The Canaanite woman

The life of The Canaanite woman

A Gentile mother from the region of Tyre and Sidon who begged Jesus to heal her daughter. When he spoke of bread for the children, she answered that even the dogs eat the crumbs, and Jesus praised her great faith.

Born

A Canaanite (Mark: a Greek, Syrophoenician by birth) from the region of Tyre and Sidon ScriptureMatthew 15:21–22; Mark 7:26

Family

• Daughter: Severely troubled by a demon, healed from a distance ScriptureMatthew 15:22, 28

1. She cries out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David!” but Jesus at first does not answer.

   ScriptureMatthew 15:22–23

2. The disciples ask him to send her away; he says he was sent to the lost sheep of Israel.

   ScriptureMatthew 15:23–24

3. She kneels: “Lord, help me.”

   ScriptureMatthew 15:25

4. She answers, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

   ScriptureMatthew 15:26–27

5. Jesus says, “Woman, great is your faith,” and her daughter is healed from that hour.

   ScriptureMatthew 15:28

6. Her name is not given; a later tradition calls her Justa.

   TraditionPseudo-Clementine Homilies 2.19

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible).

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with The Canaanite woman

1. 28 February 2027

   Sunday of the Canaanite Woman

   Gospel: Matthew 15:21–31

   A mother from the coast of Phoenicia, outside Israel.

   In the story

   • A mother cries out Matthew 15:21–22