Topical Bible: Demons: The Daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman

◄ Demons: The Daughter of the Syrophoenician Woman ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter is a significant narrative found in the Gospels, illustrating Jesus' authority over demonic forces and His compassion for Gentiles. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Mark 7:24-30 and Matthew 15:21-28, providing insight into the nature of demons and the power of faith.

Biblical Context

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, a predominantly Gentile area, seeking solitude. However, His presence becomes known, and a Syrophoenician woman approaches Him. Mark 7:25-26 states, "Instead, as soon as she heard about Him, a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell at His feet. Now the woman was a Gentile of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter."

The term "unclean spirit" is synonymous with a demon, indicating a malevolent spiritual being that afflicts individuals, causing physical and spiritual harm. The presence of demons in the New Testament underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for divine intervention.

The Woman's Faith and Jesus' Response

The Syrophoenician woman's approach to Jesus is marked by humility and persistence. Despite being a Gentile, she recognizes Jesus' authority and pleads for her daughter's deliverance. In Matthew 15:22 , she cries out, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is miserably possessed by a demon."

Initially, Jesus' response seems dismissive, as He states in Matthew 15:24 , "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." This response highlights His primary mission to the Jews, yet it also sets the stage for a demonstration of faith that transcends ethnic boundaries.

The woman, undeterred, continues to plead, and Jesus further tests her faith by saying, "It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs" (Matthew 15:26). Her reply, "Yes, Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs" (Mark 7:28), reveals her deep faith and understanding of Jesus' power and mercy.

Deliverance and Healing

Impressed by her faith, Jesus grants her request, saying, "O woman, your faith is great! Let it be done for you as you desire" (Matthew 15:28). Mark 7:29-30 records, "Then He told her, 'Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.' And she went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon was gone."

This miraculous deliverance underscores several key theological points: the power of Jesus over demonic forces, the inclusivity of His ministry, and the efficacy of faith. The narrative demonstrates that Jesus' authority is not limited by ethnic or cultural boundaries, and His compassion extends to all who seek Him in faith.

Theological Implications

The account of the Syrophoenician woman's daughter serves as a profound example of the intersection between faith and divine power. It highlights the reality of demonic oppression and the necessity of turning to Christ for deliverance. The narrative also emphasizes the importance of humility and persistence in prayer, as well as the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

In the broader biblical context, this account affirms the victory of Christ over evil and His role as the Savior for all humanity, Jew and Gentile alike. It invites believers to trust in His power and to approach Him with faith, knowing that He is both willing and able to deliver from the forces of darkness.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 15:22-29
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried to him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, you son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 7:25-30
For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Agency of Evil Spirits
... Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not
only the swine, but ... The daughter of the Syrophoenician woman was grievously ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 31 agency of evil.htm

From the Birth to the Ascension of Jesus.
... coast of Tyre and Sidon where he healed the daughter of the Syrophoenician woman. ...
sickness and physiological defects; (c) life and death; (d) demons and all ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xviii from the birth.htm