Matthew 15:27

“Yes, Lord,” she said, “even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.”

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The Canaanite woman responds to Jesus after He states it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs. She addresses Him directly at the moment He tests her request for her daughter’s healing.

The words — ναὶ κύριε (nai kurie) translates literally to “Yes, Lord,” while γὰρ (gar) functions as a connective particle meaning “however” or “indeed.” The phrase anchors her reply in direct acknowledgment of His authority and the logical concession that follows.

The thread — The imagery of dogs and table crumbs recurs in Luke 16:21, where stray dogs lick the sores of a beggar who longs for fallen scraps. The theme of Gentile inclusion under grace also surfaces in Ephesians 3:8.

Why it lands — The text records her acceptance of a subordinate position without demanding special treatment. It requires the reader to recognize that persistent, unpretentious faith accesses mercy regardless of status.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.

Cross-references

Luke 16:21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
Ephesians 3:8 Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Job 40:4 “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
Luke 15:18 I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him,
1 Timothy 1:13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
Matthew 5:45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Matthew 8:8 The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
Luke 7:6 So Jesus went with them. But when He was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with the message: “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You come under my roof.
Luke 18:13 But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’