1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.

25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:

26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.

27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.

30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.

33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;

34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened.

35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain.

36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;

37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Coming from Jerusalem - Probably on purpose to find occasion against him. (Matthew 15:1) .
McArther Bible Commentary
Pharisees … come from Jerusalem. This delegation of leading representatives of Judaism came from Jerusalem, probably at the request of the Galilean Pharisees. scribes. See notes on Mar 3:22; Mat 2:4.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:1 Mark 7:2

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
McArther Bible Commentary
defiled. The disciples of Jesus were being accused of eating with hands that had not been ceremonially cleansed, and thus had not been separated from the defilement associated with their having touched anything profane.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:2 Mark 7:5 Luke 11:38 Acts 10:14 Acts 10:28 Acts 11:8 Romans 14:14 Hebrews 10:29 Revelation 21:27

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
McArther Bible Commentary
wash. This washing had nothing to do with cleaning dirty hands but with a ceremonial rinsing. The ceremony involved someone pouring water out of a jar on to another's hands, whose fingers must be pointing up. As long as the water dripped off at the wrist, the person could proceed to the next step. He then had water poured over both hands with the fingers pointing down. Then each hand was to be rubbed with the fist of the other hand. tradition of the elders. This body of extrabiblical laws and interpretations of Scripture had actually supplanted Scripture as the highest religious authority in Judaism (see note on Mat 15:2).
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:5 Mark 7:8 Mark 7:9 Mark 7:13 Luke 11:38 John 2:6 Galatians 1:14

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Washing of cups and pots and brazen vessels and couches - The Greek word (baptisms) means indifferently either washing or sprinkling. The cups, pots, and vessels were washed; the couches sprinkled.
McArther Bible Commentary
marketplace. See note on Mar 6:56. couches. This word does not appear in the better manuscripts.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 35:5 Matthew 23:25 Matthew 23:26 Mark 7:8 Hebrews 9:10

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The tradition of the elders - The rule delivered down from your forefathers.
McArther Bible Commentary
Why do Your disciples not. The Pharisees and scribes went to the disciples' Master for an explanation of the disciples' allegedly disgraceful conduct. In reality, they were accusing Jesus of teaching His disciples to disobey the traditions of the elders. unwashed hands. See note on verse Mar 7:3.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:2 Mark 7:3 Mark 7:8 Mark 7:9 Mark 7:13 Galatians 1:14

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Isaiah 29:13) .
McArther Bible Commentary
did Isaiah prophesy. Isa 29:13 is quoted almost word for word from the Greek translation of the OT (lxx). Isaiah's prophecy fit the actions of the Pharisees and scribes perfectly (see note on Isa 29:13). hypocrites. I.e., spiritual spiritual phonies (see note on Mat 6:2). They followed the traditions of men because such teaching required only mechanical and thoughtless conformity without a pure heart.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:8

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:9

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
McArther Bible Commentary
commandment of God … tradition of men. Jesus first accused them of abandoning all the commandments contained in God's Word. Then He charged them with substituting God's standard with a humanly designed standard. See note on Mat 15:2.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:3 Mark 7:4 Mark 7:5 Galatians 1:14

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:3 Mark 7:5 2 Corinthians 11:4 Galatians 1:14

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Exodus 20:12) ; (Exodus 21:17) .
McArther Bible Commentary
Moses said. This verse quotes from Exo 20:12 (the fifth commandment) and Exo 21:17. Both refer specifically to the duty of honoring one's parents, which includes treating them with respect, love, reverence, dignity, and assisting them financially. The second quotation indicates how seriously God regards this obligation.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 20:12 Exodus 21:17 Leviticus 20:9 Deuteronomy 5:16

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
McArther Bible Commentary
Corban. A Hebrew term meaning, "given to God." It refers to any gift or sacrifice of money or goods an individual vowed to dedicate specifically to God. As a result of such dedication, the money or goods could be used only for sacred purposes.
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 1:2 Matthew 15:5 Matthew 27:6 Mark 7:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:11 Mark 7:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The traditions of the elders.
One great design of Christ's coming was, to set aside the ceremonial law; and to make way for this, he rejects the ceremonies men added to the law of God's making. Those clean hands and that pure heart which Christ bestows on his disciples, and requires of them, are very different from the outward and superstitious forms of Pharisees of every age. Jesus reproves them for rejecting the commandment of God. It is clear that it is the duty of children, if their parents are poor, to relieve them as far as they are able; and if children deserve to die that curse their parents, much more those that starve them. But if a man conformed to the traditions of the Pharisees, they found a device to free him from the claim of this duty.
McArther Bible Commentary
making the word of God of no effect through your tradition. "Making … of no effect" means, "to deprive of authority" or "to cancel." The "tradition" in question allowed any individual to call all his possessions "Corban" (see note on Mar 7:11). If a son became angry with his parents, he could declare his money and property "Corban." Since Scripture teaches that any vow made to God could not be violated (Num 30:2), his possessions could not be used for anything but service to God and not as a resource to assist his parents financially. But Jesus condemned this practice by showing that the Pharisees and scribes were guilty of canceling out God's Word (and His command to honor one's parents) through their tradition.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:3 Mark 7:5 Mark 7:12 Mark 7:14 Galatians 1:14

