But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

MATTHEW 15:26KJV
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Matthew 15:26 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:26 mean?

Matthew 15:26 records Jesus telling a woman that it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to dogs. In this context, Jesus is saying that what is meant for the children (the people of Israel) should not be given to others (Gentiles) in the same way.

Jesus is speaking to a Gentile woman who has asked for help, and he uses a common Jewish saying of the time to illustrate the order of his mission—first to Israel, then to others. The verse uses a household image, where “children” refers to Israelites and “dogs” was a term sometimes used for Gentiles, though here it likely refers to household pets rather than wild animals, softening the comparison.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:26

  • “dogs” (κυνάρια, kynaria): This word refers to small dogs or household pets, not wild or stray dogs. This choice of word suggests a softer, less insulting tone than the harsher term for dogs, hinting at some affection or inclusion within the household.
  • “children’s” (τέκνων, teknōn): This word means “children,” clearly pointing to the people of Israel in the metaphor, emphasizing the idea of priority or special status.
  • “bread” (ἄρτος, artos): Bread was a basic staple, symbolizing what is essential and meant for the family, highlighting the idea that Jesus’ ministry was first directed to Israel.

Why Matthew 15:26 matters

  • Matthew 15:26 helps clarify that Jesus’ earthly ministry was intentionally focused on Israel first, reflecting the historical order of God’s promises.
  • The verse shows the cultural and religious boundaries of the time, but the conversation that follows reveals Jesus’ openness to faith from outside Israel.
  • Understanding the softer Greek word for “dogs” helps modern readers see that Jesus’ words, while challenging, were not as harsh as they might sound in English, and sets up the woman’s faithful response in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“dogs” Greek G2952 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
  • Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
  • Mark 7:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

“meet” Greek G2570 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • 1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

“children's” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

“bread” Greek G740 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
  • John 6:23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)