King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:24 Mean?

Matthew 15:24 in the King James Version says “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 15:24 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.

26

But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel (οὐκ ἀπεστάλην εἰ μὴ εἰς τὰ πρόβατα τὰ ἀπολωλότα οἴκου Ἰσραήλ, ouk apestalēn ei mē eis ta probata ta apolōlota oikou Israēl)—Jesus defined the primary scope of his earthly ministry. The word apestalēn (I have been sent) indicates divine commission, specific and intentional. 'Lost sheep' (ἀπολωλότα, apolōlota) means destroyed, perished—Israel was spiritually lost despite religious privilege.

This statement wasn't ethnic exclusion but temporal priority in God's redemptive plan: 'to the Jew first, and also to the Greek' (Romans 1:16). Jesus came to fulfill God's covenant promises to Israel, but Israel's rejection would open salvation's door to all nations (Romans 11:11-12). The woman's persistent faith would prove that Gentiles could receive Israel's blessings through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Jesus's earthly ministry (AD 27-30), he deliberately focused on Jewish people, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about Messiah coming to his own people (John 1:11). The great Gentile mission came after Pentecost (Acts 1:8, 10:1-48). However, Jesus gave hints of coming Gentile inclusion (Matthew 8:11, John 10:16), and this Canaanite woman received one of these preview glimpses of the gospel's universal scope.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding God's historical redemptive plan ('to the Jew first') help you trust his timing in your own circumstances?
  2. What does the phrase 'lost sheep' reveal about Israel's spiritual condition despite their religious advantages and covenant status?
  3. How does this verse prepare for the Great Commission's call to 'make disciples of all nations' (Matthew 28:19)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς3 of 15

“he answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

εἶπεν4 of 15

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐκ5 of 15

“not”

G3756

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

ἀπεστάλην6 of 15

“I am”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

εἰ7 of 15
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ8 of 15
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

εἰς9 of 15

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὰ10 of 15
G3588

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

πρόβατα11 of 15

“sheep”

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

τὰ12 of 15
G3588

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

ἀπολωλότα13 of 15

“the lost”

G622

to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively

οἴκου14 of 15

“of the house”

G3624

a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)

Ἰσραήλ15 of 15

“of Israel”

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

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 15:24 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 15:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:5-6Romans 15:8Acts 13:46Jeremiah 50:6-7Ezekiel 34:5-6Acts 3:25-26

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