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:13 Mark 7:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
There is nothing entering into a man from without which can defile him - Though it is very true, a man may bring guilt, which is moral defilement, upon himself by eating what hurts his health, or by excess either in meat or drink yet even here the pollution arises from the wickedness of the heart, and is just proportionable to it. And this is all that our Lord asserts.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:14 Mark 7:16

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
McArther Bible Commentary
This verse does not occur in the best manuscripts.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:15 Mark 7:17 Luke 8:8

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:15 Mark 2:1 Mark 3:20 Mark 7:16 Mark 7:18 Mark 9:28

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
McArther Bible Commentary
defile him. See note on verse Mar 7:2.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:11 Mark 7:17 Mark 7:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Purging all meats - Probably the seat was usually placed over running water.
McArther Bible Commentary
Since food is merely physical, no one who eats it will defile his heart or inner person, which is spiritual. Physical pollution, no matter how corrupt, cannot cause spiritual or moral pollution. Neither can external ceremonies and rituals cleanse a person spiritually. thus purifying all foods. This comment should be taken as a parenthetical comment from the Gospel writer. By overturning the tradition of hand washing, Jesus, in effect, removed the restrictions about dietary laws. Mark had the advantage of hindsight as he looked back on the event, and was no doubt influenced by Peter's experience (see Introduction: Author and Date) in Joppa (see note on Act 10:15).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:17 Mark 7:18 Luke 11:41 Acts 10:15 Acts 11:9 Romans 14:1 Colossians 2:16

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
McArther Bible Commentary
What comes out of a man. A person's defiled heart is expressed in what he says and what he does (see note on Mat 15:11; cf. Mar 12:34-37). defiles. See note on verse Mar 7:2.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:4 Matthew 15:18 Mark 7:21 Mark 7:23

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
McArther Bible Commentary
fornications. Lit. illicit sexual activity.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 119:36 Proverbs 4:23 Isaiah 59:7 Isaiah 59:13 Jeremiah 16:12 Jeremiah 17:9 Matthew 15:19 Mark 7:20 Mark 7:22 Colossians 3:5

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Wickedness - The word means ill natured, cruelty, inhumanity, and all malevolent affections. Foolishness - Directly contrary to sobriety of thought and discourse: all kind of wild imaginations and extravagant passions.
McArther Bible Commentary
lewdness. Lit. unrestrained, shameless behavior. an evil eye. A Hebrew expression referring to envy and jealousy (Deu 28:54; Pro 23:6; Mat 20:15).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 119:36 Isaiah 59:7 Isaiah 59:13 Jeremiah 17:9 Matthew 6:23 Matthew 20:15 Mark 7:21 Mark 7:23

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
What defiles the man.
Our wicked thoughts and affections, words and actions, defile us, and these only. As a corrupt fountain sends forth corrupt streams, so does a corrupt heart send forth corrupt reasonings, corrupt appetites and passions, and all the wicked words and actions that come from them. A spiritual understanding of the law of God, and a sense of the evil of sin, will cause a man to seek for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to keep down the evil thoughts and affections that work within.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:20 Mark 7:22 Mark 7:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The woman of Canaan's daughter cured.
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 15:21) .
McArther Bible Commentary
Tyre … Sidon. See note on Mar 3:8. wanted no one to know. Jesus did not seek a public ministry in the area. It is likely He wanted time to rest from the pressure of the Jewish leaders and an opportunity to further prepare the disciples for His coming crucifixion and their ministry.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 11:21 Matthew 15:21 Mark 7:23 Mark 7:25 Mark 7:31

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The woman of Canaan's daughter cured.
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
McArther Bible Commentary
unclean spirit. I.e., a demon (see note on Mar 1:23; cf. Mat 15:22).
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:24 Mark 7:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The woman of Canaan's daughter cured.
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The woman was a Greek (that is, a Gentile, not a Jew) a Syrophenician or Canaanite. Canaan was also called Syrophenicia, as lying between Syria, properly so called, and Phenicia.
McArther Bible Commentary
Greek. A non-Jew in both language and religion (see note on Rom 1:14). Syro-Phoenician. The region of Phoenicia at that time was part of the province of Syria. Mat 15:22 adds that she was a descendant of the Canaanites.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:24 Mark 7:25 Mark 7:27

