The woman described in the miracle, the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:26; Συροφοινίκισσα, Syrophoinikissa) is also called a "Canaanite" (Matthew 15:22; Χαναναία, Chananaia) and is an unidentified New Testament
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The New Testament is the second major part of the Christian biblical canon, the first part being the Old Testament, based on the Hebrew Bible. The Greek New Testament discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christianity. Christians regard both the Ol…
Sidon
Sidon, known locally as Sayda or Saida, is the third-largest city in Lebanon. It is located in the South Governorate, of which it is the capital, on the Mediterranean coast. Tyre to the south and Lebanese capital Beirut to the north are both about 40 kilometres away. Sidon has a population of ab…
Full Answer
What is the story of the Canaanite woman?
The story of the Canaanite woman is found in Matthew 15: 21-28. This is the only place it is recorded in the Bible. Here is the short account. 21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!
What did Jesus say to the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15?
Answer: In Matthew 15:21–28, Jesus encounters a Canaanite (Syrophoenician) woman who begs Him to cure her daughter. Jesus initially refuses her request by saying, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26).
Did Jesus do a miracle for a Canaanite woman?
Besides, the Gospel of Matthew had already included such a statement by Jesus in Matthew 10:6. And Matthew’s Jewish audience would have been interested to know that Jesus did a miracle for a Canaanite woman, in Gentile land.
Did Jesus call the Canaanite woman a “dog?
Jesus acknowledged her faith—calling it “great”—and granted her request ( Matthew 15:28 ). So, according to both the context and language involved, Jesus wasn’t referring to the Canaanite woman as a “dog,” either directly or indirectly.
What is the name of the Canaanite woman?
In a similar vein and in view of Israel's imminent entry into Canaan, Joshua 2 features a woman named Rahab/“he [YHWH] has made a wide expanse,” gesturing towards Israel's upcoming territorial expansion.
What is the meaning of the faith of the Canaanite woman?
The Canaanite woman had a strong faith in God. She was convinced that she can only find real mercy and complete healing only through Jesus. In the gospel reading, Jesus had remarked that salvation is for the family of Israel. The Canaanites were not mentioned by him.
What is the lesson from the Canaanite woman?
“Faith of the Canaanite Woman” Sunday School Lesson on Matthew 15:21-28. God wants all kinds of people to believe in him, even those the world sees as outsiders. Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman is a powerful lesson on how God accepts all people based on faith. This passage is found in Matthew 15:21-28.
Where is the story of the Canaanite woman in the Bible?
Passage. The relevant passage in Matthew 15:22-28 reads as follows: A Canaanite woman from that region came to Jesus, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly."
What does Canaanite mean in Hebrew?
The Canaanites were people who lived in the land of Canaan, an area which according to ancient texts may have included parts of modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. Much of what scholars know about the Canaanites comes from records left by the people they came into contact with.
What religion were Canaanites?
polytheisticThe Canaanite religion was the group of ancient Semitic religions practiced by the Canaanites living in the ancient Levant from at least the early Bronze Age through the first centuries AD. Canaanite religion was polytheistic and, in some cases, monolatristic.
What is the meaning of Canaanite?
Definition of Canaanite : a member of a Semitic people inhabiting ancient Palestine and Phoenicia from about 3000 b.c.
What lessons can we learn from the woman with the issue of blood?
The woman with the issue of blood teaches us that when God gives us His attention, he is never multitasking. A faith as deep and unwavering as this woman's not only earns God's attention but it also secures His undivided attention. After the woman identified herself, Jesus zoomed in on her.
What is the meaning of Matthew 15 26?
In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. The New International Version translates the passage as: He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
What do dogs represent in the Bible?
The Egyptian god Anubis had a canine head, and this may be one reason why dogs in the Bible are never mentioned in a good light. Pigs were unclean, both ritually and as food (Lev 11:7), but dogs were the embodiment of gluttony, scavengers sent by God to tear and devour.
Who are the Canaanites today?
The people of modern-day Lebanon can trace their genetic ancestry back to the Canaanites, new research finds. The Canaanites were residents of the Levant (modern-day Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine) during the Bronze Age, starting about 4,000 years ago.
Who did the Canaanites worship?
Baal, god worshipped in many ancient Middle Eastern communities, especially among the Canaanites, who apparently considered him a fertility deity and one of the most important gods in the pantheon.
What is the meaning of Canaanite?
Definition of Canaanite : a member of a Semitic people inhabiting ancient Palestine and Phoenicia from about 3000 b.c.
What is the meaning of Matthew 15 26?
In the King James Version of the Bible the text reads: But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. The New International Version translates the passage as: He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."
How do you describe a woman of faith?
A woman of faith is confident because she understands the divine plan of our Heavenly Father and her role to bless lives. She is confident that any sacrifice she makes is worth something in an eternal sense. She knows about sacrifice from knowing of the life of the Savior.
Who did the Canaanites worship?
