New Testament

Matthew 15:22

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, pleading for help for her daughter who is suffering from demonic possession.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

A Canaanite woman from that region came to him, crying out, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon!"

KJVKing James Version

And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, pleading for help for her daughter who is suffering from demonic possession. Her use of the title "Lord" and "Son of David" indicates her recognition of Jesus' authority and messianic identity. Despite being a Gentile, she demonstrates great faith and desperation, showing that her need for healing transcends cultural boundaries. The woman's cry for mercy highlights her understanding of Jesus' compassion and power. This encounter sets the stage for a deeper discussion about faith and inclusion in Jesus' ministry, as he initially responds in a way that tests her faith. Her persistence in seeking help illustrates the importance of unwavering faith, even in the face of challenges. This moment emphasizes that Jesus' mission extends beyond the Jewish people, inviting all who believe to seek his mercy and healing.

Key themes

Related topics

desperation, healing, mercy

How to apply Matthew 15:22 to your life

This verse encourages us to approach Jesus with our needs, no matter how desperate our situation may seem. It reminds us that faith can break through barriers and that persistence in prayer is vital when seeking help from God.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 15:22 mean?

Matthew 15:22 describes a Canaanite woman who approaches Jesus, asking for mercy for her demon-possessed daughter. This verse highlights her faith and recognition of Jesus' authority, showing that even those outside the Jewish faith can seek and receive help from Him.

What is the significance of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22?

The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:22 represents faith that transcends cultural boundaries. Her plea for help emphasizes the inclusivity of Jesus' ministry and the idea that anyone, regardless of background, can approach Him for mercy.

What does the term 'Son of David' mean in Matthew 15:22?

In Matthew 15:22, the term 'Son of David' refers to Jesus' messianic identity and royal lineage. By using this title, the Canaanite woman acknowledges Jesus as a powerful figure with authority to heal and deliver.

How does Matthew 15:22 illustrate the theme of faith?

Matthew 15:22 illustrates the theme of faith through the Canaanite woman's persistent cry for help despite being a Gentile. Her unwavering faith in Jesus' ability to heal her daughter serves as a powerful example of seeking divine intervention.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.