Matthew 15:23

Matthew 15:23 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

King James Version KJV

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

American Standard Version ASV

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Bible in Basic English BBE

But he gave her no answer. And his disciples came and said to him, Send her away, for she is crying after us.

Free Bible Version FBV

But Jesus didn't reply at all. His disciples came to him and told him, “Tell her to stop following us. All her shouting is really annoying!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But hee answered her not a worde. Then came to him his disciples, and besought him, saying, Sende her away, for she crieth after vs.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he did not answer her a word; and his disciples having come to him, were asking him, saying — 'Let her away, because she crieth after us;'

World English Bible WEB

But he answered her not a word. His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away; for she cries after us.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Who answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying: Send her away, for she crieth after us:

Translation for Translators T4T

But Jesus did not answer her at all. We disciples came to him, and knowing that the woman was not a Jew, we said to him, “Tell her to leave, because she keeps bothering us by yelling behind us!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 15:23

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 15:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ο δε ουκ απεκριθη αυτη λογον και προσελθοντες οι μαθηται αυτου ηρωτων αυτον λεγοντες απολυσον αυτην οτι κραζει οπισθεν ημων

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

δε de G1161 then Conj

ουκ ou G3756 no Particle-N

απεκριθη apokrinō G611 to answer Verb-ADI-3S

αυτη autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DSF

λογον logos G3056 word Noun-ASM

και kai G2532 and Conj

προσελθοντες proserchomai G4334 to come near/agree Verb-2AAP-NPM

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

μαθηται mathētēs G3101 disciple Noun-NPM

αυτου autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSM

ηρωτων erōtaō G2065 to ask Verb-IAI-3P

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

λεγοντες legō G3004 to say Verb-PAP-NPM

απολυσον apoluō G630 to release: release Verb-AAM-2S

αυτην autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASF

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

κραζει krazō G2896 to cry Verb-PAI-3S

οπισθεν opisthen G3693 after Adv

ημων egō G1473 I/we Pron-1GP

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 15:23

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

ουκ ou G3756 "no" Particle-N

This is a strong 'no', used to deny something completely. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:29 and John 1:21. It is a negative answer to a question.

Definition: οὐ, before a vowel with smooth breathing οὐκ, before one with rough breathing οὐχ (but improperly οὐχ ἰδού, Act.2:7, WH, mg.; cf. WH, Intr., §409; M, Pr., 44, 244), [in LXX for אֵין ,אַיִן ,לֹא ;] neg. particle, not, no, used generally with indic, and for a denial of fact (cf . μή); __1. absol. (accented), οὔ, no: Mat.13:29 Jhn.1:21 21:5; οὒ οὕ, Mat.5:37 Jas.5:12. __2. Most frequently negativing a verb or other word, Mat.1:25 10:26, 38, Mrk.3:25 9:37, Jhn.8:29, Act.7:5, Rom.1:16, Php.3:3, al.; in litotes, οὐκ ὀλίγοι (i.e. very many), Act.17:4, al.; οὐκ ἄσημος, Act.21:39; πᾶς . . . οὐ, with verb, (like Heb. כֹּל . . . לֹא), no, none, Mat.24:22, Mrk.13:20, Luk.1:37, Eph.5:5, al.; in disjunctive statements, οὐκ . . . ἀλλά, Luk.8:52 Jhn.1:33 Rom.8:2o, al.; with 2 of person(s) fut. (like Heb. לֹא, with impf.), as emphatic prohibition, Mat.4:7, Luk.4:12, Rom.7:7, al. __3. With another negative, __(a) strengthening the negation: Mrk.5:37, Jhn.8:15 12:19, Act.8:39, al.; __(b) making an affirmative: Act.4:20, 1Co.12:15. __4. With other particles: οὐ μή (see: μή); οὐ μηκέτι, Mat.21:19; with μή interrog., Rom.10:18, 1Co.9:4, 5 11:22. __5. Interrogative, expecting an affirmative answer (Lat. nonne): Mat.6:26, Mrk.4:21, Luk.11:40, Jhn.4:35, Rom.9:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1410 NT verses. KJV: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but See also: 1 Corinthians 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:32; 1 Peter 1:8.

