Matthew 15:25
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλθοῦσα
came she
G2064
ἐλθοῦσα
came she
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 9
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
προσεκύνει
and worshipped
G4352
προσεκύνει
and worshipped
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
4 of 9
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 9
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
λέγουσα
saying
G3004
λέγουσα
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Mark 9:22And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.Matthew 14:33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.Matthew 20:31And the multitude rebuked them, because they should hold their peace: but they cried the more, saying, Have mercy on us, O Lord, thou Son of David.Matthew 8:2And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.Genesis 32:26And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.Hosea 12:4Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Beth-el, and there he spake with us;
Historical Context
A Canaanite woman approaching a Jewish rabbi was socially transgressive on multiple levels: gender barriers (rabbis rarely taught women publicly), ethnic barriers (Jews had 'no dealings with Samaritans,' let alone Canaanites), and religious barriers (she was a pagan Gentile). Yet her daughter's demon possession (v. 22) drove her past all social constraints. Maternal desperation created boldness that religious propriety would have forbidden.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the woman's response to apparent rejection (drawing nearer and worshipping rather than withdrawing in offense) model persevering faith?
- What makes the simple prayer 'Lord, help me' so powerful, and how does its brevity contrast with lengthy, elaborate prayers?
- In what situations has desperation driven you to break through barriers (social, emotional, or spiritual) to reach Jesus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me (ἡ δὲ ἐλθοῦσα προσεκύνει αὐτῷ λέγουσα, Κύριε, βοήθει μοι, hē de elthousa prosekynei autō legousa, Kyrie, boēthei moi)—despite apparent rejection, the woman drew nearer. The word prosekynei (worshipped, prostrated) indicates full submission and reverence. Her cry 'Lord, help me' (Κύριε, βοήθει μοι) is brief, desperate, and theologically profound.
This three-word prayer—'Lord, help me'—contains the essence of saving faith: recognizing Christ's lordship, admitting helplessness, and casting oneself entirely on his mercy. She didn't argue theology, demand rights, or dispute Christ's statement about his mission. Instead, she worshipped and pleaded. Her persistence through rejection demonstrated the unshakeable faith Jesus sought to reveal and reward.