Mark 7:27

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 7:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children`s bread and cast it to the dogs.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children`s bread and cast it to the dogs.
Mark 7:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 7

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27And he said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children`s bread and cast it to the dogs.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But Jesus said unto her, etc..] Not directly and immediately, upon her first request; for he answered not a word to that; but after his, disciples had desired she might be sent away, her cries being so troublesome to them; and after she had renewed her request to him; (see <401523>Matthew 15:23-25). Let the children first be filled: according to this method, our Lord directed his apostles, and they proceeded: as he himself was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, he ordered his disciples to go to them, and preach the Gospel to them, and work miracles among them; and not go in the way of the Gentiles, nor into any of the cities of the Samaritans; but when they had gone through the…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“See this miracle explained in the notes at Matthew 15:21-28. Mark 7:24 Would have no man know it - To avoid the designs of the Pharisees he wished to be retired. Mark 7:26 A Greek - The Jews called all persons “Greeks” who were not of their nation. Compare Romans 1:14. The whole world was considered as divided into Jews and Greeks. Though she might not have been strictly a “Greek,” yet she came under this general appellation as a foreigner. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“7:27-28 Jesus’ reply to the woman seems like a harsh refusal, but their interaction indicates that he wanted to see her faith (cp. Matt 15:28). • Jesus’ use of first did not exclude her as a Gentile from the grace of God but indicated that his mission was first to the Jews (Acts 13:46; Rom 1:16). The woman responded to Jesus’ words with humility and faith. She acknowledged the priority of the Jewish people but argued that there was more than enough food for the dogs as well. (In Jewish literature, Gentiles were frequently referred to as dogs, which were seen as filthy scavengers rather than as adorable pets; see also study note on Rev 22:15.) The woman’s persistence and acknowledgment of…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Let: Mat 7:6, Mat 10:5, Mat 15:23-28; Act 22:21; Rom 15:8; Eph 2:12 Mark 7:28”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification