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Why Did Jesus Call the Canaanite Woman a Dog?

Why Did Jesus Call the Canaanite Woman a Dog?

Last updated on: August 17, 2026 at 11:50 am by Jocelyn Soriano

Why Did Jesus Call the Canaanite Woman a Dog? 2026-08-17T11:48:11+08:00 Jocelyn Soriano

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Why Did Jesus Call the Canaanite Woman a Dog

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Even in today’s world where many people love their pets, calling someone a dog is still an insult. The more shocking thing, however, is to find out that Jesus used that same word towards a mother who was just begging for her child’s healing!

“‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’” – Matthew 15:22-26 (NRSVCE)

To understand the meaning deeper, let us consider what the word “dog” means in Jesus’ time.

For the Israelites, the word is associated with Gentiles. These are the people who do not belong to the people of Israel. They are outsiders who are considered unclean and not worshipping the true God that the Israelites worship.

In the Gospel of Matthew, however, the word used seem to be similar to house dogs, those we know more commonly like pets rather than stray dogs that roam in the streets. Still, calling someone a dog still bears a kind of harshness we don’t normally associate with Jesus.

Why Did Jesus Call The Woman a Dog?

The first thing that can come to our minds is that Jesus was naturally referring to the woman’s status as a Canaanite, and therefore, a Gentile. Even the disciples knew this and this could explain why they urged Jesus to send her away instead of helping her.

In calling her a dog, Jesus also clarifies His mission of saving the Israelies first.

“I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” – Matthew 15:24 (NRSVCE)

Despite all this, however, hearing Jesus speak like this can make our hearts hurt, especially if we can relate to the Canaanite woman who was considered an outsider. In our minds, we can be asking questions like:

“Am I an outsider, too?”

“Am I excluded from God’s mercy?”

“Isn’t God the God of all and is therefore merciful to everyone?”

To answer our questions, we have to think about whether Jesus had deeper reasons for calling the Canaanite woman a dog.

Here are some of the possible reasons that Jesus had for the insulting words:

1. To teach us about persistence and humility in prayer

Jesus could be setting an example when it comes to prayer.

When our prayers are not immediately answered, and when God is silent, what do we do? Do we give up in prayer? Do we stop believing in God? Or do we have the kind of persistence that the Canaanite woman showed?

Do we still believe in God even when the answers seem delayed? Do we have the tenacity to cling to His mercy even when our thoughts tell us He is already being harsh?

Even when Jesus called her a dog, the woman persisted. She humbled herself and continued to ask for His healing.

2. To bring out the faith of the woman

God knows our hearts. He wouldn’t have been too harsh with someone who would end up in despair. But Jesus knew what faith could be kindled in the Canaanite woman upon His initial refusal.

Isn’t it true also with some of us? And wasn’t it true also with the saints?

At first, we may see God allowing us to experience hardship and many trials. But what we do not know is that God sees the fruits of these trials in our lives.

He knows that all of these things will prove the genuineness of our faith. He knows that we will come out of them with greater and more lasting rewards.

Jesus may have spoken harshly with the woman, but He later on praised her faith! In the Gospels, He never even praised His disciples this way. The only two people He praised for having great faith were both considered outsiders. One is the Roman Centurion and the other is this Canaanite woman.

“Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” – Matthew 15:28 (NRSVCE)

3. To teach the disciples

Jesus may be bringing out what’s in the hearts of His disciples. Urging Him to turn her away, they must have looked down at the woman and instantly written her off as excluded from God’s blessings.

Sometimes, we don’t realize what’s deep in our hearts unless we hear the exact words spoken out loud. Here, it is Jesus who speaks out the harshness that’s buried in their thoughts.

After affirming His mission that He was indeed sent to the lost children of Israel, He praised an outsider, a Gentile for having great faith. And Jesus declared this in front of the Israelites who believed they were the chosen ones.

If you were indeed chosen by God, what do you do with your calling?

Having praised a Gentile in their midst, Jesus has shown them that God’s love and mercy are not limited and that though He has called Israelites first, everyone would be included in God’s plan for salvation.

