And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

MATTHEW 15:22KJV
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Matthew 15:22 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:22 mean?

Matthew 15:22 describes a woman from the region of Canaan who approaches Jesus, calling out for his help because her daughter is suffering badly from a demon. She recognizes Jesus as "Lord" and "Son of David," showing both respect and belief in his special authority.

In this scene, the woman is not Jewish but comes from a group historically seen as outsiders by the Jews. She cries out to Jesus as he travels in her area, asking for mercy and help for her daughter, who is tormented by an evil spirit. Her words show both desperation and faith, as she gives Jesus a title that connects him to the Jewish hope for a Messiah.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:22

  • "Κύριε" (Kyrie, G2962): This word means "Lord" and is a title of respect, but it can also carry a sense of recognizing someone’s authority or divinity. The woman’s use of this term shows she sees Jesus as more than just a teacher.
  • "Υἱὸς Δαυίδ" (Huios Dauid, G5207 and G1138): This phrase means "Son of David," a title for the Messiah in Jewish expectation. The woman, though not Jewish, uses this title, showing her awareness of Jewish beliefs about the coming savior.
  • "ἐλέησόν" (eleēson, G1653): This word means "have mercy." It is a plea for compassion, not just for healing but for undeserved kindness, highlighting the woman’s humility and need.

Why Matthew 15:22 matters

  • Matthew 15:22 shows that faith in Jesus is not limited to Jewish people; even those considered outsiders can recognize who he is and seek his help.
  • The woman’s approach, using both "Lord" and "Son of David," highlights her understanding of Jesus’ identity in a way that many others around him did not.
  • This verse sets up a key moment in the story where Jesus responds to someone outside his usual audience, leading to a lesson about faith and inclusion in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“cried” Greek G2905 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 12:19 He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.
  • John 18:40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
  • John 19:15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

“coasts” Greek G3725 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
  • Matthew 15:39 And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.
  • Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

“devil” Greek G1139 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.
  • Mark 5:16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.

“grievously” Greek G2560 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.