| Summary: | Consensus is rarely reached about the meaning of Mk 7:24-30 except to say that it
addresses Jew-Gentile relations, that Jesus' metaphor is crucial to understanding the scene, that
Jesus' initial response to the woman seems harsh, and the woman's actions and words are
counter-cultural within a first century context. After a review of the exegetical literature, there
are nuances in Mk 7:24-30 that are not adequately explained; many concern the protagonist in
the scene, namely, the Greek Syrophoenician woman. Narrative criticism is useful in analyzing
the characterization of the woman, bringing to light some possible explanations about these
unexplained subtleties within the text.
In this narrative critical exegesis of Mk 7:24-30, the characterization of the Greek
Syrophoenician woman reveals her transitional role in Jesus' mission to the Gentiles. For a
female minor character, she is well-developed, with the traits of a bold and active suppliant with
faith, who is understanding, intelligent and witty. The Greek Syrophoencian character's
dialogue with Jesus is unique to Mark on three counts: it is the only example of the Markan
narrator providing a woman's words to Jesus in first-person dialogue form; it is the only example
of anyone besting Jesus in a debate; and it is the only example of anyone changing Jesus' mind.
Jesus' metaphor of the 'children' (Jews) receiving their 'bread' (life-giving sustenance) before
the 'dogs' (Gentiles) resonates on various levels when the reader understands its first century
context (including the socio-political relationship between the Tyrians and the Galileans, and the
ancient Near Eastern use of dogs in healing rituals). The woman's response to Jesus shifts his
view of the Gentiles, so that he renews and expands his activities among them. The Greek
Syrophoenician woman speaks out, is heard and understood by Jesus, and that makes all the
difference not only in the lives of her and her daughter, but also within the Gentile world of the
Gospel of Mark.
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