απεκριθη apokrinō G611 "to answer" Verb-ADI-3S

To answer or respond, as in Matthew 27:12 and Mark 14:61, where Jesus answers the high priest. It can also mean to begin speaking or to give a reply. The KJV translates it as 'answer'.

Definition: ἀποκρίνω, ἀποκρίνομαι, [in LXX chiefly for ענה ;] in cl., __1. to separate, distinguish. __2. to choose. Mid., to answer: Mat.27:12, Mrk.14:61, Luk.3:16 23:9, Jhn.5:17, 19 Act.3:12. In late Gk. the pass, also is used in this sense, and pass. forms are the more frequently in NT (M, Pr., 39, 161; MM, see word); __(a) in general sense: absol., Mrk.12:34; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.22:46; with dative of person(s), Mat.12:38; before πρός, Act.25:16; __(b) Hebraistically __(i) like ענה, to begin to speak, take up the conversation (Kennedy, Sources, 124f.): Mat.11:25, al., __(ii) redundant, as in the Heb. phrase וַיַּעַן וַיּאֹמֶר (Dalman, Words, 24f., 38; M, Pr., 14; Bl., §58, 4; 74, 2; Cremer, 374): ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπε, Mat.4:4; ἔφη, 8:8; λέγει, Mrk.3:33; in Jo most frequently (ἀπεκ. κ. εἶπε, 1:49. ) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 246 NT verses. KJV: answer See also: Acts 3:12; Luke 1:35; Matthew 13:37.

αυτη autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DSF

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

λογον logos G3056 "word" Noun-ASM

In the Bible, this word refers to a message or idea expressed through words, like in Matthew 8:8 and Luke 7:7. It's not just a single word, but a whole thought or concept. Jesus used this word to teach about God's kingdom.

