Matthew 15:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 15:28 mean?

Matthew 15:28 describes Jesus responding to a woman by praising her faith and granting her request, resulting in her daughter being healed immediately. The verse highlights Jesus’ recognition of the woman’s trust and persistence, and shows that her faith led to a real, tangible outcome.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a Gentile woman who has been pleading for her daughter’s healing. Despite initial resistance, her determination and belief in Jesus’ power stand out. Jesus addresses her directly, calling her faith "great," and the healing happens at that very moment, emphasizing both his authority and the importance of faith.

The Greek behind Matthew 15:28

• The word for "great" is μέγας (megas), here in the form μεγάλη (megalē), which means "large" or "remarkable." Jesus is not just acknowledging faith, but emphasizing its exceptional quality in this woman.
• The Greek word for "faith" is πίστις (pistis), which often carries the sense of trust or confidence. In this context, it highlights the woman’s deep trust in Jesus’ ability and willingness to help, even though she is not from the Jewish community.
• The phrase "be it unto thee even as thou wilt" uses the Greek θέλω (thelō), meaning "to wish" or "to desire." Jesus is granting her request exactly as she asked, underscoring the personal nature of his response.
• The word for "made whole" is ἰάομαι (iaomai), meaning "to heal" or "to restore." The text stresses that the healing was complete and immediate.

Why Matthew 15:28 matters

• Matthew 15:28 clears up the idea that Jesus’ compassion and power were limited only to certain groups; here, a non-Jewish woman’s faith is honored in a remarkable way.
• The verse emphasizes that genuine faith—regardless of background—can move Jesus to act, which is a key theme in the wider passage.
• This moment connects to the larger story by showing that persistence and trust in Jesus are recognized and rewarded, even when initial answers seem discouraging.