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The woman of Canaan's daughter cured.
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
McArther Bible Commentary
first. The illustration Jesus gave was in essence a test of the woman's faith. Jesus' first responsibility was to preach the gospel to the children of Israel (cf. Rom 1:16; Rom 15:8). But that "first" also implied there would come a time when Gentiles would receive God's blessings another time. the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs. The "children's bread" refers to God's blessings offered to the Jews. This picture indicates that the "little dogs" (Gentiles) had a place in the household of God, but not the prominent one (see note on Mat 15:26). little dogs. The diminutive form suggests that this refers to dogs that were kept as pets. Jesus was referring to the Gentiles, but He did not use the derisive term the Jews usually employed for them that described mangy, vicious mongrels.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:26 Mark 7:26 Mark 7:28

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The woman of Canaan's daughter cured.
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
McArther Bible Commentary
Yes, Lord. These words convey the woman's humble faith and worshipful attitude. She knew she was sinful and undeserving of any of God's blessing. She responds with a complete absence of pride and self-reliance, which Jesus answersed by granting her request (Mar 7:29-30).
Bible Cross References
Matthew 15:27 Mark 7:27 Mark 7:29

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The woman of Canaan's daughter cured.
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:28 Mark 7:30

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The woman of Canaan's daughter cured.
Christ never put any from him that fell at his feet, which a poor trembling soul may do. As she was a good woman, so a good mother. This sent her to Christ. His saying, Let the children first be filled, shows that there was mercy for the Gentiles, and not far off. She spoke, not as making light of the mercy, but magnifying the abundance of miraculous cures among the Jews, in comparison with which a single cure was but as a crumb. Thus, while proud Pharisees are left by the blessed Saviour, he manifests his compassion to poor humbled sinners, who look to him for children's bread. He still goes about to seek and save the lost.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:29 Mark 7:31

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ restores a man to hearing and speech.
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ, besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still is in the great concerns of our souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
(Matthew 15:29) .
McArther Bible Commentary
departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon … Sea of Galilee. Jesus traveled twenty miles north from Tyre and passed through Sidon, which was deep in Gentile territory. From there, He went east, crossed the Jordan River, and traveled south along the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Decapolis. See note on Mar 5:20.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 4:18 Matthew 4:25 Matthew 11:21 Matthew 15:29 Mark 5:20 Mark 7:24 Mark 7:30

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ restores a man to hearing and speech.
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ, besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still is in the great concerns of our souls.
Bible Cross References
Mark 5:23 Mark 7:35

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ restores a man to hearing and speech.
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ, besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still is in the great concerns of our souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He put his fingers into his ears - Perhaps intending to teach us, that we are not to prescribe to him (as they who brought this man attempted to do) but to expect his blessing by whatsoever means he pleases: even though there should be no proportion or resemblance between the means used, and the benefit to be conveyed thereby.
McArther Bible Commentary
put His fingers in his ears. Because the man could not hear, Jesus used His own form of sign language to tell him that He was about to heal the man's deafness. He spat and touched his tongue. Also a form of sign language by which Jesus offered the man hope for a restored speech.
Bible Cross References
Jeremiah 1:9 Matthew 26:67 Mark 8:23 John 9:6

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ restores a man to hearing and speech.
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ, besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still is in the great concerns of our souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ephphatha - This was a word of SOVEREIGN AUTHORITY, not an address to God for power to heal: such an address was needless; for Christ had a perpetual fund of power residing in himself, to work all miracles whenever he pleased, even to the raising the dead, (John 5:21) , (John 5:26) .
McArther Bible Commentary
Ephphatha. An Aramaic word that Mark immediately defines.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 2:23 Mark 7:35 Mark 8:12

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ restores a man to hearing and speech.
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ, besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still is in the great concerns of our souls.
Bible Cross References
Mark 7:34 Mark 7:36

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ restores a man to hearing and speech.
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ, besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still is in the great concerns of our souls.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Them - The blind man and those that brought him.
McArther Bible Commentary
tell no one. Although Jesus ministered to Gentiles as the need arose, His intention was not to have a public ministry among them. See note on Mar 1:44.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 8:4 Mark 1:45 Mark 7:35 Mark 7:37 Mark 9:9

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Christ restores a man to hearing and speech.
Here is a cure of one that was deaf and dumb. Those who brought this poor man to Christ, besought him to observe the case, and put forth his power. Our Lord used more outward actions in the doing of this cure than usual. These were only signs of Christ's power to cure the man, to encourage his faith, and theirs that brought him. Though we find great variety in the cases and manner of relief of those who applied to Christ, yet all obtained the relief they sought. Thus it still is in the great concerns of our souls.
Bible Cross References
Isaiah 29:18 Matthew 9:32 Mark 7:36 Mark 8:1