And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Gentile woman, an outsider by Jewish standards, already recognized Jesus as the "Son of David," showing that knowledge of the promised Messiah had spread beyond Israel. Her desperate plea, "Have mercy on me," reveals she understood her own spiritual poverty and the dire need of her daughter, making her misery her own.
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has withdrawn into the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon, seeking a moment of privacy, but word of his presence spreads. A desperate Gentile woman, hearing of him, emerges from her home to plead with Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter, boldly calling him "Son of David," a clear acknowledgment of his Messianic identity. This encounter, occurring just outside Jewish lands, sets the stage for Jesus's initial refusal and a profound test of her faith, highlighting a turning point in his ministry's outreach.
Imagine being an outsider, someone from a people historically in conflict with God's chosen people. Yet, you've heard about Jesus and believe He holds the key to your family's suffering.
This woman is identified as a Canaanite, a descendant of the ancient inhabitants of the land of Israel, whom God had commanded to be driven out. Mark's Gospel calls her a 'Greek' and 'Syro-Phoenician,' highlighting her Gentile (non-Jewish) identity and her geographic location. This immediately sets her apart from the Jewish people and the 'lost sheep of the house of Israel' to whom Jesus initially said He was sent. Despite this 'otherness,' she boldly approaches Jesus, calling Him 'Lord' and 'Son of David.' This title, 'Son of David,' was a recognized Messianic designation among the Jews, indicating she had a significant understanding of Jewish prophecy and the promised Messiah, even though she wasn't Jewish herself. Her faith transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, showing that God's redemptive plan was beginning to stretch beyond Israel.
A mother's love can be fierce. When her child is in deep suffering, she will go to extraordinary lengths, even facing rejection, to find help.
The text emphasizes the woman's desperate plea: she 'came out' and 'was crying' – her cry was loud and persistent. Matthew notes she cried out to Jesus, and Mark adds that she fell at His feet. This wasn't a casual request; it was a cry born of her daughter's severe affliction ('grievously vexed with a demon'). She identifies her daughter's suffering as her own ('Have mercy on me'), demonstrating profound empathy and a mother's instinct to bear her child's pain. Her persistence, even when Jesus initially remained silent and then gave a seemingly harsh response, shows an incredible strength of will rooted in her faith. She refused to be deterred by Jesus' silence or the disciples' dismissal, showcasing that true faith often involves pushing through difficult circumstances and apparent rejections.
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Understand the original words
eleēson · Greek Verb
A divine attribute representing compassion, pity, and a gracious response to human suffering, especially when it is unmerited. It is the active expression of God's steadfast love and kindness toward those in need.
huie Dauid · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title signifying Jesus' lineage from the kingly line of David. It affirms His identity as the promised King and Messiah who fulfills the covenantal expectations of the Old Testament.
daimonizetai · Greek Noun/Participle
A malevolent spiritual entity that is hostile to God and humanity. In the New Testament, they are depicted as beings who can inhabit humans, causing physical or mental affliction, and are subject to the authority of Jesus Christ.
This encounter happened in Gentile territory, showing that Jesus' ministry, while initially focused on Israel, was already beginning to break down ethnic and religious barriers, a key theme in the Gospel's expansion.
c. 1400 BC - 1st century BC
Canaanites Inhabit the Land
The descendants of Canaan, the grandson of Noah, occupied the land promised to Abraham. Over centuries, their identity merged and evolved with neighboring groups like the Phoenicians.
c. 8th century BC
Assyrian Conquests Begin
The expanding Assyrian Empire began its dominance over the region, impacting the political and social landscape of the land later known as Phoenicia (Syro-Phoenicia).
c. 6th century BC
Babylonian Exile
While not directly impacting Phoenicia, the Babylonian exile of Judah dramatically reshaped Jewish identity and their understanding of God's covenant and promises.
332 BC
Alexander the Great Conquers Phoenicia
Alexander's conquests brought Phoenicia under Greek influence. The region, including cities like Tyre and Sidon, became Hellenistic centers, and Greek became a common language.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Travels Near Tyre and Sidon
Jesus entered the region of Tyre and Sidon, an area inhabited by Gentiles (often called Canaanites or Syro-Phoenicians) and not typically part of his ministry to Israel.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry to Gentiles Begins
This encounter marked a significant moment, demonstrating the expanding reach of Jesus' healing power and compassion beyond the Jewish people, foreshadowing the later Gentile mission.
This passage narrates the same event from a different perspective, highlighting Jesus' initial reluctance and the woman's persistent faith which eventually leads to her daughter's healing.
Luke 17:11-19This story of the ten lepers, one of whom was a Samaritan (a Gentile), shows Jesus interacting with and healing non-Israelites, demonstrating that mercy extended beyond the chosen people.
John 4:4-30Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well parallels this encounter by showing Jesus engaging with a Gentile woman and revealing His identity and mission to her, breaking societal and religious barriers.
Romans 10:12-13This passage emphasizes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile in Christ, and that 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,' underscoring the universality of God's offer of salvation that this woman embodies.
Ephesians 2:11-18This text explains how Christ abolished the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, making peace and bringing both into one body through His blood, which is reflected in Jesus’ eventual compassion for this Gentile woman.
vincentMatthew 15:22: "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil."
Out of the same coasts (ἀπὸ τῶν δρίων ἐκείνων)Lit., as Rev., from those borders; i.e., she crossed from Phoenicia into Galilee.Cried (ἐκραύγασεν)With a loud, importunate cry: from behind. Compare after, Matthew 15:23.MeMaking her daughter's misery her own.Grievously vexed with a devil (κακῶς δ…
barnesMatthew 15:22: "And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil."
A woman of Canaan - This woman is called, also, a Greek, a Syro-Phoenician by birth, Mark 7:26 In ancient times, the whole land, including Tyre and Sidon, was in the possession of the Canaanites, and called Canaan. The Phoenicians were descended from the Canaanites. The country, including Tyre and Sido…
This Gentile woman, an outsider by Jewish standards, already recognized Jesus as the "Son of David," showing that knowledge of the promised Messiah had spread beyond Israel. Her desperate plea, "Have mercy on me," reveals she understood her own spiritual poverty and the dire need of her daughter, making her misery her own.
Jesus has withdrawn into the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon, seeking a moment of privacy, but word of his presence spreads. A desperate Gentile woman, hearing of him, emerges from her home to plead with Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter, boldly calling him "Son of David," a clear acknowledgment of his Messianic identity. This encounter, occurring just outside Jewish lands, sets the stage for Jesus's initial refusal and a profound test of her faith, highlighting a turning point in his ministry's outreach.
Jesus has withdrawn into the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon, seeking a moment of privacy, but word of his presence spreads. A desperate Gentile woman, hearing of him, emerges from her home to plead with Jesus for her demon-possessed daughter, boldly calling him "Son of David," a clear acknowledgment of his Messianic identity. This encounter, occurring just outside Jewish lands, sets the stage for Jesus's initial refusal and a profound test of her faith, highlighting a turning point in his ministry's outreach.
"And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.”" — This Gentile woman, an outsider by Jewish standards, already recognized Jesus as the "Son of David," showing that knowledge of the promised Messiah had spread beyond Israel. Her desperate plea, "Have…
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Last reviewed October 2026