Mark 7:28

Authorized King James Version

And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

ἀπεκρίθη

G611

she answered

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγει

G3004

said

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ

G846

unto him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ναὶ,

G3483

Yes

yes

Κύριε

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

γὰρ

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#11

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

κυνάρια

G2952

the dogs

a puppy

#13

ὑποκάτω

G5270

under

down under, i.e., beneath

#14

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

τραπέζης

G5132

the table

a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans

#16

ἐσθίει

G2068

eat

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

#17

ἀπὸ

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

#18

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

ψιχίων

G5589

crumbs

a little bit or morsel

#20

τῶν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

παιδίων

G3813

the children's

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 7 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

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