Mark 7:27
New International Version
“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

New Living Translation
Jesus told her, “First I should feed the children—my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.”

English Standard Version
And he said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Berean Standard Bible
“First let the children have their fill,” He said. “For it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

Berean Literal Bible
And He was saying to her, "Permit the children to be satisfied first; for it is not good to take the children's bread and to cast it to the dogs."

King James Bible
But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.

New King James Version
But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

New American Standard Bible
And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

NASB 1995
And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

NASB 1977
And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And He was saying to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Amplified Bible
He was saying to her, “First let the children [of Israel] be fed, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the pet dogs (non-Jews).”

Christian Standard Bible
He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He said to her, “Allow the children to be satisfied first, because it isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
But Jesus said, "The children must first be fed! It isn't right to take away their food and feed it to dogs."

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus said to her, "First, let the children eat all they want. It's not right to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs."

Good News Translation
But Jesus answered, "Let us first feed the children. It isn't right to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs."

International Standard Version
But he kept telling her, "First let the children be filled. It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the puppies."

Majority Standard Bible
“First let the children have their fill,” Jesus said. “For it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

NET Bible
He said to her, "Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and to throw it to the dogs."

New Heart English Bible
But he said to her, "Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

Webster's Bible Translation
But Jesus said to her, Let the children first be satisfied: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to the dogs.

Weymouth New Testament
"Let the children first eat all they want," He said; "it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

World English Bible
But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Jesus said to her, “First permit the children to be filled, for it is not good to take the children’s bread, and to cast [it] to the little dogs.”

Berean Literal Bible
And He was saying to her, "Permit the children to be satisfied first; for it is not good to take the children's bread and to cast it to the dogs."

Young's Literal Translation
And Jesus said to her, 'Suffer first the children to be filled, for it is not good to take the children's bread, and to cast it to the little dogs.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Jesus said to her, Permit the children first to be satisfied; for it is not good to take the children's bread, and cast to little dogs.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who said to her: Suffer first the children to be filled: for it is not good to take the bread of the children, and cast it to the dogs.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to her: “First allow the sons to have their fill. For it is not good to take away the bread of the sons and throw it to the dogs.”

New American Bible
He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”

New Revised Standard Version
He said to her, “Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Jesus said to her, Let the children be first filled; for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And Yeshua said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But Jesus said to her: Let the children be satisfied first; for it is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.

Godbey New Testament
And He said to her, Permit the children first to be fed: for It is not good to take the children's bread and cast it to little dogs.

Haweis New Testament
And Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be fed, for it is not proper to take the children’s bread, and throw it to the dogs.

Mace New Testament
Jesus therefore said to her, let the children first be satisfy'd; for it would not be decent to take the children's bread, and throw it to puppys.

Weymouth New Testament
"Let the children first eat all they want," He said; "it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

Worrell New Testament
And He said to her, "Suffer the children first to be satisfied; for it is not good to take the children's bread, and cast it to the little dogs."

Worsley New Testament
But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be satisfied: for it is not fit to take the children's bread, and throw it to the dogs.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Faith of the Gentile Woman
26Now she was a Greek woman of Syrophoenician origin, and she kept asking Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. 27“First let the children have their fill,” He said. “For it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 28“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”…

Cross References
Matthew 15:26
But Jesus replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.”

Matthew 10:5-6
These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go onto the road of the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. / Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

Acts 3:25-26
And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ / When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

John 1:11-12
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. / But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—

Romans 15:8-9
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, / so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.”

Ephesians 2:11-13
Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.

Galatians 3:14
He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Isaiah 49:6
He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Isaiah 42:6
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 22:18
And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

Genesis 28:14
Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.

Isaiah 60:3
Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Isaiah 11:10
On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.


Treasury of Scripture

But Jesus said to her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to the dogs.

Let.

Matthew 7:6
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

Matthew 10:5
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Matthew 15:23-28
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us…

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Mark 7
1. The Pharisees find fault with the disciples for eating with unwashed hands.
8. They break the commandment of God by the traditions of men.
14. Food defiles not the man.
24. He heals the Syrophenician woman's daughter of an unclean spirit;
31. and one that was deaf, and stammered in his speech.














But Jesus told her
This phrase introduces the response of Jesus to the Syrophoenician woman. The Greek word for "told" is "eipen," which implies a deliberate and thoughtful response. Jesus' words are not dismissive but are intended to provoke thought and faith. In the context of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus often uses dialogue to reveal deeper truths and challenge prevailing cultural norms.

First let the children have their fill
The term "children" here refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people. The Greek word "tekna" is used, emphasizing a familial relationship. Historically, the Jews were considered the initial recipients of God's covenant promises. Jesus' mission began with the Jews, fulfilling the prophecies and covenants of the Old Testament. The phrase "have their fill" suggests a priority in the divine plan, where the message of the Kingdom is first offered to Israel.

for it is not right
The Greek word "kalon" is translated as "right," meaning proper or fitting. This reflects the divine order and purpose in God's salvation history. Jesus is highlighting the appropriateness of His mission's initial focus on Israel, aligning with the prophetic tradition that salvation would come through the Jews.

to take the children’s bread
"Children’s bread" symbolizes the blessings and teachings of the Kingdom of God. Bread, in biblical terms, often represents sustenance and life. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it signifies the spiritual nourishment and truth offered through His teachings and miracles.

and toss it to the dogs
The term "dogs" in Greek is "kynaria," which refers to small dogs or household pets, rather than wild or unclean animals. This diminutive form softens the expression, indicating a distinction between the Jews and Gentiles in terms of covenantal priority, not worth or value. In the cultural context, Gentiles were often viewed as outsiders to the covenant community. However, Jesus' use of this term invites the woman to respond in faith, ultimately leading to the inclusion of Gentiles in the blessings of the Kingdom.

(27) Let the children first be filled.--The precise form of the answer thus given is peculiar to St. Mark.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“First
πρῶτον (prōton)
Adverb - Superlative
Strong's 4412: First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.

let
Ἄφες (Aphes)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.

the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

children
τέκνα (tekna)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

have their fill,”
χορτασθῆναι (chortasthēnai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 5526: To feed, satisfy, fatten. From chortos; to fodder, i.e. to gorge.

He said.
ἔλεγεν (elegen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“For
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

it is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

right
καλόν (kalon)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

to take
λαβεῖν (labein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

children’s
τέκνων (teknōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

bread
ἄρτον (arton)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 740: Bread, a loaf, food. From airo; bread or a loaf.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

toss [it]
βαλεῖν (balein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.

to the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

dogs.”
κυναρίοις (kynariois)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2952: A little dog, a house dog. Neuter of a presumed derivative of kuon; a puppy.


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