23 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?