But Jesus repliedIn this passage, Jesus is responding to a Canaanite woman who has approached Him for help. This interaction highlights Jesus' willingness to engage with Gentiles, which was significant given the Jewish-Gentile tensions of the time. His reply is part of a larger dialogue that tests the woman's faith and reveals His mission focus.
It is not right
This phrase underscores the moral and ethical considerations in Jesus' ministry. It reflects the priority of His mission to the Jews, as they were the chosen people through whom God's promises were to be fulfilled. This statement sets the stage for a teaching moment about faith and the expansion of God's kingdom.
to take the children’s bread
The "children" here symbolize the Israelites, God's chosen people. The "bread" represents the blessings and teachings intended for them. This imagery is consistent with the Old Testament, where Israel is often referred to as God's children (e.g.,Exodus 4:22). The bread signifies the spiritual nourishment and privileges initially given to Israel.
and toss it to the dogs
In Jewish culture, "dogs" were often used metaphorically to refer to Gentiles, reflecting the prevailing view of their spiritual status. This phrase might seem harsh, but it serves to illustrate the perceived order of Jesus' mission. However, it also sets up the woman's demonstration of faith, which transcends cultural barriers. The term "dogs" here can also be understood as "little dogs" or "puppies," indicating a less severe connotation and opening the door for the woman's clever and faith-filled response.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus- The central figure in this passage, Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God, who is teaching and performing miracles throughout His ministry.
2.
The Canaanite Woman- A Gentile woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon who approaches Jesus, seeking healing for her demon-possessed daughter.
3.
The Disciples- Followers of Jesus who are present during this encounter and initially urge Jesus to send the woman away.
4.
Tyre and Sidon- Regions outside of Israel, known for their Gentile populations, highlighting the cross-cultural nature of this encounter.
5.
The Daughter- The afflicted child of the Canaanite woman, whose healing is the focus of the mother's plea to Jesus.
Teaching Points
Understanding Jesus' MissionJesus' initial response to the Canaanite woman reflects His primary mission to the "lost sheep of Israel" (
Matthew 15:24). This highlights the unfolding plan of God, where the gospel would first be presented to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.
Faith and PersistenceThe Canaanite woman's persistence and faith are key elements in this passage. Her willingness to approach Jesus despite cultural and religious barriers demonstrates a faith that is commendable and effective.
Humility and RecognitionThe woman's response to Jesus' statement in
Matthew 15:26, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs," shows her humility and recognition of her position, yet she still believes in Jesus' power and mercy.
Inclusivity of the GospelThis passage foreshadows the inclusivity of the gospel message, which breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that faith in Jesus is available to all.
God's Timing and PlanUnderstanding that God's plan unfolds in His timing, and sometimes His responses to our requests may challenge us to deeper faith and understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 15:26?
2.How does Matthew 15:26 challenge our understanding of Jesus' mission to Gentiles?
3.What does "children's bread" symbolize in the context of Matthew 15:26?
4.How can Matthew 15:26 deepen our appreciation for God's plan of salvation?
5.In what ways can we apply Matthew 15:26 to our daily evangelism efforts?
6.How does Matthew 15:26 connect with Romans 1:16 about the gospel's reach?
7.Why does Jesus refer to Gentiles as "dogs" in Matthew 15:26?
8.How does Matthew 15:26 align with Jesus' message of love and inclusion?
9.What cultural context explains Jesus' words in Matthew 15:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 15?
11.Why did Jesus refer to the Canaanite woman as a dog?
12.If Jesus was sinless, why did He call a Gentile woman a “dog” (Matthew 15:26)?
13.Why did she mention dogs eating table crumbs?
14.Why did she mention dogs eating table crumbs?What Does Matthew 15:26 Mean
But Jesus replied- Jesus answers a Canaanite woman who persistently seeks healing for her daughter (Matthew 15:22-23) even after the disciples urge Him to send her away.
- His reply shows He is actively engaged, not dismissive; throughout the Gospels He frequently tests faith before granting requests (Mark 5:36;John 11:40).
- The direct response reminds us that every encounter with Christ is personal—He hears, He answers, and He shapes hearts in the process (Psalm 34:4-6).
It is not right- Jesus states a moral principle: certain things are proper within God’s order, others are not (Isaiah 55:8-9).
