Matthew 15:23

But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.

Matthew 15:23 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the larger account of Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21-28). In verse 22, the woman cries out to Jesus, addressing Him as “Lord, thou son of David,” and pleads for mercy for her daughter who is “grievously vexed with a devil.” Her words show remarkable faith, recognizing Jesus’ messianic identity and authority even though she was a Gentile.

Meaning

Jesus’ silence in verse 23 is striking: “But he answered her not a word.” This was not indifference or contempt for the woman or her request. Rather, the delay served to test and refine her faith, patience, and perseverance. The Greek text uses the imperfect tense for the disciples’ asking, indicating they kept urging Jesus repeatedly. Their request, “Send her away; for she crieth after us,” likely meant they wanted Him to grant her plea so she would stop troubling them. Their impatience stands as a caution against discouraging those who earnestly seek Christ.

Jesus’ silence also connects to His stated mission focus on “the lost sheep of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). During His earthly ministry, He did not contravene His own directive to prioritize Israel, reserving the full revelation of salvation to the Gentiles for after His passion and resurrection. The parallel account in Mark 7:27 confirms this priority, as Jesus later explains, “Let the children first be filled.”

Biblical connections

The disciples’ intercession on the woman’s behalf, though imperfect, shows the importance of bringing persistent seekers to Jesus. Their limited understanding of His compassion is later challenged and broadened as Jesus commends the woman’s faith in Matthew 15:28, saying, “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.” This exchange demonstrates that Jesus responds to genuine faith and persistence, regardless of background or ethnicity.

Application

This passage encourages believers to persist in prayer even when God seems silent. Silence is not denial; it may be a season of testing that deepens faith. It also warns against impatience with those who cry out to Christ, reminding us to intercede for others rather than dismiss them. Jesus’ eventual response assures us that He extends grace and healing to all who approach Him in faith.

Reflection

Consider how you respond when heaven appears silent. The Canaanite woman did not let Jesus’ silence drive her away; she pressed closer. Her example invites us to trust that God’s delays are purposeful, refining our faith and preparing us to receive His answer. May we, like her, hold fast to the confession that Jesus is Lord and Son of David, even when we do not yet see His hand move.