Were Gentiles considered 'dogs' in Israel?
In Matthew 15:22-28, a Canaanite woman approached Jesus, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter's healing. Despite initial resistance, where Jesus highlighted His mission to the Israelites and used a metaphor likening Gentiles to "dogs," the woman's faith and clever response impressed him. She argued that even dogs eat crumbs from their masters' table, demonstrating humility and perseverance.
And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. 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 15:22-28
In Mark 7:28, the term "κυναρίοις" (kynariois) is used for "dogs," a diminutive form implying "little dogs" or "puppies." This term is not a blanket label for Gentiles in the New Testament but is part of a specific narrative involving the Syrophoenician woman. The broader term "κύων" (kyōn) is used elsewhere and can carry a derogatory connotation but is not exclusively applied to Gentiles. The usage of "dogs" in Jesus' conversation with the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7:28 is subject to various interpretations. It might reflect the era's cultural sentiments, serve as a test of the woman's faith, offer a teaching moment about God's kingdom's inclusivity, employ a rhetorical strategy, or even challenge existing prejudices. This narrative, rich in metaphor and dialogue, illustrates the depth of Jesus' teachings and interactions, emphasizing faith's role over ethnic lineage. The hypothesis that Jews referred to Gentiles as "dogs" in a derogatory sense during Jesus' time is inferred from historical and cultural contexts, as direct evidence from that period is scarce. This interpretation is supported by the strained Jewish-Gentile relations, the use of animal metaphors in ancient texts, New Testament narratives, and later Jewish writings, all suggesting a backdrop of social and religious tension that could have given rise to such terms. However, key is that Jesus was moved by her faith and healed her daughter, showcasing the inclusivity of God's grace beyond ethnic boundaries. Additionally, the comment made by Jesus in Mark 7:27 (...Let the children first be filled...) hints at His grace ultimately falling on the Gentiles as well as the Jews.
For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. 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. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.
Mark 7:25-30
While Jesus did use the term "dog" in relation to Gentiles, it is essential to recognize that this was not intended as a derogatory remark. Rather, it served to highlight the unique role and priority of the Israelites in God's salvific plan at that time. By making this distinction, Jesus underscored His initial mission to the lost sheep of Israel while simultaneously opening the door to the eventual inclusion of the Gentiles. The interaction with the Canaanite woman demonstrates that faith and humility are paramount, transcending ethnic boundaries. Jesus' response to her persistent faith and clever argument reveals His ultimate intention of extending God's grace to all humanity, thus affirming the inclusive nature of His ministry.