Definition: λόγος, -ου, ὁ (λέγω) [in LXX chiefly for דָּבָר, also for מִלָּה ,אֵמֶר, etc. ;] __I. Of that by which the inward thought is expressed, Lat. oratio, sermo, vox, verbum. __1. a word, not in the grammatical sense of a mere name (ἔπος, ὄνομα, ῥῆμα), but a word as embodying a conception or idea: Mat.8:8, Luk.7:7, 1Co.14:9, 19 Heb.12:19, al. __2. a saying, statement, declaration: Mat.19:22 (T om.), Mrk.5:36 7:29, Luk.1:29, Jhn.2:22 6:60, Act.7:29, al.; with genitive attrib., Act.13:15, Rom.9:9, Heb.7:28, al.; of the sayings, commands, promises, etc., of teachers, Mat.7:24 10:14, Mrk.8:38, Luk.9:4, Jhn.14:24, al.; λ. κενοί, Eph.5:6; ἀληθινοί, Rev.19:9; πιστοί, Rev.22:6; esp. of the precepts, decrees and promises of God, ὁ λ. τ. θεοῦ, the word of God: Mrk.7:13, Jhn.10:35, Rom.13:9, 1Co.14:36, Php.1:14, al.; absol., ὁ λ., Mat.13:21, 22 Mrk.16:[20], Luk.1:2, Act.6:4, Heb.4:12, al. __3. speech, discourse: Act.14:12, 2Co.10:10, Jas.3:2; opposite to ἐπιστολή, 2Th.2:15; disting, from σοφία, 1Co.2:1; ἀναστροφή, 1Ti.4:12; δύναμις, 1Co.4:19, 1Th.1:5; ἔργον, Rom.15:18; οὐδενὸς λ. τίμιον (not worthy of mention), Act.20:24; of the faculty of speech, Luk.24:19, 2Co.11:6; of the style of speech, Mat.5:37, 1Co.1:5; of instruction, Col.4:3, 1Pe.3:1; with genitive of person(s), Jhn.5:24 8:52, Act.2:41, al.; ὁ λ. ὁ ἐμός, Jhn.8:31; with genitive obj. (τ.) ἀληθείας, 2Co.6:7, Col.1:5, Jas.1:18; τ. καταλλαγῆς, 2Co.5:19; τ. σταυροῦ, 1Co.1:18; of mere talk, 1Co.4:19, 2o, Col.2:23, 1Jn.3:18; of the talk which one occasions, hence, repute: Col.2:23. __4. subject-matter, hence, teaching, doctrine: Act.18:15, 2Ti.2:17, al.; esp. of Christian doctrine: Mat.13:20-23, Mrk.4:14-20 8:32, Luk.1:2, Act.8:4, Gal.6:6, 1Th.1:6, al.; with genitive of person(s), τ. θεοῦ, Luk.5:1, Jhn.17:6, Act.4:29, 1Co.14:36, I Jhn.1:10, Rev.6:9, al.; τ. Κυρίου, Act.8:25, 1Th.1:8, al.; τ. Χριστοῦ, Col.3:16, Rev.3:8; with genitive appos., Act.15:7; with genitive attrib., Heb.5:13. __5. a story, tale, narrative: Mat.28:15, Jhn.21:23, Act.1:1 11:22; before περί, Luk.5:15. __6. That which is spoken of (Plat., al.; V. Kennedy, Sources, 124), matter, affair, thing: Mat.21:24, Mrk.1:45 11:29, Luk.20:3, Act.8:21; of a matter in dispute, as a case or suit at law, Act.19:38; pl. (1Ma.7:33, al.), Luk.1:4. __II. Of the inward thought itself, Lat. ratio. __1. reason, __(a) of the mental faculty (Hdt., Plat., al.): κατὰ λόγον, Act.18:14; __(b) a reason, cause: τίνι λόγῳ, Act.10:29; παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας, Mat.5:32 19:9, WH, mg., R, mg. __2. account, __(a) regard: Act.20:24, Rec.; __(b) reckoning: Php.4:15, 17; συναίρειν (which see) λ., Mat.18:23 25:19; in forensic sense, Rom.14:12, Heb.13:17, 1Pe.4:5; with genitive of thing(s), Luk.16:2; before περί, Mat.12:36, Act.19:40, 1Pe.3:15. __3. proportion, analogy: Php.2:16 (Field, Notes, 193 f.). __III. ὁ λ., the Divine Word or Logos: Jhn.1:1, 14; τ. ζωῆς, 1Jn.1:1; τ. θεοῦ, Rev.19:13 (see Westc, Swete, CGT, in ll.; reff. in Artt., Logos, DB, DCG). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 317 NT verses. KJV: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; Acts 13:49; 1 Peter 1:23.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

προσελθοντες proserchomai G4334 "to come near/agree" Verb-2AAP-NPM

To approach or come near, like when people visited Jesus in Matthew 4:11 and Luke 9:42, or when we draw near to God in Hebrews 12:18 and 22

Definition: προσ-έρχομαι [in LXX for קָרַב, נָגַשׁ, etc. ;] to approach, draw near: absol., Mat.4:11, Luk.9:42, al.; with infin., Mat.24:1, al.; with dative loc., Heb.12:18, 22; dative of person(s), Mat.5:1, and freq., Jhn.12:21, al.; ptcp., προσελθών, with indic., Mat.8:2, and freq., Mrk.1:31, Luk.7:14, al.; π. αὐτῷ, with indic., Mat.4:3, Mrk.6:35, Metaphorical, __(a) of approaching God: absol. (Lev.21:17, Deu.21:5, al.), Heb.10:1, 22; τ. θεῷ, Heb.7:25 11:6; τ. θρόνῳ τ. χάριτος, Heb.4:16; πρὸς Χριστόν, 1Pe.2:4; __(b) in sense not found elsewhere (Field, Notes, 211), to consent to: ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις, 1Ti.6:3 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 90 NT verses. KJV: (as soon as he) come (unto), come thereunto, consent, draw near, go (near, to, unto) See also: 1 Peter 2:4; Matthew 9:14; Hebrews 4:16.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

μαθηται mathētēs G3101 "disciple" Noun-NPM

A disciple is a learner or pupil, like the twelve who followed Jesus, as mentioned in Matthew 10:1 and Luke 8:9. This word is used to describe someone who follows a teacher or leader. It is often used in the context of Jesus' teachings.

