◄ Mark 7:25 ►
Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit soon heard about Jesus, and she came and fell at His feet.
Study Bible
Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit

This phrase introduces a Gentile woman, specifically a Syrophoenician by birth, as noted in the broader context of Mark 7. The mention of her daughter having an “unclean spirit” indicates a demonic possession, a common affliction in the Gospels that Jesus often confronts. The term “unclean” reflects Jewish purity laws, highlighting the spiritual and physical impurity associated with demonic influence. This situation underscores the pervasive impact of evil and the need for divine intervention. The fact that the woman is a Gentile emphasizes the reach of Jesus’ ministry beyond the Jewish people, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the New Covenant.

Mat 15:22 And a Canaanite woman from that region came…
Mat 15:28 “O woman,” Jesus answered, “your faith is great!”…
Luk 9:42 Even while the boy was approaching, the demon slammed him…

soon heard about Jesus,

The rapid spread of news about Jesus’ miraculous works and teachings is evident here. This reflects the growing reputation of Jesus as a healer and teacher, even in Gentile regions. The woman’s immediate response upon hearing about Jesus suggests her desperation and faith, as she seeks help for her daughter. This also illustrates the interconnectedness of communities and the movement of information in the ancient world, despite the lack of modern communication methods.

Mrk 5:27 When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up…
Mat 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports…
Luk 4:37 And the news about Jesus spread throughout…

and she came and fell at His feet.

Her posture joined humility, urgency, and confidence in Jesus’ authority. As a Gentile woman, she had no claim upon Israel’s covenant privileges, yet she appealed to the mercy of Israel’s Messiah. Her approach anticipates the gathering of the nations to Christ, who would bring salvation to Jew and Gentile alike.

Mat 15:25 The woman came and knelt before Him. “Lord, help me!”…
Jhn 11:32 When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet…
Luk 8:47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not escape notice,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel of Mark, known for His teachings, miracles, and compassion. In this passage, He is approached by a woman seeking healing for her daughter.

2. The Woman
A Gentile, specifically a Syrophoenician by birth, who demonstrates faith and desperation by seeking Jesus for her daughter's healing.

3. The Daughter
Described as having an "unclean spirit," indicating possession or severe spiritual affliction, which was a common understanding of illness in the cultural context.

4. Unclean Spirit
Refers to a demonic presence or influence, highlighting the spiritual battle and Jesus' authority over such forces.

5. Tyre and Sidon
Regions outside of Jewish territory, emphasizing the reach of Jesus' ministry beyond the Jewish people and foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles in the Gospel.
Teaching Points
Faith Beyond Boundaries
The woman's approach to Jesus, despite being a Gentile, illustrates that faith transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Believers are encouraged to seek Jesus with boldness, regardless of their background.

Persistence in Prayer
Her determination to seek Jesus for her daughter's healing is a model of persistent prayer. Christians are reminded to continually bring their needs before God, trusting in His timing and wisdom.

Humility Before Christ
The woman's act of falling at Jesus' feet is a powerful image of humility. Believers are called to approach God with a humble heart, recognizing their dependence on His grace.

Jesus' Authority Over Evil
The passage underscores Jesus' power over unclean spirits, affirming His divine authority. Christians can find assurance in Jesus' victory over spiritual darkness.

Inclusivity of the Gospel
The interaction foreshadows the Gospel's reach to all nations, encouraging believers to embrace and share the message of Christ with everyone, regardless of their background.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the woman's approach to Jesus challenge our understanding of faith and cultural boundaries?

2. In what ways can we demonstrate persistence in prayer, especially when facing difficult situations?

3. What does the woman's humility teach us about how we should approach God in our daily lives?

4. How does this passage reinforce the authority of Jesus over spiritual forces, and how can this influence our spiritual battles?

5. How can we apply the inclusivity of the Gospel in our interactions with people from different backgrounds and cultures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 15:21-28
This parallel account provides additional details, including the woman's persistence and Jesus' initial response, which tests her faith.

Acts 10
Peter's vision and the subsequent inclusion of Gentiles into the early church echo the theme of the Gospel reaching beyond Jewish boundaries.

James 4:10
The act of falling at Jesus' feet is a demonstration of humility, which is a recurring theme in Scripture regarding how believers should approach God.
Sermons
Daughter of a Syro-Phoenician Woman HealedJ.J. Given Mark 7:24-30
The Heathen MotherE. Johnson Mark 7:24- 30
The Prayer of the Syro-Phoenician WomanA.F. Muir Mark 7:24-30
The Syro-Phoenician WomanR. Green Mark 7:24-30
A Gradual Transition from Jew to GentileW. A. Butler, M. A.Mark 7:25-30
A Prayer that Involved an ArgumentW. A. Butler, M. A.Mark 7:25-30
DogsMark 7:25-30
Faith Improved by TrialMark 7:25-30
Faith Triumphant Over RefusalG. J. Vaughan, D. D.Mark 7:25-30
Great Faith Found Amongst the Gentiles Who Were to Gain the Most by ItW. A. Butler, M. A.Mark 7:25-30
Light Drawn Out of DarknessA. Farindon, D. D.Mark 7:25-30
Power and Efficacy of PrayerAnon.Mark 7:25-30
Prayer Richly AnsweredA. Farindon, D. D.Mark 7:25-30
So,To Prayers Take Long to AnswerH. W. Beecher.Mark 7:25-30
Suffering Sends to ChristA. Farindon, D. D.Mark 7:25-30
The Action of FaithR. Glover.Mark 7:25-30
The Canaanitish MotherBishop Samuel Wilberforce.Mark 7:25-30
The DogsH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 7:25-30
The Power of Faith Shown in the Woman of CanaanR. Parkinson, B. D.Mark 7:25-30
The Syro-Phoenician WomanA. Farindon, D. D.Mark 7:25-30
The Syro-Phoenician WomanD. Wilcox.Mark 7:25-30
The Syro-Phoenician WomanH. M. Luckock, D. D.Mark 7:25-30
The Woman of CanaanE. Blencowe, M. A.Mark 7:25-30
This Woman's NationalityH. M. Luckock, D. D., R. Glover.Mark 7:25-30
People
Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus
Places
Decapolis, Galilee, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Sidon, Tyre
Topics
Daughter, Evil, Fell, Flung, Forthwith, Foul, Hearing, Herself, Immediately, News, Possessed, Spirit, Straight, Straightway, Unclean
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Mark 7:25

     4195   spirits
     5151   feet

Mark 7:24-29

     2042   Christ, justice of

Mark 7:24-30

     4165   exorcism
     7135   Israel, people of God

Mark 7:25-26

     4133   demons, possession by

Mark 7:25-30

     4134   demons, exorcism
     8653   importunity, to God
     8832   testing

Library
The Pattern of Service
'He touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, He sighed, and saith Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.'--Mark vii 33, 34. For what reason was there this unwonted slowness in Christ's healing works? For what reason was there this unusual emotion ere He spoke the word which cleansed? As to the former question, a partial answer may perhaps be that our Lord is here on half-heathen ground, where aids to faith were much needed, and His power had to be veiled that it might be beheld. Hence the miracle is …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Children and Little Dogs
'And from thence He arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered Into an house, and would have no man know it: but He could not be hid. 25. For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of Him, and came and fell at His feet: 26. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 87. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Influence of Tradition.
"Making the word of God of none effect through your traditions: and many such like things ye do."--ST. MARK vii. 13. Such was our Lord's word to the Pharisees; and if we turn to our own life it is difficult if not impossible for us fully to estimate the influence which traditions exercise upon it. They are so woven into the web of thought and opinion, and daily habits and practices, that none of us can claim to escape them. Moreover, as any institution or society grows older, this influence of the …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Second Sermon for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
(From the Gospel for the day) This sermon tells us how a man who truly loves God, whose ears have been opened to receive the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit, is neither lifted up in joy nor cast down in sorrow. Mark vii. 37.--"He hath done all things well: He maketh both the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak." WE read in the Gospel for this day, that as our blessed Lord was going from one place to another, they brought unto Him a man who was born deaf and dumb; as must needs be; for he who is …
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

Deaf Ears and Stammering Tongues.
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity.) S. MARK vii. 37. "He hath done all things well. He maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak." Such was the verdict of the people who saw one of our Lord's miracles. How far more strongly may we say the same, having seen the work of Christ in the life of the Church at large, and in each of our individual souls! We cannot look on the world of nature without echoing the words of the text. No thoughtful man can mark the spring-time coming to the woods and …
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

Perfection to be Sought.
12th Sunday after Trinity. S. Mark vii., 37. "He hath done all things well." INTRODUCTION.--It was said by an old heathen writer that God cares for Adverbs rather than for Substantives. That is to say, God had rather have things done well, than that the things should be merely done. He had rather have you pray earnestly than pray, communicate piously than merely communicate, forgive your enemies heartily than say you forgive, work diligently than spend so many hours at work, do your duty thoroughly …
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Sighs of Christ
(Twelfth Sunday after Trinity.) Mark vii. 34, 35. And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. Why did the Lord Jesus look up to heaven? And why, too, did he sigh? He looked up to heaven, we may believe, because he looked to God the Father; to God, of whom the glorious collect tells us, that he is more ready to hear than we to pray, and is wont to give more …
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

The Deaf and Dumb.
ST MARK VII. 32-37. And they bring unto Jesus one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech Him to put His hand upon him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers into his ears, and He spit, and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. . . . And they were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath …
Charles Kingsley—Westminster Sermons

Things which Defile
"And He called to Him the multitude again, and said unto them, Hear Me all of you, and understand: there is nothing from without the man, that going into him can defile him: but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. And when He was entered into the house from the multitude, His disciples asked of Him the parable. And He saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Perceive ye not, that whatsoever from without goeth into the man, it cannot defile him; because …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Children and the Dogs
"And from thence He arose, and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. And He entered into a house, and would have no man know it; and He could not be hid. But straightway a woman, whose little daughter had an unclean spirit, having heard of Him, came and fell down at His feet. Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. And she besought Him that He would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. And He said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Deaf and Dumb Man
"And again He went out from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. And they bring unto Him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech Him to lay His hand upon him. And He took him aside from the multitude privately, and put His fingers into his ears, and He spat, and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, He sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And his ears were …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark

The Law.
ITS NATURE AND EFFECTS. THE law is the chief and most pure resemblance of the justice and holiness of the heavenly Majesty, and doth hold forth to all men the sharpness and keenness of his wrath. This is the rule and line and plummet whereby every act of every man shall be measured; and he whose righteousness is not found every way answerable to this law, which all will fall short of but they that have the righteousness of God by faith in Jesus Christ, he must perish. The law is spiritual, I am carnal. …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan

Protesting Our Innocence?
We have all become so used to condemning the proud self-righteous attitude of the Pharisee in the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican,[footnote1:Luke 18:9-14] that we can hardly believe that the picture of him there is meant to apply to us--which only shows how much like him we really are. The Sunday School teacher was never so much a Pharisee, as when she finished her lesson on this parable with the words, "And now, children, we can thank God that we are not as this Pharisee!" In particular …
Roy Hession and Revel Hession—The Calvary Road

Second Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 21; ^B Mark VII. 24. ^b 24 And from thence ^a Jesus ^b arose, and went ^a out ^b away ^a and withdrew into the parts { ^b borders} of Tyre and Sidon. [The journey here is indicated in marked terms because it differs from any previously recorded, for it was the first time that Jesus ever entered a foreign or heathen country. Some commentators contend from the use of the word "borders" by Mark that Jesus did not cross over the boundary, but the point is not well taken, for Mark vii. 31 …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Another Avoiding of Herod's Territory.
^A Matt. XV. 29; ^B Mark VII. 31. ^b 31 And ^a Jesus ^b again went out. ^a And departed thence, ^b from the borders of Tyre, and came through Sidon, ^a and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; ^b through the midst of the borders of Decapolis. ^a and he went up into a mountain, and sat down there. [From Tyre Jesus proceeded northward to Sidon and thence eastward across the mountains and the headwaters of the Jordan to the neighborhood of Damascus. Here he turned southward and approached the Sea of Galilee …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Fails to Attend the Third Passover.
Scribes Reproach Him for Disregarding Tradition. (Galilee, Probably Capernaum, Spring a.d. 29.) ^A Matt. XV. 1-20; ^B Mark VII. 1-23; ^D John VII. 1. ^d 1 And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Judæa, because the Jews sought to kill him. [John told us in his last chapter that the passover was near at hand. He here makes a general statement which shows that Jesus did not attend this passover. The reason for his absence is given at John v. 18.] ^a 1 Then there …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing a Phoenician Woman's Daughter.
(Region of Tyre and Sidon.) ^A Matt. XV. 22-28; ^B Mark VII. 24-30. ^b And he entered into a house, and would have no man know it [Jesus sought concealment for the purposes noted in the last section. He also, no doubt, desired an opportunity to impact private instruction to the twelve]; and he could not be hid. [The fame of Jesus had spread far and wide, and he and his disciples were too well known to escape the notice of any who had seen them or heard them described.] 25 But { ^a 22 And} behold, …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Deaf Stammerer Healed and Four Thousand Fed.
^A Matt. XV. 30-39; ^B Mark VII. 32-VIII. 9. ^b 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech [The man had evidently learned to speak before he lost his hearing. Some think that defective hearing had caused the impediment in his speech, but verse 35 suggests that he was tongue-tied]; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. 33 And he took him aside from the multitude privately, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spat, and touched his tongue [He separated …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus and the Syro-Phoenician Woman
THE purpose of Christ to withdraw His disciples from the excitement of Galilee, and from what might follow the execution of the Baptist, had been interrupted by the events at Bethsaida-Julias, but it was not changed. On the contrary, it must have been intensified. That wild, popular outburst, which had almost forced upon Him a Jewish Messiah-Kingship; the discussion with the Jerusalem Scribes about the washing of hands on the following day; the Discourses of the Sabbath, and the spreading disaffection, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A Group of Miracles among a Semi-Heathen Population
If even the brief stay of Jesus in that friendly Jewish home by the borders of Tyre could not remain unknown, the fame of the healing of the Syro-Phoenician maiden would soon have rendered impossible that privacy and retirement, which had been the chief object of His leaving Capernaum. Accordingly, when the two Paschal days were ended, He resumed His journey, extending it far beyond any previously undertaken, perhaps beyond what had been originally intended. The borders of Palestine proper, though …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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