Baal, god worshipped in many ancient Middle Eastern communities, especially among the Canaanites, who apparently considered him a fertility deity and one of the most important gods in the pantheon.
What is the story of the Canaanite woman?
The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 (cf. Mark 7.24-30) is one of the most problematic stories in the New Testament. The characters seem all mixed up, with Jesus as the rude antagonist and a pagan woman as the righteous defender of the faith. Moreover, the story is difficult to classify: is it a healing narrative or ...
What is the exchange between Jesus and the Canaanite woman?
In sum, the exchange between Jesus and the Canaanite woman fits an ancient trope or image used for rhetorical effect which turns on the virtue of a ruler (like an emperor). Given his high status, the leader sees no reason to busy himself with the problems of the average poor in his kingdom.
What did the woman give him in the dialogue?
The woman gave him the opportunity to highlight his good leadership qualities. Moreover, the dialogue presented the woman a chance to gain honor. She pursued the virtuous course, and with the occasion to speak (and model) uprightness publicly, she earned the highest prize in antiquity - honor.
What is the genealogy of Tamar in Matthew 15.21f?
Matthew chooses a theologically charged description that intensifies the distance between the two. However, Jesus’ genealogy includes the Canaanites' Tamar ( Gen. 38) and Rahab ( Josh. 2 ), so the reader knows that in some sense, this woman in Matthew 15.21f. can claim to be “family” in an important theological sense that unfolds as ...
What does Jesus say to the Canaanite woman?
Jesus initially refuses her request by saying, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs” ( Matthew 15:26 ).
What did Jesus do when the Canaanite woman approached Jesus?
When the Canaanite woman approached and repeatedly asked for healing, the disciples were annoyed and asked Jesus to send her away ( Matthew 15:23 ). At this point, Jesus explained His current ministry in a way that both the woman and the watching disciples could understand.
What did Jesus call the Gentiles?
Jews in Jesus’ day sometimes referred to Gentiles as “dogs.” In Greek, this word is kuon, meaning “wild cur” ( Matthew 7:6; Luke 16:21; Philippians 3:2 ). Non-Jews were considered so unspiritual that even being in their presence could make a person ceremonially unclean ( John 18:28 ). Much of Jesus’ ministry, however, involved turning expectations and prejudices on their heads ( Matthew 11:19; John 4:9–10 ). According to Matthew’s narrative, Jesus left Israel and went into Tyre and Sidon, which was Gentile territory ( Matthew 15:21 ). When the Canaanite woman approached and repeatedly asked for healing, the disciples were annoyed and asked Jesus to send her away ( Matthew 15:23 ).
Was Jesus referring to the Canaanite woman as a dog?
So, according to both the context and language involved, Jesus wasn’t referring to the Canaanite woman as a “dog,” either directly or indirectly.
What is the story of the Canaanite woman?
The story of the Canaanite woman is one of many stories in The Bible of the power of faith. If you are unfamiliar with the story, it’s found in Matthew 15:21-28. In summary, a gentile woman (Canaanite) persistently asks Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus repeatedly appears to deny her request, but in the end, she receives it.
How to take on the attitude of the Canaanite woman?
Take on the attitude of the Canaanite woman by being willing to accept the scraps in life. You’ll be surprised at how much you will achieve.
What would happen if the Canaanite woman thought she needed Jesus' full attention and physical presence at her daughter?
Imagine if the Canaanite woman thought she needed Jesus’s full attention and physical presence at her daughter’s side in order for her to be healed. We could say that it would be like wanting a significant part of the food on the master’s table. If the Canaanite woman thought that way, she may have not said anything about getting the scraps and in turn, may have missed out on her daughter’s healing.
How many times did the Canaanite woman request to have her daughter healed?
During the story of the Canaanite woman, there were three times that her request seemed to be rejected by Jesus. Although it seemed that way, her request to have her daughter healed was granted in the end. This teaches us that things aren’t always what they seem.
What would happen if we looked at life with the attitude of the Canaanite woman?
If we look at life with the attitude of the Canaanite woman, we’d be able to get more of our desires. Although all may appear to be lost in a situation, pursuing any glimmer of hope may make the difference that we need.
Who is Moses the teacher?
Moses is a teacher by calling and an IT Professional by profession. He is dedicated to helping others grow personally and spiritually and lives by the motto "In This Life and The Next". He is the author of Input/Output: Change Your Environment, Change Your Life and routinely teaches at his church Chapel On The Hill where he is serving as an Elder and Youth Director.
Did the Canaanite woman ask Jesus for help?
As I highlighted in the lesson that things aren’t always what they seem, the Canaanite woman despite what appeared to be a denied request kept asking for Jesus’ help. Considering how persistent she was, it’s a good chance that she would have continued asking even if Jesus told her no explicitly.
What Is the Story of the Canaanite Woman?
The story of the Canaanite woman can be found in Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30. Canaanite was a Greek term, but the Hebrew people would have called this woman a Gentile. Jesus left Galilee and headed north to Tyre. However, this Canaanite woman found him, fell at his feet, and begged for him to heal her demon-possessed daughter.
