King James Version

What Does Mark 7:27 Mean?

Mark 7:27 in the King James Version says “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 ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Mark 7:27 · KJV


Context

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.

29

And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Mark 7:27 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.

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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 · 23 words
1 of 23
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

But

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἰησοῦς3 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν4 of 23

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῇ5 of 23

unto her

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

Ἄφες6 of 23

Let

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

πρῶτον7 of 23

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

χορτασθῆναι8 of 23

be filled

G5526

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

τὰ9 of 23
G3588

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

τέκνων10 of 23

the children

G5043

a child (as produced)

οὐ11 of 23

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γάρ12 of 23

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καλὸν13 of 23

meet

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἐστιν14 of 23

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

λαβεῖν15 of 23

to take

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸν16 of 23
G3588

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

ἄρτον17 of 23

bread

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

τῶν18 of 23
G3588

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

τέκνων19 of 23

the children

G5043

a child (as produced)

καὶ20 of 23

and

G2532

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

βαλεῖν21 of 23

to cast

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

τοῖς22 of 23
G3588

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

κυναρίοις23 of 23

it unto the dogs

G2952

a puppy


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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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