Definition: μαθητής, -οῦ, ὁ (μανθάνω), [in LXX only as seel. (A) in Jer.13:21 20:11 26(46):9 * ;] a disciple: opposite to διδάσκαλος, Mat.10:24, Luk.6:40; Ἰωάννου, Mat.9:14, Luk.7:18, Jhn.3:25; τ. Φαρισσίων, Mat.22:16, Mrk.2:18, Luk.5:33; Μωυσέως, Jhn.9:28; Ἰησοῦ, Luk.6:17 7:11 19:37, Jhn.6:66 7:3 19:38; esp. the twelve, Mat.10:1 11:1, Mrk.7:17, Luk.8:9, Jo 2:2, al.; later, of Christians generally, Act.6:1, 2 7 9:19, al.; τ. κυρίου, Act.9:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 252 NT verses. KJV: disciple See also: Acts 1:15; John 21:23; Matthew 13:10.

αυτου autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

ηρωτων erōtaō G2065 "to ask" Verb-IAI-3P

To ask or request something, used in the Bible when Jesus is questioned by others, like in Luke 19:31 and John 8:7. It can also mean to pray or beseech. The KJV translates it as ask, beseech, or pray.

Definition: ἐρωτάω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for שָׁאַל ;] __1. to ask, question (cl.): absol., Luk.19:31 22:68, Jhn.8:7 with accusative of person(s), Jhn.9:21 16:19, 30 8:21; before λέγων, Mat.16:13, Luk.23:3, Jhn.1:19, 21 5:12 9:19 16:5; with dupl. accusative (WM, § 32, 4a), Mat.21:24, Mrk.4:10, Luk.20:3, Jhn.16:23 (M, Pr., 66„); with accusative of person(s), before περί, Luk.9:45, Jhn.18:19. __2. In late Gk. (Milligan, NTD, 51; not, as Cremer, 716, Thayer, see word, a "Hebraism"), = αἰτέω (which see), to ask, request: with accusative of person(s), Jhn.14:16; before imperat., Luk.14:18-19 Php.4:3; λέγων, Mat.15:23, Jhn.12:21; before ἵνα (M, Pr., 208), Mrk.7:26, Luk.7:36 16:27, Jhn.4:47 17:15 19:31, 38, 1Th.4:1, 2Jn.5; ὅπως, Luk.7:3 11:37, Act.23:20; with inf., Luk.5:3 8:37, Jhn.4:40, Act.3:3 10:48 23:18, 1Th.5:12; with accusative of person(s), before περί, Luk.4:38 Jhn.17:9, 20, 1Jn.5:16; ὑπέρ, 2Th.2:1-2; τὰ (WH, txt., om. τὰ) πρὸς εἰρήνην, Luk.14:32 (cf. δι-, ἐπ-ερωτάω) SYN.: see: αἰτέω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 57 NT verses. KJV: ask, beseech, desire, intreat, pray See also: 1 John 5:16; John 16:23; Philippians 4:3.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

λεγοντες legō G3004 "to say" Verb-PAP-NPM

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

απολυσον apoluō G630 "to release: release" Verb-AAM-2S

This word means to release or set free, like when Jesus healed a woman in Luke 13:12. It can also mean to forgive or let go, as in Luke 6:37. In some cases, it refers to divorce or separation, as in Matthew 5:31-32.

