Matthew 15:25
IntermediateMatthew 15:25 · World English Bible (WEB)
“But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.””
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Overview
Desperate faith bowing before Jesus for mercy
The Canaanite woman does not retreat when Jesus’ earlier silence and hard saying test her; she comes nearer, worships Him, and reduces her plea to its purest form: “Lord, help me.” Her faith clings to Jesus Himself.
What Makes This Verse Confusing?
In this scene, her act is more than polite respect. She falls before Jesus in humble appeal, acknowledging His authority and power as “Lord.” Matthew has already used this kind of response toward Jesus in moments of revelation and need, so the word carries weight: she is not merely asking a teacher for advice; she is bowing before the One who can deliver her daughter.
The verse itself does not describe her posture in detail or explain whether the act is ordinary homage, reverent pleading, or worship in the fullest sense. The surrounding narrative supplies the weight of the moment.
This changes the verse from a simple request into a portrait of faith: she approaches Jesus with humility, reverence, and dependence, even before receiving the answer she seeks.
Original Language
to worship — προσ-κυνέω , -ῶ (κυνέω, to kiss), [in LXX chiefly for שָׁחָה hith. ;] to make obeisance, do reverence to, worship ; __(a) prop. (as in cl., of the gods: Hdt., Æsch., Plat., al.), of God, Christ and supra-mundane beings : absol., Jhn.4:20 12:20 , Act.8:27 24:11 , Heb.11:21 (Westc., in l), Rev.11:1; πίπτειν καὶ π., Rev.5:14; with dative (of the significance of this constr. as compared with the usua…
The word translated “worshiped” can describe bowing down in reverence or homage. Here, because it is directed to Jesus and paired with “Lord,” it heightens the scene: her body and her words agree that Jesus is the only hope before her.
to help — βοηθέω , -ῶ (βοή + θέω, to run ), [in LXX chiefly for עזר ;] to come to aid, to help, succour : absol., Act.21:28; with dative, Mat.15:25 , Mrk.9:22, 24 Act.16:9 , 2Co.6:2 " (LXX), Heb.2:18 , Rev.12:16 .† (AS)
“Help” is a cry for active aid, not casual assistance. Her prayer is short because her need is urgent; she is asking Jesus to intervene where no one else can.
Lexicon & word tagging: STEP Bible (Tyndale House, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0)
Related Passages
Genesis 32:26
backgroundJacob says, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” The Canaanite woman shows a similar holy persistence: she will not turn away from the only One who can bless and heal.
Matthew 20:31
BackgroundMatthew 14:33
BackgroundHosea 12:4
BackgroundMark 9:22
BackgroundMatthew 8:2
parallelA leper comes and worships Jesus, saying, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” Like the woman in Matthew 15:25, he approaches with reverence and confidence in Jesus’ power.
Mark 9:24
BackgroundLuke 18:1-8
BackgroundCross-references from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · openbible.info (CC-BY)
Analysis generated on August 12, 2026 · version 2.0
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