Boundless Grace: Συροφοινίκισσα (Strong’s G4949: Syrophoinikissa) Reveals Messiah’s Global Love

Strong’s G4949: A compound noun combining Syrian and Phoenician origins, denoting a woman from Syrophoenicia. In Mark’s Gospel, describes a Gentile woman whose faith in Jesus transcends ethnic boundaries, demonstrating the universal scope of divine grace.

U- Unveiling the Word

Συροφοινίκισσα embodies the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers in the Messiah’s ministry. This compound term identifies a woman from the region where Syria and Phoenicia meet, marking her as a double outsider to Jewish society. In Mark’s Gospel, her encounter with Jesus becomes a powerful demonstration of faith transcending cultural boundaries. The early church saw this word as prophetic of Gentile inclusion in God’s kingdom. Today, it continues to challenge our prejudices and remind us of the gospel’s universal reach.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Συροφοινίκισσα, Syrophoinikissa, see-roh-foy-NIK-is-sa
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘see’ as in ‘see’, ‘roh’ as in ‘row’, ‘foy’ as in ‘foil’, ‘nik’ as in ‘nick’, ‘is’ as in ‘is’, ‘sa’ as in ‘saw’
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Σύρο- (Syro-) – prefix relating to Syria
• Φοινίκισσα (Phoinikissa) – feminine form of “Phoenician”
• The compound indicates dual cultural heritage
• The feminine ending -ισσα denotes female gender

D – Defining Meanings

• Syrophoenician woman
• Woman from Syrophoenicia
• Female of Syrian-Phoenician origin
• Woman from Syrian Phoenicia

For compound words:
Σύρο- identifies Syrian connection, while Φοινίκισσα indicates Phoenician heritage, together describing someone from the border region between these cultures.

Translation Options:

1. “Syrophoenician woman” – Most accurate compound translation
2. “Woman of Syrophoenicia” – Emphasizes regional origin
3. “Syrian-Phoenician woman” – Highlights dual cultural background

E – Exploring Similar Words

• Φοίνισσα (Phoinissa, FOY-nis-sa) – Phoenician woman – See G5403
• Σύρος (Syros, SEE-ros) – Syrian – See G4948
• Ἑλληνίς (Hellēnis, hel-LAY-nis) – Greek woman – See G1674

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun, Συροφοινίκισσα exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

The word would appear as:

• Nominative: Συροφοινίκισσα
• Genitive: Συροφοινικίσσης
• Dative: Συροφοινικίσσῃ
• Accusative: Συροφοινίκισσαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its significance in marking Gentile identity. Thayer’s notes its unique composition indicating mixed heritage. LSJ documents usage in regional identification. Vine’s connects it to faith beyond borders. Strong’s highlights the compound nature suggesting cultural intersection. LEH traces similar ethnic designations. Moulton and Milligan find it rare but significant in identity contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
The woman was a Greek, a [Συροφοινίκισσα] Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. Mark 7:26

Additional References:
None – This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Συροφοινίκισσα powerfully illustrates how the Messiah’s love transcends all cultural barriers. This woman’s faith and Jesus’ response demonstrate that God’s kingdom welcomes all who come in faith, regardless of ethnicity or background. Her story continues to challenge cultural prejudices and proclaim the gospel’s universal scope.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term reflects the complex cultural mixing in ancient coastal regions
2. Early church writers used her story to defend Gentile inclusion
3. The word appears in ancient trade documents describing multicultural commerce

Strong’s G4949: A compound noun combining Syrian and Phoenician origins, denoting a woman from Syrophoenicia. In Mark’s Gospel, describes a Gentile woman whose faith in Jesus transcends ethnic boundaries, demonstrating the universal scope of divine grace.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: Syrophoenician, Gentiles, faith, inclusion, women, Mark, cultural barriers, divine grace, ethnicity, universal salvation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​