Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 15:27

"But she said, Yea, Lord: for even the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters` table." — Matthew 15:27 (ASV)

The woman’s answer is masterly. Those two words “but even” reveal immense wisdom and faith. She does not argue that her needs make her an exception, or that she has a right to Israel’s covenanted mercies, or that the mysterious ways of divine election and justice are unfair. She simply asks for help, hopeful that she may be allowed to receive a crumb from the kindness of the Lord. As Paul does in Ro 9–11, the woman preserves Israel’s historical privilege over against all radical spiritualization of Christ’s work; yet she perceives that grace is freely given to the Gentiles. A faith that simply seeks mercy is honored (v.28).

Again Jesus speaks, this time with emotion; and the woman’s daughter is healed “from that very hour.”