The Canaanite Woman's Faith
The Canaanite woman represents the pagan, idolatrous, and unbelieving world. Jewish people of Jesus’s time didn’t think that such people deserved to be saved by God. They thought it was right to reject her. Jesus did come to speak to the Hebrew people first. But it seems out of character for Him to use this comparison to a dog.
Conclusion
Sometimes in the Bible, Gentiles showed more faith than the Hebrew people. Perhaps, most importantly, the story of the Canaanite woman may have been a precursor that God was about to reveal his full plan of bringing both Jews and Gentiles into the sheepfold of his Kingdom.
Who Were the Canaanites in the Bible?
The Canaanites were a people group who inhabited the land promised to Abraham.
Who were the Canaanites in Genesis?
The Canaanites are identified in Genesis as descendants of Ham, son of Noah. The strategic location where the Canaanites were settled carries great significance as we zoom out on the providential plan of God.
What is the meaning of Canaan in the Bible?
5 Things to Know about Canaan and the Canaanites in the Bible. 1. Canaan is the place God chose to fulfill His promise to Abraham. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.
What is the Canaanite society?
The Canaanite society serves as a sad reminder of the serious of sin, and the glorious truth we live in to day through the New Covenant, to have the opportunity to turn and repent, confess and be forgiven for wayward sinfulness.
Why was the Lord angry with the Canaanite people?
The Lord was angered by their idol worship, leading to many immoral practices within the Canaanite culture. In the midst of idol worship, God would establish His promises to Abraham. “The Lord wanted his chosen people to trust him, and the promised land was a land that fostered faith.
What does the Bible say about the Canaanites?
5 Things to Know about the Canaanites in the Bible. “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’”. Genesis 12:1.
Who appeared to Abram and said "To your offspring I will give this land"?
The LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’. So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.”. Genesis 12:6-7. When Abraham arrived at the land promised to him, the Canaanite people inhabited the land. They were a people who worshipped many gods and had many detestable practices.
Where did the Canaanites live?
The Canaanites were a group of ancient people who lived in the land of Canaan on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Canaan is described in the Bible as extending from Lebanon toward the Brook of Egypt in the south and the Jordan River Valley in the east.
Where is the land of Canaan in the Bible?
In the Bible, notably in Genesis 10 and Numbers 34, this was called the “land of Canaan” and occupies the same area that is occupied by modern Lebanon and Israel, plus parts of Jordan and Syria. The Canaanites are mentioned over 150 times in the Bible.
Why did the Israelites refuse to go into Canaan?
Only Joshua and Caleb were confident that God would help them defeat the Canaanites. Because of their unwillingness to trust God, that generation of Israelites was denied entry into Canaan ( Numbers 14:30-35 ).
Why was Canaan cursed?
Canaan was cursed because of his and his father’s sin against Noah ( Genesis 9:20–25 ). In some passages, Canaanites specifically refers to the people of the lowlands and plains of Canaan ( Joshua 11:3 ); in other passages, Canaanites is used more broadly to refer to all the inhabitants of the land, including the Hivites, Girgashites, Jebusites, ...
What is the land of Canaan?
The land of Canaan was the land God promised to give to Abraham’s descendants ( Genesis 12:7 ). The Canaanites are described in the Bible as a large and fierce people, not easily defeated, so the Israelites would need divine help to come against them, defeat them, and take their land away.
What did God promise Moses and Joshua?
God promised Moses and Joshua that help ( Joshua 1:3 ). After the Exodus, when the Lord told Moses to invade Canaan, Moses sent a group of spies into the land of Canaan to see what the people were like. The spies came back with a report that was both encouraging and daunting.
Observations on The Text
- This little story is essentially built around the conversation between the woman and Jesus. We begin with the note that Jesus withdrew far up the coast to the region of Tyre and Sidon. One would have to say that He was not simply trying to get away from difficult events in Israel, and n…
Synoptic Questions
- The account is also found in Mark 7:24-30. Mark gives us a little more information in some areas. Jesus came to the region and entered into a house and did not want anyone to know it. The woman heard about it and came looking for him. Mark explains that she was Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. This would be typical of the northern country, for it was ruled by Greeks for the perio…
Analysis of The Text
- I. The Circumstances: Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon (v. 21). There are two things you have to explain here: the withdrawing, and the location. Tyre and Sidon were the two main Phoenician cities just north of Mount Carmel on the coast. In the Old Testament times this was all the region of the Phoenicians, better known as Canaanitish tribes. The word does not refer to on…
Conclusion and Application
- The basic theme of the passage is that Christ went into Gentile territory and did this miracle for a Gentile woman who had greater faith than the Jews who were rejecting and challenging Jesus’ claims. It teaches us about the grace of our Lord, about faith of people who are in need, and about the coming advance of the kingdom to the Gentiles who will be sent into all the world. They woul…