Matthew 15:27
And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίων
Lord
G2962
κυρίων
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
yet
G2532
καὶ
yet
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
G1063
γὰρ
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
7 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθίει
eat
G2068
ἐσθίει
eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
10 of 21
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τραπέζης
table
G5132
τραπέζης
table
Strong's:
G5132
Word #:
18 of 21
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
τῶν
which
G3588
τῶν
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;Luke 16:21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.Romans 10:12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.Romans 3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:Matthew 5:45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.Matthew 8:8The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.Luke 18:13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.Romans 3:4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.Genesis 32:10I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.Ezekiel 16:63That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.
Historical Context
This exchange occurred in the region of Tyre and Sidon (v. 21), Gentile territory northwest of Galilee. Jesus had withdrawn there temporarily (v. 21), likely for rest and privacy. Yet even in Gentile lands, he encountered faith exceeding what he found in Israel. Her response became a pattern for Gentile inclusion: accepting Israel's historical priority while claiming grace that transcends ethnic boundaries. Paul later systematized this theology in Romans 9-11.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the woman's acceptance of Jesus's difficult words without taking offense demonstrate spiritual maturity you can emulate?
- What does her confidence that even 'crumbs' from Jesus are sufficient reveal about the abundance of his grace and power?
- How did this Gentile woman's 'great faith' expose the 'little faith' of Jesus's own disciples and the religious leaders of Israel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table (Ναί, κύριε· καὶ γὰρ τὰ κυνάρια ἐσθίει ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τῶν κυρίων αὐτῶν, Nai, kyrie; kai gar ta kynaria esthiei apo tōn psichiōn tōn piptontōn apo tēs trapezēs tōn kyriōn autōn)—she accepted Christ's categories ('Truth, Lord') without offense, then used his own metaphor to appeal for mercy. She didn't need the full blessing (the 'bread'), only crumbs from Jesus's abundance.
Her response is theological genius: acknowledging Israel's priority without disputing it, recognizing that even overflow from Israel's Messiah suffices for Gentile need. She demonstrated profound humility (accepting 'dog' status), sharp wit (turning Jesus's analogy in her favor), and unshakeable faith (believing even 'crumbs' from Christ could heal). Jesus immediately declared 'O woman, great is thy faith' (v. 28) and granted her request.