What We Must Remember About Jesus

1. Jesus never excluded outsiders or sinners from His mercy

We must always remember that Jesus is not prejudiced against Gentiles. Although He values the sacred calling of the Jews, He has shown impartiality and compassion to everyone.

He praised both the Roman Centurion and the Canaanite woman. He revealed Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman. When He preached in Nazareth, He reminded them how Elijah was sent to a widow in Zarephath during a famine instead of anyone in Israel. The same was true when Elisha healed Naaman the Syrian, instead of healing those in Israel.

2. Jesus knows our hearts

Jesus is not someone who merely assumes what we’re thinking. He knows exactly what’s within our hearts. In the case of the Canaanite woman, He knew the kind of faith that she would show.

He is not someone who speaks harshly just to hurt us. If He ever does anything, it is to bring out the greater good.

3. Jesus weeps for those who weep

Jesus is not someone without any feelings. He hurts for those who hurt. He weeps with those who weep. Even when He knew He would raise Lazarus back to life, He still wept.

Let us learn to trust Him and to believe the great love and mercy He has in His heart.

Do We Have Permission To Be Harsh?

After reading this story and understanding Jesus’ motives for calling the woman a dog, some of us may think that we can also apply it in our lives by speaking harshly towards other people. We can say that we are merely acting out of love. We can say that we are merely imitating Jesus.

But let us remember that Jesus never said that we do these things. On the contrary, Jesus warned us from speaking evil and careless words:

“For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. A good person brings forth good out of a store of goodness, but an evil person brings forth evil out of a store of evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak. By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:34-37 (NABRE)

Jesus can speak to us strongly because He knows exactly what is in our hearts. He knows how much we can bear and He is aware of the good fruits that can come out of His words.

On the other hand, we don’t know the effect of our harsh words on others. It is wrong to assume that we are like Jesus because we are not God. It is better for us to be gentle so that we can show compassion to other people. Who knows how desperate others already are? Are we the ones who would take away their last strand of hope?

Instead of being a judge, we are called to draw others towards the merciful heart of God.

That doesn’t mean we cannot speak the truth, but let us always speak the truth in love and gentleness. Let us not give sin a chance to tempt us towards self-righteousness. Jesus Himself warned us about the Pharisee who looked down on the tax collector.

The story of the Canaanite woman should teach us about faith and trust in the mercy of God even when we feel excluded. Even when others say that we are not worthy to approach Jesus, we should persist in prayer, knowing that God is merciful and He does not turn away anyone who comes to Him with a contrite and humble heart.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, don’t let the story of the Canaanite woman lead me to despair. Let it indeed teach me that you are merciful.

Even when people say that I should not come to you, and even if I don’t feel myself worthy, may I always remember that no one is excluded from your most merciful heart.

When the answers to my prayers are delayed, may I have the perseverance to continue asking and trusting you.

When I feel heartbroken, may I trust that even when you allow my heart to break, you will eventually bring healing.

May I always trust your love and may I never lose hope in you. Amen.

Jocelyn Soriano is the author of Mend My Broken Heart, Questions to God and 366 Days of Compassion. She also writes about relationships and the Catholic faith at Single Catholic Writer.

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You may also want to read “What Did Jesus Do When He Met a Sinner Condemned To Die?”

General Christian

About Jocelyn Soriano

Jocelyn Soriano is an author, poet, and book reviewer. She is an introvert who enjoys a cup of coffee and listening to the cello ****** while working.

She wrote the books To Love an Invisible God, Defending My Catholic Faith and Mend My Broken Heart. She also wrote books on poetry including Poems of Love and Letting Go and Of Waves and Butterflies: Poems on Grief. She has published more than 15 books and developed her own Android applications including God’s Promises and Catholic Answers and Apologetics.

She writes about relationships and common questions about God and the Catholic faith at Single Catholic Writer. She is currently single and happy and she would like everyone to know how happy we can be by drawing close to the love of God!

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