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

MATTHEW 15:23KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 15:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:23 mean?

Matthew 15:23 shows Jesus not responding at first to a woman who is pleading with him, while his disciples urge him to send her away because she keeps calling out after them. The verse highlights both Jesus’ initial silence and the disciples’ impatience with the woman’s persistent cries for help.

In this scene, Jesus is traveling with his disciples when a Canaanite woman begs him to help her daughter. Jesus does not answer her right away, which is unusual compared to other stories where he responds quickly. The disciples, feeling bothered by her persistence, ask Jesus to dismiss her. This moment sets up the tension and the lesson that unfolds in the next verses.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:23

  • The word "answered" (ἀπεκρίθη, apokrinomai) is used here in the negative—Jesus "answered her not a word"—emphasizing his complete silence, which is striking given his usual compassion.
  • The verb "besought" (ἐρώτων, erōtaō) means the disciples were actively urging or pleading with Jesus, not just making a casual suggestion.
  • "Send her away" (ἀπόλυσον, apolysōn) can mean to dismiss or release, but in this context, it often carries the sense of wanting to get rid of someone who is being troublesome.
  • "She crieth after us" (κράζει, krazei) uses a word that means to cry out loudly or shout, showing the woman’s desperation and persistence.

Why Matthew 15:23 matters

  • Matthew 15:23 helps clarify that Jesus’ silence was intentional and sets up a teaching moment, rather than being indifference or lack of care.
  • The verse shows the disciples’ perspective, revealing their discomfort with interruptions and their limited understanding of Jesus’ mission at this point.
  • This moment prepares the reader for the important exchange that follows, where Jesus addresses issues of faith, inclusion, and persistence.

Where else these words appear

“after” Greek G3693 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Luke 8:44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

“besought” Greek G2065 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
  • John 1:19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?
  • John 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.

“crieth” Greek G2896 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 15:13 And they cried out again, Crucify him.
  • Acts 19:34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

“Send” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.