Matthew 15 23

Matthew 15:23

ESV: But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us."

KJV: But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

NIV: Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."

NKJV: But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us."

NLT: But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word. Then his disciples urged him to send her away. "Tell her to go away," they said. "She is bothering us with all her begging."

Meaning

Matthew 15:23 describes Jesus' initial response to the persistent plea of the Canaanite woman. Upon hearing her desperate cries for her demon-possessed daughter, Jesus did not speak a single word in reply. Observing her continued importunity and being evidently bothered by it, His disciples approached Him and urged Him to send her away, explaining their reason: her loud and persistent crying was disturbing them. This verse sets the stage for a powerful interaction that tests faith and reveals the boundaries of the disciples' understanding and Jesus' divine plan.

Cross References

Context

This encounter occurs immediately after Jesus' discourse on defilement (Mt 15:1-20), where He directly challenged the Pharisaic tradition and ritual purity laws. He then "went away from there and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon" (Mt 15:21), a region primarily inhabited by Gentiles (Canaanites). This geographical shift is significant, placing Jesus directly in Gentile territory, which sets the stage for an interaction outside the immediate focus of His ministry to Israel (Mt 10:5-6; Rom 15:8). The woman's public and persistent crying for help (Mt 15:22) highlights her desperation and, unusual for a Gentile woman to approach a Jewish rabbi with such boldness, points to a unique level of faith. Jesus' silence in verse 23 stands in stark contrast to her clamor and the disciples' urgent intervention, forming a critical juncture in the narrative of faith and mission. The disciples' reaction, desiring her dismissal due to annoyance, underscores their still-limited understanding of Jesus' compassion and the breadth of His mission to include those outside of Israel.

Word analysis

• But he answered her not a word:

  • He: Refers to Jesus.
  • answered: (Greek: apokrinomai, ἀπεκρίθη) Standard word for "to answer." Here, it signifies the absence of any verbal response.
  • not a word: (Greek: ouden logon, οὐδὲν λόγον) An emphatic negation. It wasn't just a brief silence but an utter lack of verbal acknowledgment.
  • Significance: Jesus' silence is intentional, not out of indifference. It tests the woman's persistence, instructs the disciples on enduring prayer, and highlights the depth of the woman's faith that she would continue despite no immediate encouragement. It echoes prophecies of a suffering servant who does not speak (Isa 53:7). It may also draw a parallel to how God sometimes seems silent during times of profound trial, deepening faith rather than dismissing it.

• And his disciples came and besought him:

  • his disciples: Those closest to Jesus, often representing humanity's flawed understanding and natural inclinations.
  • came: (Greek: proselthontes, προσελθόντες) Indicates a purposeful approach to Jesus. They actively intervened.
  • besought him: (Greek: parekaloun, παρεκάλουν) Means to implore, appeal to, or urge. It suggests a strong request, a pleading. Their motive appears to be for their own relief or Jesus', seeing the woman as a disturbance.
  • Significance: This phrase reveals the disciples' immediate concern. They were not advocating for the woman but for their comfort or to "solve" the disruption she caused. It demonstrates their spiritual immaturity at this point regarding the mission to Gentiles and a lack of full empathy for the suffering.

• saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us:

  • Send her away: (Greek: Apolyson auten, Ἀπόλυσον αὐτήν) A direct command or strong request meaning "dismiss her," "release her," or "let her go." It's an instruction to get rid of her.
  • for: Introduces the reason for their request.
  • she crieth: (Greek: krazei, κράζει) Implies a loud, urgent, persistent, almost a "screaming" or "clamoring" sound. It's not a polite request but a vehement cry of desperation.
  • after us: Literally "behind us." She was following and continually calling out, persistently making her presence known.
  • Significance: This line explicitly states the disciples' motive: her persistent, loud cries were bothering them. It wasn't primarily an act of compassion for her or concern for Jesus' time, but a desire for quiet and peace. This exposes a human, rather than divinely-inspired, response to inconvenience. The woman's "crying" is a demonstration of her unwavering and desperate faith, contrasted with the disciples' desire for her cessation.

Commentary

Matthew 15:23 presents a profound scene that highlights several key theological truths. Jesus' initial silence is often misunderstood as indifference, yet it is a crucial element in His divine pedagogy. This deliberate inaction served to deepen the woman's resolve, demonstrating her faith not just in words but in unwavering perseverance despite apparent rejection. Her persistent, desperate cries were not only a display of need but also a testament to her belief in Jesus' power and mercy. Many scholars view this silence as a test, refining and revealing the authenticity of her faith to both herself, the disciples, and the surrounding crowd. It mirrored Old Testament themes where God's perceived silence often preceded a powerful demonstration of His presence and faithfulness.

The disciples' interjection, "Send her away, for she crieth after us," exposes their limited compassion and their human, rather than spiritual, perspective. They were annoyed by the persistent noise and sought relief from it, rather than seeking to alleviate the woman's profound suffering. This reaction starkly contrasts with Jesus' own heart for the lost and suffering, especially those whom society had marginalized. Their plea underscores their yet-incomplete understanding of Jesus' universal mission to save all who come to Him in faith, irrespective of their background or status. This moment sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent words, which will further test the woman and profoundly teach His followers about the nature of saving faith, which can be found even among Gentiles. The entire episode emphasizes the power of persistent, humble faith to move the heart of God, even when initial appearances suggest otherwise.

Bonus section

The Canaanite woman's interaction, beginning with Jesus' silence in Matthew 15:23, profoundly challenges traditional religious boundaries and the disciples' ethnocentric views. Historically, Canaanites were ancient enemies of Israel. The woman, by persistently calling after a Jewish Rabbi, was defying societal norms and ingrained prejudice. Her persistence, in the face of what appeared to be initial coldness from Jesus and clear annoyance from His disciples, demonstrates a faith that recognized Jesus' authority beyond ethnic or religious distinctions. This narrative element serves as an important counterpoint to the earlier discussion in the chapter about ritual purity among the Pharisees, emphasizing that true defilement comes from within (Mt 15:19), and true faith can be found outside conventional religious circles. The episode prefigures the broader inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant people of God, a major theme developed further in the book of Acts and Pauline epistles.

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