What is a…
Syrophenician

A Syrophenician is one who was born in the Phoenician part of Syria.

Now the woman was a Gentile, of the Syrophoenician race. And she kept asking Him to cast the demon out of her daughter. —Mark 7:26

When our Christ retired from the crowds into the borderland of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21), this Syrophoenician woman came to him earnestly requesting His help for her daughter who was grievously afflicted with a demon.

Her faith in Him was severely tested by his silence (Matthew 15:23), refusal (Matt. 15:24), and seeming reproach that it was not appropriate to throw the children’s bread to the dogs (Matt. 15:26). But it stood the test, and her petition was graciously granted, because of her great faith (Matt. 15:28).

Article Version: April 10, 2025