King James Version

What Does Mark 7:26 Mean?

Mark 7:26 in the King James Version says “The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her dau... — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. Greek: or, Gentile Greek: or, Gentile

Mark 7:26 · KJV


Context

24

And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

25

For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:

26

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. Greek: or, Gentile Greek: or, Gentile

27

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

28

And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark 7:26 This passage continues Mark's fast-paced narrative demonstrating Jesus' divine authority, miraculous power, and confrontation with religious establishment. The theological themes include Christ's deity, sacrificial mission, call to discipleship, and inauguration of God's kingdom. Reformed interpretation emphasizes sovereign grace, substitutionary atonement, and transformation through regeneration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestinian Jewish context under Roman occupation shapes the narrative. Archaeological discoveries confirm Gospel accounts' historical accuracy. Ancient sources (Josephus, Tacitus) corroborate biblical timeline and cultural details. Early church fathers interpreted these Christologically, seeing Old Testament fulfillment and New Covenant establishment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse reveal Christ's person and work in redemptive history?
  2. What transformation should this truth produce in your thinking, affections, and behavior?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἦν1 of 19

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

δὲ2 of 19
G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνὴ4 of 19

The woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Ἑλληνίς5 of 19

a Greek

G1674

a grecian (i.e., non-jewish) woman

Συροφοινίσσα6 of 19

a Syrophenician

G4949

a syro-phoenician woman, i.e., a female native of phoenicia in syria

τῷ7 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γένει·8 of 19

by nation

G1085

"kin" (abstract or concrete, literal or figurative, individual or collective)

καὶ9 of 19

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἠρώτα10 of 19

she besought

G2065

to interrogate; by implication, to request

αὐτῆς11 of 19

him

G846

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

ἵνα12 of 19

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

τὸ13 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δαιμόνιον14 of 19

the devil

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἐκβάλλῃ15 of 19

he would cast forth

G1544

to eject (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ16 of 19

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς17 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυγατρὸς18 of 19

daughter

G2364

a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)

αὐτῆς19 of 19

him

G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 7:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 7:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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