What is the meaning of Matthew 15:27?

“Yes, Lord,” she said

• In calling Jesus “Lord,” the Canaanite woman recognizes His divine authority, just as the leper did in Matthew 8:2 and the blind men in Matthew 9:28.

• Her ready agreement with Jesus’ prior statement (Matthew 15:26) shows submission rather than argument. She yields to His plan, mirroring Job’s response in Job 1:21.

• Faith addresses Christ personally; she prays to a Person, not a concept (Hebrews 4:16).

• She speaks though an outsider, paralleling the Roman centurion’s approach in Matthew 8:8–10, demonstrating that faith, not ethnicity, gains audience with the Messiah.

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“even the dogs

• Jesus had just used the household “little dogs” illustration (Matthew 15:26). She accepts the metaphor without offense, confessing her unworthiness like the prodigal in Luke 15:18–19.

• By identifying herself with the “dogs,” she shows humility (James 4:6) and aligns with Psalm 84:10—better a humble place near God than exalted status apart from Him.

• Her admission exposes Israel’s privileged position yet affirms God’s mercy extends beyond national borders (Isaiah 49:6).

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eat the crumbs

• She believes that even the smallest expression of Christ’s power is sufficient; a “crumb” from omnipotence meets every need (Ephesians 3:20).

• This echoes the woman with the hemorrhage who sought only to touch the fringe of His cloak (Matthew 9:20–22).

• The request is modest, yet grounded in confidence that abundance overflows from the Master (Psalm 23:5).

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that fall from their master’s table.”

• She looks to the “Master’s table,” acknowledging Israel’s covenant blessings (Romans 9:4–5) while trusting that Gentiles may partake in the overflow (Acts 10:34–35).

• Her statement anticipates the gospel reaching “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8; Ephesians 2:13–16).

• The falling crumbs illustrate God’s grace spilling beyond expected boundaries, fulfilling Genesis 12:3—“all peoples on earth will be blessed.”

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summary

The Canaanite woman’s reply in Matthew 15:27 blends humility, persistence, and faith. She calls Jesus “Lord,” accepts her outsider status, and trusts that even the smallest measure of His mercy suffices. Her words foreshadow the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvific plan and affirm that the Master’s table is rich enough for all who believe.