- Here, “right” highlights covenant priority—He was first sent to Israel (Matthew 10:5-6;Romans 1:16).
- God’s plan moves from Israel to the nations in stages (Acts 1:8); Jesus’ words underline that progression without denying Gentiles eventual inclusion.
to take the children’s bread- “Children” points to the covenant people, Israel, heirs of God’s promises (Exodus 4:22;Hosea 11:1).
- “Bread” signifies the blessings of Messiah—healing, deliverance, salvation (John 6:35).
- Jesus protects the integrity of His mission: feed the covenant family first, then extend the table to all (Matthew 8:11;Ephesians 2:12-13).
and toss it to the dogs- “Dogs” was a common Jewish colloquialism for Gentiles, underscoring outsider status (1 Samuel 17:43).
- The word choice tests the woman’s faith; she humbly accepts the label yet appeals to God’s mercy (Matthew 15:27).
- Her response anticipates the gospel’s reach beyond Israel, foreshadowingActs 10 where Gentiles receive the same grace.
- Christ’s seemingly hard statement actually opens the door for a bold, faith-filled reply—demonstrating that humble perseverance is honored (Luke 18:1-8).
summaryMatthew 15:26 reveals Jesus maintaining the divine order of salvation history: Israel first, then the nations. His reply challenges a Gentile woman’s faith, and her persistence shows that even “outsiders” who trust Him are welcomed. The verse underscores covenant priority, God’s unwavering righteousness, and the wideness of mercy that soon overflows to every people.
(26)
To cast it to dogs.--The word used was diminutive in its form, and as such pointed not to the wild, unclean beasts that haunt the streets of an Eastern city (
Psalm 59:6), but to the tamer animals that were bred in the house, and kept as pets. The history of Tobias and his dog, in the Apocrypha, furnishes the one example in Biblical literature of this friendly relation between the dog and his master (
Tobit 5:16).
The answer has, even taking this into account, a somewhat harsh sound, but it did not go beyond the language with which the woman must have been familiar, and it was probably but a common proverb, like our "Charity begins at home," indicating the line of demarcation which gave a priority to the claims of the family of Israel to those of strangers. We may well believe that there was no intentional scorn in it, though it emphasized an actual distinction.
Verse 26. -
But he answered and said. At length Jesus spoke directly to her; but his words were rough in sound, still enforcing the previous repulse.
It is not meet;οὐκἔστι καλόν:
non est bonum (Vulgate). Another reading of less authority is
oboeἔξεστιν, "it is not lawful." The question is rather of fairness and expediency than of lawfulness.
To take the children's bread. "The children" are the chosen people, "the children of the kingdom" (
Matthew 8:12), who held this high position by election, however individuals might forfeit it by an unworthy use of privileges. "Bread" is meant to signify the graces and favours bestowed by God in Christ.
To cast it. An humiliating term; not to give it, as you would to your children, but to throw it away as valueless, fit only for animals.
Dogs (
κυναρίοις). A contemptuous diminutive, rendered by Wickliffe, "whelpies," or, as we might say, "curs." This was the term applied by the Jews to the Gentiles, even as Turks nowadays talk of "dogs of Christians," and as in later times, by a curious inversion, the Jews themselves were generally saluted with the opprobrious name of"dogs." Some have seen a term of endearment in the diminutive "little dogs," as though Christ desired to soften the harshness of the expression by referring, not to the prowling, unowned animals that act as scavengers in Oriental towns, but to the petted inmates of the master's house. But Scripture gives no warrant for thinking that the Hebrews ever kept dogs as friends and companions, in our modern fashion; and our Lord adopts the language of his countrymen, to put the woman in her right position, as one with whom Jews could have no fellowship. To take the blessings from the Church of Israel in order to give them to aliens was to throw them away on unworthy recipients.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[Jesus] replied,ἀποκριθεὶς(apokritheis)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 611:From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.“It isἔστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.notΟὐκ(Ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.rightκαλὸν(kalon)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570:Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.to takeλαβεῖν(labein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.children’sτέκνων(teknōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043:A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.breadἄρτον(arton)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 740:Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.toss [it]βαλεῖν(balein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 906:(a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.to theτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.dogs.”κυναρίοις(kynariois)Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2952:A little dog, a house dog. Neuter of a presumed derivative of kuon; a puppy.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 15:26 But he answered It is not appropriate (Matt. Mat Mt) 
