Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 15:22

"And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon." — Matthew 15:22 (ASV)

Jesus now entered pagan territory, where a woman came to him. Matthew’s use of the old term “Canaanite” shows that he cannot forget her ancestry: a descendant of Israel’s ancient enemies comes to the Jewish Messiah for blessing. Her calling Jesus “Son of David” shows some recognition of Jesus as the Messiah who would heal the people ; “Lord” is ambiguous .