Definition: ἀπο-λύω [in LXX for שׁוּב, etc., frequently in 1-4 Mac ;] __1. to set free, release: Luk.13:12, Jhn.19:10, al.; a debtor, Mat.18:27; metaphorically, of forgiveness, Luk.6:37. __2. to let go, dismiss (Field, Notes, 9 f.): Mat.15:23, Luk.2:29 9:12, Act.19:41, al.; of divorce, τ. γυναῖκα: Mat.1:19 5:31-32 19:3, 8 19:10 Mrk.10:2, 4 10:11, Luk.16:18; with ref. to Gk. and Rom. (net Jewish) custom, τ. ἄνδρα: Mrk.10:12. Mid., to depart: Act.28:25 (MM, see word) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 63 NT verses. KJV: (let) depart, dismiss, divorce, forgive, let go, loose, put (send) away, release, set at liberty See also: Acts 3:13; Luke 23:22; Hebrews 13:23.

αυτην autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASF

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

κραζει krazō G2896 "to cry" Verb-PAI-3S

This verb means to cry out loudly, like a raven, and is used to describe people shouting for help or mercy, as in Mark 10:48.

Definition: κράζω [in LXX for זָעַק, צָעַק, קָרָא, etc. ;] in cl. chiefly poët., __1. prop. onomatop., of the raven, to croak, hence generally, of inartic. cries, to scream, cry out (Æsch., al.): Mrk.5:5 9:26 15:39 (Rec., R, mg.), Luk.9:39, al.; of crying for vengeance (cf. Gen.4:10), Jas.5:4. __2. to cry, call out with a loud voice: with accusative of thing(s), Act.19:32; before orat. dir., Mrk.10:48, Luk.18:39, al.; (ἐν) φωνῇ μεγάλῃ, Mrk.5:7, Rev.14:15, al.; λέγων, Mat.8:29, al.; of public teaching, Jhn.1:15, Rom.9:27, al.; of importunate prayer (cf. Job.35:12, Psa.3:5, al.), Rom.8:15, Gal.4:6; pf. with Pres. sense (vernac.; M, Pr., 147), Jhn.1:15 SYN.: see: βοάω (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: cry (out) See also: Acts 7:57; Mark 9:26; James 5:4.

οπισθεν opisthen G3693 "after" Adv

This word means behind or after, describing physical or chronological location. In the Gospels, it describes people following Jesus or events happening after something else.

Definition: ὄπισθεν adv. of place, [in LXX chiefly for אָחוֹר, אַחַר ;] behind, after: Mat.9:20, Mrk.5:27, Luk.8:44, Rev.4:6 5:1. As prep. with genitive: Mat.15:23, Luk.23:26, Rev.1:10 (WH, mg.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 6 NT verses. KJV: after, backside, behind See also: Luke 8:44; Matthew 9:20; Revelation 4:6.

ημων egō G1473 "I/we" Pron-1GP

This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.

Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — Matthew 15:23

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 15:23 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 15:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 15:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 15:23
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 15:23
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 15:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 15:23
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 15:23
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 15:23
Sermons on Matthew 15:23

Context — The Faith of the Canaanite Woman

21Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22And a Canaanite woman from that region came to Him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.”

23But Jesus did not answer a word. So His disciples came and urged Him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”

24He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25The woman came and knelt before Him. “Lord, help me!” she said.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Matthew 14:15	When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
2	Mark 10:47–48	When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many people admonished him to be silent, but he cried out all the louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
3	Lamentations 3:8	Even when I cry out and plead for help, He shuts out my prayer.
4	Genesis 42:7	And when Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he treated them as strangers and spoke harshly to them. “Where have you come from?” he asked. “From the land of Canaan,” they replied. “We are here to buy food.”
5	Psalms 28:1	To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit.
6	Deuteronomy 8:2	Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments.

