Matthew 15:28
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Original Language Analysis
τότε
Then
G5119
τότε
Then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
1 of 25
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
G611
ἀποκριθεὶς
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
2 of 25
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 25
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
μεγάλη
great
G3173
μεγάλη
great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
9 of 25
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις·
faith
G4102
πίστις·
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
12 of 25
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
γενηθήτω
be it
G1096
γενηθήτω
be it
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
13 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὡς
even as
G5613
ὡς
even as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
15 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
θέλεις
thou wilt
G2309
θέλεις
thou wilt
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
16 of 25
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυγάτηρ
daughter
G2364
θυγάτηρ
daughter
Strong's:
G2364
Word #:
20 of 25
a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 25
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
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
22 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Matthew 8:13And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.Psalms 145:19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.Mark 5:34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.Matthew 9:22But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.Matthew 8:10When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.Job 13:15Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.Luke 17:5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.Job 23:10But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.Luke 7:50And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.Matthew 14:31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Historical Context
The Canaanite woman faced multiple obstacles: wrong ethnicity (Canaanite not Jew), wrong gender (women were marginalized), wrong theology (pagan not monotheist). Jesus' initial seeming rejection ('It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs,' v. 26) tested her faith. Her humble persistence ('yet the dogs eat of the crumbs,' v. 27) demonstrated faith surpassing many Israelites.
Questions for Reflection
- What obstacles to faith are you allowing to limit your persistence in prayer?
- How does the Canaanite woman's response to apparent rejection model faith for you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response to the Canaanite woman—'O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt'—commends extraordinary faith. 'Great is thy faith' contrasts with His frequent 'little faith' rebukes to disciples. Her persistent faith despite apparent rejection, ethnic barriers, and insulting language (dogs, v. 26) demonstrated uncommon trust. 'Be it unto thee even as thou wilt' grants her request, rewarding perseverance. This Gentile woman's faith shames Israelite unbelief.