Crusade BibleCrusade Bible

Syro Phoenician

/SEER-oh-fih-NEESH-un/

Summary

A woman of Phoenicia in Syria whose daughter Jesus healed, demonstrating grace extending beyond Israel to Gentiles.

☩Nationality

The term 'Syro-Phoenician' distinguished Phoenicians of Syria from those of Africa (Carthaginians). Matthew calls her 'a woman of Canaan,' indicating her descent from the accursed race, yet she became blessed through faith. Mark describes her as 'a Greek, a Syro-phoenician by nation'—Greek meaning Gentile, and Syro-Phoenician indicating her nationality.

Key verses:Matthew 15:22Mark 7:26

☩Her Faith

This woman persistently sought Jesus' help for her demon-possessed daughter. When Jesus tested her by saying bread should not be thrown to dogs, she humbly replied that even dogs eat crumbs from the master's table. Jesus marveled at her faith: 'O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt.' Her daughter was healed immediately.

Key verses:Matthew 15:21-28Mark 7:24-30

☩Grace Beyond Israel

This healing stands with Elijah's ministry to the widow of Zarephath as an example of divine grace beyond Israel's borders. It demonstrated that Jesus came not only for Jews but that faith—wherever found—receives God's blessing. The accursed race of Canaan, through faith, received from the Messiah of Israel.

Key verses:Luke 4:26-27Matthew 15:28

Related Verses2 mentions

Matthew· 1 verse

15:21

Mark· 1 verse

7:24

References

  1. 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Syro-Phoenician," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  2. 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Syrophoenician," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
  3. 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Syro-Phoenician," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  4. 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Syrophoenician," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
  5. 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Syrophoenician," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
  6. 6.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Syrophoenician," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
  7. 7.John McClintock and James Strong, "Syro-Phoenician," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  8. 8.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Syrophoenician," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).