Matthew 15:23 Summary

[In this verse, Jesus doesn't answer the Canaanite woman's cry for help right away, which might seem harsh, but it's actually a test of her faith. The disciples, not understanding Jesus' mission, ask Him to send her away, but Jesus uses this opportunity to teach them a valuable lesson. As seen in Matthew 9:36-38, Jesus teaches us to have mercy on those in need, and this story encourages us to examine our own hearts and responses to those seeking help. By looking at Jesus' interactions with others, such as the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26, we can see that His silence is not a lack of love, but rather a desire to reveal the depth of the woman's faith.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus not answer the Canaanite woman's cry for help?

Jesus' silence was likely a test of the woman's faith, as seen in other instances where He delayed responding to pleas for help, such as in the story of Lazarus in John 11:1-44. This silence also prompted the disciples to act, revealing their own lack of understanding of Jesus' mission.

What can we learn from the disciples' reaction to the woman's persistence?

The disciples' request to send the woman away shows their lack of compassion and understanding of Jesus' teachings, as emphasized in Matthew 9:36-38, where Jesus teaches them to have mercy on those in need. This serves as a reminder for us to examine our own hearts and responses to those seeking help.

Is Jesus being harsh or unloving by not answering the woman?

Jesus' initial silence does not indicate a lack of love or compassion, but rather a desire to reveal the depth of the woman's faith and to teach His disciples a valuable lesson, as seen in His interactions with others, such as the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26.

How does this verse relate to Jesus' overall mission?

This verse highlights Jesus' primary focus on ministering to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, as stated in Matthew 15:24, while also foreshadowing the expansion of His mission to include Gentiles, as seen in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.

Reflection Questions

What would my response be if someone persistently cried out to me for help, and how can I learn from the disciples' mistakes in this situation?
In what ways can I demonstrate the same perseverance and faith as the Canaanite woman in my own life, especially when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges?
How can I balance the need to prioritize my own responsibilities with the call to show compassion and mercy to those in need, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 9:36-38?
What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when His responses are not immediate or clear, as seen in Jesus' delay in responding to the woman's plea?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word,.... Not that he did not hear her, or that he despised either her person or petition, or that he was not moved with it; but to continue her importunity, and try her

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 15:23

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. For the exposition, see the notes at Mark 7:24-30.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 15:23

Ver. 22,23. Mark saith, A certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: the woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’ s bread and cast it unto the dogs, . Though the woman appears to have been a pagan, yet living so near Galilee, she had doubtless heard of Christ, both what he had done in casting out devils, and also that he was looked upon as the Son of David, and usually called by that name by those who went to him for any cures; she therefore gives him that title. Others think her to have been more specially enlightened, and to have called him the Son of David, not as a usual compellation given him, but as believing him to have been the true Messias promised to the Jews: nor is that impossible, for though the gospel at this time had not shined out upon any considerable number of the heathen, yet God in all times had his number amongst them; and this woman living so near to the Jews, and so near to Galilee, where our Saviour hitherto had most conversed and preached, it is not improbable that she might have received the grace as well as the sound of the gospel, so God might have kindled in her heart a true faith in the Messias. Our Saviour’ s commendation of her faith in the following discourse maketh this very probable. Matthew saith that he answered her not a word. Mark saith that he said to her, Let the children first be filled, & c. To the observing reader this will appear no contradiction. For by Mark it should appear, that she first came to our Saviour into the house, into which he went that he might be private, and there fell at his feet. Here Christ answered her not a word, took no notice of her at all. But it appeareth by Matthew that Christ soon left the home, and she followed after him upon the way. The disciples said, Send her away; for she crieth after us. Then it was that our Saviour said to her, Let the children first be filled; his disciples first interposing, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. How many of the papists think that this text patronizes their invocation of saints departed I cannot tell, for these disciples were alive, and we do not read that she spake to any of them to intercede for her. It is certain they did move Christ on her behalf.

