Geographical Context:
Syrophoenicia refers to a region in the ancient Near East, encompassing parts of modern-day Lebanon and Syria. It was a coastal area known for its significant cities, including Tyre and Sidon. The term "Syrophoenician" is used in the New Testament to describe the inhabitants of this region, who were of mixed Phoenician and Syrian descent. The Phoenicians were renowned for their seafaring and trade, contributing to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the area.

Biblical References:
The most notable mention of Syrophoenicia in the Bible is found in the Gospel of Mark. In Mark 7:24-30 , Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He encounters a Syrophoenician woman. This woman, described as a Gentile, approaches Jesus to plead for the healing of her demon-possessed daughter. The passage reads:

"Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know He was there, yet He could not escape notice. Instead, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit immediately came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Him to drive the demon out of her daughter. 'First let the children have their fill,' He said. 'For it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.' 'Yes, Lord,' she replied, 'even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.' Then Jesus told her, 'Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.' And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone."

This encounter highlights several key themes, including faith, humility, and the extension of Jesus' ministry beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles. The woman's persistence and faith are commended by Jesus, resulting in the miraculous healing of her daughter.

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The Syrophoenician woman’s interaction with Jesus is significant for several reasons. It underscores the universality of Jesus' mission and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers. Despite the initial response that reflects the prevailing Jewish view of Gentiles, Jesus' ultimate granting of the woman's request demonstrates His compassion and the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

The term "Syrophoenician" itself reflects the blending of cultures in the region, as the Phoenicians were known for their polytheistic beliefs and practices, which often stood in contrast to the monotheistic faith of Israel. This cultural backdrop provides a deeper understanding of the challenges and prejudices that existed between Jews and Gentiles during the time of Jesus.

Historical Context:
Historically, Syrophoenicia was a region of strategic importance due to its location along major trade routes and its access to the Mediterranean Sea. The cities of Tyre and Sidon were prominent centers of commerce and culture. The Phoenicians, known for their development of the alphabet and their maritime prowess, played a crucial role in the spread of ideas and goods across the ancient world.

In the context of the New Testament, the mention of Syrophoenicia serves to illustrate the broader reach of Jesus' ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. The encounter with the Syrophoenician woman is a testament to the breaking down of barriers and the extension of grace to all who exhibit faith, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.Syrophoenicia

Is Phoenicia properly so called, but during the period when by conquest it was united to the kingdom of Syria, it prefixed to its old name Phoenicia, that of Syria. The Canaanitish woman is called a Syrophoenician, Mark 7:26, because she was of Phoenicia, then considered as part of Syria. Matthew, who is by some supposed to have written in Hebrew or Syriac, calls her a Canaanitish woman, Matthew 15:22, because that country was really people by Canaanites, Zidon being the eldest son of Canaan,

Genesis 10:15. See PHOENICIA, PHENICIA, or PHENICE.

He Proves that this Prophecy Harmonizes with Christ Alone, from ...
... [2247] And none of you can deny that Damascus was, and is, in the region of Arabia,
although now it belongs to what is called Syrophoenicia. ...
/.../chapter lxxviii he proves that this.htm

Isaiah's Prophecies Considered the virginity of Christ's Mother a ...
... For the East generally regarded the magi as kings; and Damascus was anciently deemed
to belong to Arabia, before it was transferred to Syrophoenicia on the ...
/.../chapter xiii isaiahs prophecies considered the.htm

Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... held the magi (to be) kings; and Damascus, on the other hand, used formerly to be
reckoned to Arabia before it was transferred into Syrophoenicia on the ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ix of the prophecies of.htm

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