And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus's response hinges on the woman's specific saying, not just her general plea. He highlights her clever, humble adaptation of his own metaphor—turning his "dogs" into deserving "little dogs" under the table—as the very thing that unlocked His power for her daughter. This shows us that precise, humble wisdom, even when it seems counter-intuitive, can powerfully move God.
And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus, after withdrawing to the region of Tyre and Sidon, is approached by a desperate Gentile woman whose daughter is tormented by a demon. Despite Jesus' initial silence and seemingly dismissive words, intended to test her faith, the woman persists with humble yet persistent pleas, even cleverly reinterpreting his analogy of children's bread and dogs. Finally, impressed by her remarkable faith, Jesus grants her request, confirming that the demon has indeed left her daughter.
How can Jesus' initial silence and seemingly harsh words to the Canaanite woman actually reveal His deep compassion?
Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman is a masterclass in testing and deepening faith. Initially, Jesus 'made no reply' (Mark 7:24) and then used a strong metaphor: 'It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs' (Mark 7:27).
A Divine Test
This wasn't a rejection, but a profound test. Jesus was likely observing the woman's persistence and the quality of her faith, especially since she was a Gentile, outside the covenant promises to Israel. He needed to see if her faith was robust enough to withstand apparent refusal and cultural barriers.
The Humble Response
The woman's brilliance was in her humble, yet confident, response: 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs' (Mark 7:28). She didn't argue or demand; she accepted Jesus' analogy but found a place for herself within it, showing she understood His mission was primarily for Israel but that mercy could extend even to the 'crumbs' that fell.
Unlocking the Door
It was this precise 'saying' – her faith-filled, humble, yet persistent plea – that unlocked Jesus' heart and power. He responded, 'For this saying you may go your way' (Mark 7:29). Her faith didn't just ask; it reasoned, it endured, and it found its place within God's unfolding plan.
Ask a follow-up
What does the way the demon leaves tell us about the nature of spiritual victory?
Jesus' declaration, 'the demon has left your daughter,' is more than just a report of a healing. It signifies a decisive and complete spiritual victory.
A Violent Exit
Commentators note that the word translated 'demon' implies something forceful. The demon hadn't just passively withdrawn; it was likely 'thrown out' or expelled, perhaps with a struggle. This suggests that spiritual liberation can sometimes involve an intense battle, not always a gentle transition.
Immediate and Total
The power of Jesus' word brought about an immediate cessation of the affliction. The demon's departure was not gradual but instantaneous upon Jesus' command, demonstrating the absolute authority He wields over spiritual forces.
The Power of the Word
Jesus used His words as the instrument of deliverance. His authoritative command, fueled by the woman's faith, was sufficient. This highlights that God's spoken word carries inherent power to bring about His will, including the expulsion of evil.
Understand the original words
daimonion · Greek Noun
An unclean spirit or fallen angelic being that opposes God’s will and possesses or afflicts humans, causing physical or spiritual suffering.
This encounter highlights Jesus' expanding mission beyond Israel to the Gentiles, signaled by his interaction with a non-Jewish woman whose faith moved him to act.
Late 8th century BC
Assyrian Deportations
The Neo-Assyrian Empire deports large populations from conquered territories, including Israelites, to resettle them elsewhere. This event significantly disrupts Jewish identity and land inheritance.
605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar II deports Judeans to Babylon. This marks a profound crisis in Jewish religious and national life, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, many exiled Judeans return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. This period re-establishes Jewish religious practice but within a complex political landscape.
c. 167-160 BC
Maccabean Revolt
A revolt erupts against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to Hellenize Judea, leading to a period of Jewish independence under the Hasmonean dynasty.
63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquers Judea, integrating it into their growing empire. This ushers in a period of Roman rule, client kings, and increasing political tension.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, attracting followers and performing numerous miracles, including exorcisms and healings.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus Encounters the Syrophoenician Woman
Jesus, seeking a time of private reflection in Gentile territory near Tyre, is approached by a Syrophoenician (Canaanite) woman whose daughter is demon-possessed. After a profound exchange highlighting her persistent faith and Jesus' initial focus on Israel, he heals her daughter.
This passage directly parallels the event, with Jesus explicitly commending the woman's great faith before healing her daughter, highlighting the strong connection between faith and receiving God's mercy.
Luke 7:50This verse shows another instance where Jesus declares a woman's faith has saved her, emphasizing the powerful link between a person's belief and the reception of healing or deliverance.
Romans 10:14This passage discusses the necessity of hearing the message of Christ before one can believe and call upon Him, which connects to the Canaanite woman's prior knowledge of Jesus that fueled her persistent prayer.
Mark 9:23Jesus tells a father, 'All things are possible to him who believes,' echoing the theme that profound faith, even in the face of apparent impossibility, is key to experiencing God's power and intervention.
vincentMark 7:29: "And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter."
Peculiar to Mark.Laid (βεβλημένον)Lit., thrown. She had probably experienced some fearful convulsion when the demon departed. Compare Mark 9:22, of the demon which possessed the boy: "It hath cast him, etc. (ἔβαλεν)." See also Mark 1:26; Mark 9:26.
bengelMark 7:29: "And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter."
Mark 7:29 . Διὰ τοῦτον τὸν λόγον , on account of this word [ saying ]) This word, and the faith exhibited in it. There may be understood, I say to thee . [ Often, as well in evil as also in good, the whole power of the soul puts itself forth in one word .—V. g.]— ἐξελήλυθε , is gone out ) It was thus that Jesus immediately exhilarated her with the joyous information. [ For He knew what had been…
Jesus's response hinges on the woman's specific saying, not just her general plea. He highlights her clever, humble adaptation of his own metaphor—turning his "dogs" into deserving "little dogs" under the table—as the very thing that unlocked His power for her daughter. This shows us that precise, humble wisdom, even when it seems counter-intuitive, can powerfully move God.
Jesus, after withdrawing to the region of Tyre and Sidon, is approached by a desperate Gentile woman whose daughter is tormented by a demon. Despite Jesus' initial silence and seemingly dismissive words, intended to test her faith, the woman persists with humble yet persistent pleas, even cleverly reinterpreting his analogy of children's bread and dogs. Finally, impressed by her remarkable faith, Jesus grants her request, confirming that the demon has indeed left her daughter.
Jesus, after withdrawing to the region of Tyre and Sidon, is approached by a desperate Gentile woman whose daughter is tormented by a demon. Despite Jesus' initial silence and seemingly dismissive words, intended to test her faith, the woman persists with humble yet persistent pleas, even cleverly reinterpreting his analogy of children's bread and dogs. Finally, impressed by her remarkable faith, Jesus grants her request, confirming that the demon has indeed left her daughter.
"And he said to her, “For this statement you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter.”" — Jesus's response hinges on the woman's specific saying, not just her general plea. He highlights her clever, humble adaptation of his own metaphor—turning his "dogs" into deserving "little dogs" un…
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Last reviewed October 2026