As a priest, I often come across questions that challenge our understanding of scripture. One such inquiry revolves around Matthew 15:21–28, where Jesus interacts with a Canaanite (Syrophoenician) woman.
In this encounter, the woman beseeches Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus initially responds by saying, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26). Simplified and taken out of context, especially in English, this might seem somewhat derogatory. But considering the broader narrative, it’s evident that Jesus is developing a metaphor to illustrate the priorities of His ministry, and provide an important lesson for His disciples.
The Jews during Jesus’ time occasionally referred to Gentiles as “dogs.” The term in Greek context is ‘kuon’, signifying a wild cur (Matthew 7:6; Luke 16:21; Philippians 3:2). Non-Jews were deemed unspiritual to such an extent that merely being in their presence could render someone ceremonially unclean (John 18:28). However, Jesus’ ministry often involved challenging existing prejudices (Matthew 11:19; John 4:9–10).
In this particular incident, Matthew tells us that Jesus moved outside Israel into the Gentile Territory of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21). The disciples, clearly frustrated by the relentless requests from the Canaanite woman for her daughter’s healing, suggested to Jesus to dismiss her (Matthew 15:23).
Jesus then expounded on His mission to both the woman and His disciples, affirming that His attention was primarily towards the people of Israel, not the Gentiles (Matthew 15:24). In this context, Him shifting the focus from Israel would be equated to a father taking his children’s food and giving it to their pets (Matthews 15:26). The term Jesus used here was ‘kunarion’, a Greek word translating into “small dog” or “pet dog”. Notably distinct from ‘kuon’, commonly used for unspiritual individuals or an “unclean” animal.
Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman was yet another instance of His strategy of testing individuals to reveal their true intentions, often by resorting to response questions or challenges (John 4:16–18; and 4:50–53). He initially dismissed her request, stating that she had no real claim to His assistance. The woman responded with conviction, reflecting the teaching of Jesus from the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8). Admiring her faith— which He called “great”— Jesus fulfilled her request (Matthew 15:28).
We, therefore, infer from the context and language usage that Jesus was not labeling the Canaanite woman as a “dog”. He was not resorting to disparaging terms or racial slurs, but underlining the priorities mandated to Him by God. Simultaneously, He used this interaction to test the woman’s faith as well as enlighten His disciples with a valuable lesson.
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