Mark 7:27 (KJV)

What does Mark 7:27 mean?

Mark 7:27 records Jesus telling a woman that it is not right to take what belongs to the children and give it to the dogs, saying, “Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.” Jesus is using a metaphor to explain that his ministry is first for the Jewish people (“the children”) before it extends to others (“the dogs”).

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a Syrophoenician (Gentile) woman who has asked him to heal her daughter. The “children” refers to the people of Israel, while “dogs” was a common Jewish term for Gentiles at the time. Jesus’ words highlight the order of his mission—first to Israel, then to the wider world—while also setting up the woman’s faithful response in the following verses.

The Greek behind Mark 7:27

• τέκνα (tekna, “children”): This word points to those who are part of the family, here meaning the people of Israel, emphasizing their priority in Jesus’ ministry.
• κυνάρια (kynaria, “dogs”): The Greek word used here is a diminutive, often understood as “little dogs” or “household dogs,” which softens the image compared to wild or scavenging dogs. This suggests a less harsh tone than might be assumed from the English.
• πρῶτον (proton, “first”): This word means “first” in order or priority, making clear that Jesus is talking about sequence, not exclusion.
• χορτασθῆναι (chortasthēnai, “be filled”): This word means “to be satisfied” or “to have enough,” showing that Jesus is talking about the children (Israel) receiving what they need before others.

Why Mark 7:27 matters

• Mark 7:27 helps clear up the idea that Jesus was being cruel or dismissive; the Greek wording shows a softer, more nuanced exchange that leaves room for the woman’s faith to shine.
• The verse highlights the historical order of Jesus’ mission: first to Israel, then to the Gentiles, which is a key theme in the Gospels and the early church.
• Understanding this verse in context helps make sense of the woman’s remarkable reply in the next verse, and why Jesus praises her faith and grants her request.