What was the reason behind Jesus referring to the Canaanite woman as a dog? (Matthew 15:21–28) By Babatunde Olugboji
In Matthew 15:21–28, Jesus meets a Canaanite (Syrophoenician) woman who implores him to heal her daughter. Initially, Jesus declines her plea, stating, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26). When taken out of context, particularly in English, this statement can easily be perceived as an insult. However, in the proper context of the narrative, it becomes evident that Jesus is employing a metaphor intended to illustrate the priorities of his ministry at that time. Additionally, he is imparting a significant lesson to his disciples.
In the time of Jesus, Jews occasionally referred to Gentiles as “dogs.” The Greek term for this is kuon, which translates to “wild cur” (Matthew 7:6; Luke 16:21; Ph 3:2). Non-Jews were deemed so spiritually deficient that merely being in their company could render a person ceremonially unclean (John 18:28).
Nevertheless, a significant portion of Jesus’ ministry was dedicated to overturning these preconceived notions and biases (Matthew 11:19; John 4:9–10). Going by Matthew’s account, Jesus departed from Israel and entered Tyre and Sidon, areas inhabited by Gentiles or non-Jews (Matthew 15:21). When a Canaanite woman came forward, persistently seeking healing, the disciples expressed their irritation and urged Jesus to dismiss her (Matthew 15:23). 
At this juncture, Jesus articulated his current mission in a manner comprehensible to both the woman and the observing disciples. At that moment, his obligation was to the people of Israel, rather than to the Gentiles (Matthew 15:24). Diverting his focus from Israel, in contravention of his purpose, would be akin to a father taking food from his children to give it to their pets (Matthew 15:26). The specific term Jesus employed here, in Greek, was kunarion, which means “small dog” or “pet dog.” This term is distinctly different from kuon, which refers to unspiritual individuals or an “unclean” animal.
Jesus often tested individuals to ascertain their true intentions, frequently employing response questions or challenges (see John 4:16–18; and 4:50–53). His interaction with the Canaanite woman reflects a similar approach. In assessing her, Jesus initially denied her request and clarified that she had no valid expectation of his assistance. However, the woman exemplified the principle that Jesus articulated in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1–8). 
Her reply demonstrated that she comprehended fully the message Jesus was conveying, yet she possessed sufficient conviction to persist in her request (Matthew 15:27). In other words, her conviction fueled her persistence. Jesus recognized her faith – describing it as “great” – and ultimately fulfilled her request (Matthew 15:28).
Therefore, based on both the context and the language used, Jesus was not referring to the Canaanite woman as a “dog,” either directly or indirectly. He was not employing a derogatory term or racial insult but rather emphasizing the priorities assigned to him by God. Additionally, he was testing the woman’s faith and imparting a significant lesson to his disciples.
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