King James Version

What Does Matthew 15:26 Mean?

Matthew 15:26 in the King James Version says “But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 15:26 · KJV

Context

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.

27

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.

28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Read Matthew 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs (οὐκ ἔστιν καλὸν λαβεῖν τὸν ἄρτον τῶν τέκνων καὶ βαλεῖν τοῖς κυνάριοις, ouk estin kalon labein ton arton tōn teknōn kai balein tois kynariois)—Jesus used the diminutive kynariois (little dogs, house dogs), not the harsh term for wild scavengers. 'Children's bread' referred to blessings promised to Israel. This statement tested the woman's faith to its breaking point.

Christ's words, though seemingly harsh, actually invited a response of faith. He was testing her theology: Would she dispute Israel's privilege, or humbly acknowledge it while appealing to grace? The 'dogs' metaphor reflected common Jewish-Gentile distinctions but used the softer term for household pets. Jesus was creating an opportunity for her to demonstrate extraordinary faith that even Israel lacked.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Jews commonly referred to Gentiles as 'dogs' to distinguish God's covenant people from pagans. However, Jesus softened this by using 'little dogs' (puppies, household pets) rather than street scavengers. In affluent homes, children ate at the table while household pets waited beneath for falling morsels. Jesus used this domestic scene to frame the salvation-historical order: blessings to Israel first, then to Gentiles through Israel's Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did Jesus's 'harsh' words actually create the opportunity for the woman to demonstrate greater faith than anyone in Israel had shown?
  2. What does the woman's refusal to be offended by Jesus's 'dog' reference teach about humility in approaching God's grace?
  3. How does understanding the 'children first, then household pets' imagery help you appreciate God's redemptive timeline without seeing it as favoritism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
ὁ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς3 of 16

“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 16

“and said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐκ5 of 16

“not”

G3756

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

ἔστιν6 of 16

“It is”

G2076

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

καλὸν7 of 16

“meet”

G2570

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

λαβεῖν8 of 16

“to take”

G2983

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

τὸν9 of 16
G3588

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

ἄρτον10 of 16

“bread”

G740

bread (as raised) or a loaf

τῶν11 of 16
G3588

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

τέκνων12 of 16

“the children's”

G5043

a child (as produced)

καὶ13 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

βαλεῖν14 of 16

“to cast”

G906

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

τοῖς15 of 16
G3588

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

κυναρίοις16 of 16

“it to dogs”

G2952

a puppy

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 15:26 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 Matthew 15:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:27-28Matthew 7:6Philippians 3:2Ephesians 2:12Galatians 2:15Revelation 22:15

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 15 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes