Matthew 15:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 15:23
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
Chapter Context
Matthew 15 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, grace, obedience. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 15:23
23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
Analysis
But he answered her not a word (ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῇ λόγον, ho de ouk apekrithē autē logon)—Christ's silence toward the Canaanite woman's plea seems harsh, even cruel. Yet this wasn't rejection but testing, drawing out faith through resistance. The phrase 'not a word' emphasizes complete silence—no acknowledgment, no comfort, no immediate help.
Jesus's silence served multiple purposes: it tested the woman's persistence, revealed her genuine faith, instructed the disciples about grace transcending ethnic boundaries, and demonstrated that apparent divine silence doesn't equal divine indifference. Sometimes God's greatest blessings follow his most profound silences, refining desperation into unshakeable faith.
Historical Context
This Canaanite woman was a Gentile from the region of Tyre and Sidon (v. 21), ancient Phoenician cities with a history of paganism and opposition to Israel. The disciples' response—'Send her away; for she crieth after us'—reveals their Jewish prejudice. Jesus's ministry was primarily to 'the lost sheep of the house of Israel' (v. 24) during his earthly ministry, with the full inclusion of Gentiles coming after Pentecost. Yet even during this 'Jewish phase,' Jesus showed that faith transcends ethnicity.
Reflection
- How do you respond when God seems silent to your urgent prayers, and how can you persevere in faith like this Canaanite woman?
- What does Christ's initial silence teach about the relationship between testing, persistence, and deepening faith?
- Why would Jesus use this method of apparent rejection to ultimately reveal the greatness of Gentile faith to his Jewish disciples?
Word Studies
- Word: λόγος (Logos) G3056 - Word, reason, message
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 14:15