‘But she answered and says to him, “Yes, Lord. Even the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.” '

The woman recognised humbly that what Jesus said was right and proper. He was a Jewish prophet and His message was to the Jews and concerned the God of Israel. But she had caught on to the opportunity He had left open and applied it accordingly. The pet dogs do not eat at the table but they are allowed the crumbs. Would not then the God of Israel have compassion on her despite her race?

The Pharisees had criticised the eating of bread in His presence by defiled hands, because they wanted to be rid of Him, but this woman was happy to receive even His crumbs.

‘Lord.' Here meaning ‘sir', but Mark wanted his readers to see its double meaning.

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