Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
he answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
3 of 15
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ἀπεστάλην
I am
G649
ἀπεστάλην
I am
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
6 of 15
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
8 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρόβατα
sheep
G4263
πρόβατα
sheep
Strong's:
G4263
Word #:
11 of 15
something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπολωλότα
the lost
G622
ἀπολωλότα
the lost
Strong's:
G622
Word #:
13 of 15
to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
Cross References
Romans 15:8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:Acts 13:46Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.Isaiah 53:6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.Ezekiel 34:23And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.
Historical Context
During Jesus's earthly ministry (AD 27-30), he deliberately focused on Jewish people, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about Messiah coming to his own people (John 1:11). The great Gentile mission came after Pentecost (Acts 1:8, 10:1-48). However, Jesus gave hints of coming Gentile inclusion (Matthew 8:11, John 10:16), and this Canaanite woman received one of these preview glimpses of the gospel's universal scope.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's historical redemptive plan ('to the Jew first') help you trust his timing in your own circumstances?
- What does the phrase 'lost sheep' reveal about Israel's spiritual condition despite their religious advantages and covenant status?
- How does this verse prepare for the Great Commission's call to 'make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel (οὐκ ἀπεστάλην εἰ μὴ εἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ, ouk apestalēn ei mē eis ta probata ta apolōlota oikou Israēl)—Jesus defined the primary scope of his earthly ministry. The word apestalēn (I have been sent) indicates divine commission, specific and intentional. 'Lost sheep' (ἀπολωλότα, apolōlota) means destroyed, perished—Israel was spiritually lost despite religious privilege.
This statement wasn't ethnic exclusion but temporal priority in God's redemptive plan: 'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek' (Romans 1:16). Jesus came to fulfill God's covenant promises to Israel, but Israel's rejection would open salvation's door to all nations (Romans 11:11-12). The woman's persistent faith would prove that Gentiles could receive Israel's blessings through Christ.