Matthew 15:28
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Matthew 15:28 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Jesus is responding to a Canaanite woman who comes to Him pleading for help for her demon-possessed daughter. At first, Jesus seems to reject her plea, saying that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. However, the woman persists, showing great faith in Jesus and His ability to heal her daughter. Jesus commends her for her faith and grants her request, instantly healing her daughter. This interaction highlights the power of faith and persistence in prayer. The woman's unwavering belief in Jesus' ability to heal her daughter led to a miraculous outcome. It serves as a reminder to believers of the importance of trusting in God and persisting in prayer, even when faced with challenges or apparent setbacks. By acknowledging the woman's faith and granting her request, Jesus not only demonstrates His compassion and power but also teaches a valuable lesson about the significance of faith in receiving God's blessings.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus' ministry. The Canaanite woman's faith is highlighted as "great" by Jesus himself, showcasing her unwavering belief in his ability to heal her daughter. This demonstrates the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, where even a Gentile woman's profound faith can elicit a miraculous response from him. The word "great" in this context emphasizes the depth and sincerity of her faith, which serves as a model for all believers to trust in Jesus completely. Furthermore, the phrase "be it unto thee even as thou wilt" signifies Jesus' acknowledgment of her faith and his willingness to grant her request. Through her faith, the woman's daughter is healed instantly, showcasing the power of genuine belief in Jesus' ability to bring about transformation and restoration in people's lives.
Matthew 15:28 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it done unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was healed from that hour.
World English Bible
Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Douay-Rheims
Then Jesus answering, said to her: O woman, great is thy faith: be it done to thee as thou wilt: and her daughter was cured from that hour.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Iesus answered, and saide vnto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it to thee, as thou desirest. And her daughter was made whole at that houre.