But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

MATTHEW 15:24KJV
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Matthew 15:24 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:24 mean?

Matthew 15:24 records Jesus saying that his mission was focused on "the lost sheep of the house of Israel," meaning he was sent specifically to the Jewish people who had strayed from God. In this verse, Jesus explains the particular focus of his ministry at that moment, addressing the boundaries of his work.

Jesus is speaking to a Gentile woman who has asked for help, and his reply sets the scene for a conversation about who his ministry is for. The phrase "lost sheep of the house of Israel" refers to Jewish people who were spiritually wandering or disconnected from God. This statement comes in the middle of a story where Jesus’ actions and words highlight both the original focus of his mission and the eventual inclusion of others.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:24

  • "Lost" (ἀπολωλότα, apolōlota): This word means "destroyed" or "lost," and here it points to people who have gone astray or are in need of rescue, not just physically missing but spiritually in trouble.
  • "Sheep" (πρόβατα, probata): Sheep are often used in the Bible as a picture of people who need guidance and care, emphasizing vulnerability and dependence.
  • "House" (οἶκος, oikos): This word means "household" or "family," making it clear that Jesus is talking about the people of Israel as a group with shared identity and history.

Why Matthew 15:24 matters

  • Matthew 15:24 clears up the immediate focus of Jesus’ earthly ministry, showing that he was first sent to Israel before the message spread to all nations.
  • The verse highlights the idea that Jesus’ mission had a specific order and purpose, which helps explain some of his interactions with non-Jews in the Gospels.
  • This statement sets up the rest of the story, where Jesus’ compassion and the woman’s faith lead to a broader understanding of who can receive God’s help.

Where else these words appear

“sheep” Greek G4263 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
  • Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
  • John 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

“lost” Greek G622 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 6:9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
  • John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

“but” Greek G1508 · used in 87 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.
  • Romans 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.