Devine Scripture

Matthew 15:22

What does Matthew 15:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 15:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 15:22 means

As Jesus enters Gentile territory, a Canaanite woman, a non-Jew and a descendant of Israel's ancient enemies, approaches Him. She cries out a desperate plea for mercy, acknowledging Jesus as "Lord, thou son of David"—a messianic title usually used by Jews. Her request is specific: her daughter is gravely afflicted by a demon. This woman's immediate recognition of Jesus's authority and her urgent need highlight her profound suffering and foreshadow her extraordinary faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And a woman of Canaan came out from those parts, crying and saying, Have pity on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is greatly troubled with an unclean spirit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and lo, a woman, a Canaanitess, from those borders having come forth, did call to him, saying, `Deal kindly with me, Sir--Son of David; my daughter is miserably demonized.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And behold a woman of Canaan who came out of those coasts, crying out, said to him: Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David: my daughter is grievously troubled by a devil.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and lo, a Canaanitish woman, coming out from those borders, cried [to him] saying, Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is miserably possessed by a demon.

Context

This verse immediately introduces the primary figure of the next significant narrative after Jesus enters Gentile territory in verse 21. The desperate plea of the Canaanite woman, a Gentile, establishes the central conflict and unique circumstances of this encounter, setting the stage for Jesus's initial, seemingly harsh responses and her subsequent demonstration of remarkable faith.

v.21And Jesus went out thence, and withdrew into the parts of Tyre and Sidon.

v.22This passage

v.23But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezekiel 3:6

    not to many peoples of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, if I sent thee to them, they would hearken unto thee.

  • Luke 18:38

    And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.

  • Mark 9:17

    And one of the multitude answered him, Teacher, I brought unto thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit;

  • Psalms 45:12

    And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; The rich among the people shall entreat thy favor.

  • Matthew 22:42

    saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David.

  • John 7:41

    Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, What, doth the Christ come out of Galilee?

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