King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:22 Mean?

Matthew 15:22 in the King James Version says “And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou S... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 15:22 · KJV


Context

20

These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

21

Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.

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.

23

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

24

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse originates in Jesus' ministry during a pivotal period. The first-century Jewish context included Roman occupation, Pharisaic religious authority, and messianic expectations. Understanding these factors illuminates the passage's significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
καὶ1 of 22

And

G2532

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

ἰδού,2 of 22

behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

γυνὴ3 of 22

a woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

Χαναναία4 of 22

of Canaan

G5478

a chanaanaean (i.e., kenaanite), or native of gentile palestine

ἀπὸ5 of 22

out of

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν6 of 22
G3588

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

ὁρίων7 of 22

coasts

G3725

a boundary-line, i.e., (by implication) a frontier (region)

ἐκείνων8 of 22

the same

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἐξελθοῦσα9 of 22

came

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἔκραύγασεν10 of 22

and cried

G2905

to clamor

αὐτῷ11 of 22

unto 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

λέγουσα,12 of 22

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐλέησόν13 of 22

Have mercy

G1653

to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)

με,14 of 22

on me

G3165

me

κύριε,15 of 22

O Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

υἱὲ16 of 22

thou Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Δαβίδ·17 of 22

of David

G1138

david, the israelite king

18 of 22
G3588

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

θυγάτηρ19 of 22

daughter

G2364

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

μου20 of 22

my

G3450

of me

κακῶς21 of 22

is grievously

G2560

badly (physically or morally)

δαιμονίζεται22 of 22

vexed with a devil

G1139

to be exercised by a daemon


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 15:22 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 Matthew 15:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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