Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ· διὰ τοῦτον τὸν λόγον ὕπαγε· ἐξελήλυθε τὸ δαιμόνιον ἐκ τῆς θυγατρός σου. (Mark 7:29)
The Response of Christ to the Persistent Mother
Mark 7:29 records Jesus’ striking response to a Gentile woman whose bold and humble appeal impressed Him. After she accepted the metaphor of dogs under the table (v.28), Jesus affirms her response with a declaration that her daughter has been healed. This verse contains deep theological meaning expressed through a perfect tense verb, a causal prepositional phrase, and a vivid imperative. The grammar intensifies the emotional and spiritual impact of the miracle — one done remotely, yet decisively.
The Causal Prepositional Phrase: διὰ τοῦτον τὸν λόγον
διὰ τοῦτον τὸν λόγον
“because of this word” or “on account of this reply”
– διὰ with the accusative expresses cause or reason.
– τοῦτον τὸν λόγον refers to the woman’s spoken response in the previous verse — her reasoning, humility, and faith.
– This construction emphasizes that her words mattered. Jesus attributes the miracle to her statement, highlighting the power of faith-filled speech.
The Imperative: ὕπαγε
The command ὕπαγε (2nd person singular present active imperative of ὑπάγω) means “go” or “go on your way.”
– It is not a harsh dismissal, but a release — indicating that what she desired has already been accomplished.
– The present imperative adds a sense of continued action — she is now free to go without fear or delay.
– This short command, in Greek and in context, conveys finality with compassion.
The Perfect Tense Miracle: ἐξελήλυθε τὸ δαιμόνιον
ἐξελήλυθε is the perfect active indicative 3rd person singular of ἐξέρχομαι — “to go out.”
– The perfect tense denotes an action completed with present results: the demon has already gone out and remains gone.
– This is a miracle done from a distance, without touch or proximity. The use of the perfect intensifies its permanence.
– Jesus speaks as one with authority over time, space, and spirit. The grammar reflects that no ritual was needed — only His will.
Prepositional Precision: ἐκ τῆς θυγατρός σου
This phrase specifies the result:
– ἐκ + genitive denotes separation from a source — the demon has come out from her.
– τῆς θυγατρός σου (“your daughter”) personalizes the miracle. This was not abstract power — it was love directed.
The genitive construction draws the reader into the emotional frame: a mother’s plea has been heard, and a daughter is now whole.
Table: Syntactic Elements of Divine Authority
| Greek Phrase | Grammatical Form | Function | Theological Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| διὰ τοῦτον τὸν λόγον | Prepositional phrase (accusative) | Indicates reason or cause | Faith-filled words prompt divine action |
| ὕπαγε | Present active imperative | Command to leave | Certainty that the miracle is complete |
| ἐξελήλυθε | Perfect active indicative | Main verb of miracle | Action completed with ongoing result |
| ἐκ τῆς θυγατρός σου | Prepositional phrase (genitive) | Specifies source of departure | Miracle personalized and specific |
Faith that Speaks, and a Savior Who Acts
The Greek of Mark 7:29 does not elaborate; it declares. One word from the woman — bold, humble, faithful — is enough for Jesus to act. The perfect tense ἐξελήλυθε carries profound comfort: what needed to happen has happened, and it endures. There is no fanfare. Just a word, a command, and a healed child.
This is the grammar of grace: no proximity, no touch, no temple — only faith, and a Savior who speaks with sovereign precision.