Trapp's Commentary on 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. Ver. 23. But he answered her not] Tacet ore, sed loquitur ei spirit, ut fortius clamet, saith an interpreter. Christ answereth her not with his mouth, but speaketh unto her by that sweet and secret voice of his Spirit, to cry louder. No man prays heartily but he hath so much comfort, at least, that he will come again to God, who secretly supports his suppliants, and by that peace inconceivable guards their hearts and minds that they pray and faint not (φρουρησει), Philippians 4:7. Send her away, for she cries] Men may be tired out with incessant suits, as the unjust judge was, and as these disciples were weary to hear the poor woman’ s outcries, repeating the same request over and over. Give her, therefore, say they, either an alms or an answer, that she may be silenced, and we eased. But it is otherwise with God, the more often we come to him the better welcome; the louder we cry, the sooner we are heard; and the often repetition of the self-same petition, till we put the Lord out of countenance, put him (as you would say) to the blush, and even leave a blot in his face, as the Greek word signifies, Luke 18:5; (υπωπαιζη), this is the best melody we can make him. He looks out of the casements of heaven on purpose to hear it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 15:23

(23) He answered her not a word.—Two alternative views present themselves as to our Lord’s action in this matter. That which has found favour with nearly all ancient and most modern interpreters assumes that from the first He had purposed to comply with her request, and spoke as He did only to test and manifest her faith. Men have been unwilling to recognise the possibility of a change of purpose in the human nature of our Lord which they, unconsciously heretical, confused with the divine, and have preferred to fall back on the supposition of a simulated harshness. The truer and more reverential course, I venture to think, is to accept the impression which, apart from any à priori theory, the facts seem naturally to make, and to see, in what passed, the prevailing power of prayer working on the sympathy of Christ, and leading Him to pass beyond the ordinary limits of His appointed work. On this assumption, it is our work to trace, with all reverence, the successive stages of the process. And first, even the silence is significant, and implies a conflict. It would have been easy to dismiss her with a word. But the tenderness which He felt towards this sufferer, as towards others, forbade that course, and yet the sense of the normal limitation of His work forbade the other. Silence was the natural outcome of the equilibrium of these conflicting motives. Send her away; for she crieth after us.—The disciples were clearly unable to enter into either of the two feelings which were thus contending for the mastery. Their words, as interpreted by our Lord’s answer, were, in some sense, a plea in favour of the woman. They wished Him to grant what she asked for, and so to dismiss her. And yet we feel that their words were far harsher than their Master’s silence. They wanted only to be rid of her presence, which had followed them from the streets into the house, to be freed from the loud eager cries which vexed them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 15:23

Verse 23. He answered her not a word.] Seemed to take time to consider her request, and to give her the opportunity of exercising her faith, and manifesting her fervour.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 15:23

23. answered her not a word] Jesus, by this refusal, tries the woman’s faith, that he may purify and deepen it. Her request must be won by earnest prayer, “lest the light winning should make light the prize.” Observe that Christ first refuses by silence, then by express words. Send her away] By granting what she asks, by yielding, like the unjust judge, to her importunity.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 15:23

23. He answered her not a word — The order of his mission is limited to the house of Israel.

Sermons on Matthew 15:23

	Sermon	Description
	Christian Growth 2 by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of a woman who approached Jesus for help. He highlights four different responses Jesus gave to her, which were denial, discouragem
	Jacob - Gods Unchanging Grace - Genesis 25 - Sermon 4 of 5 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious figure. Jacob wrestles with this figure, who is later revealed to be the Lord Jesus, and refus
	Homily 52 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches on the powerful encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman, highlighting her unwavering faith, humility, and persistence in seeking mercy for her daug
	Crumbs by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the unwavering faith of a woman who persistently sought Jesus for help despite being initially ignored and rebuffed. Her determination and humility in ac
	Distractions Are Dangerous by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus calling four fishermen, including Peter, to be his disciples. He highlights the significance of Jesus using fishing as a
	Major Ian Thomas - Part 4 by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions and being in the right place at the right time. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the five t
	Saving Life of Christ - Part 4 by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions and being obedient. He uses the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves and