Matthew 15:21
ESV
And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.
NIV
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
NASB
Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.
CSB
When Jesus left there, he withdrew to the area of Tyre and Sidon.
NLT
Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
KJV
Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.
NKJV
Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon.
What does Matthew 15:21 mean?
Jesus had attempted to withdraw from the religious leaders and the crowds before (Matthew 14:34–35). However, too many desperate people wanted His help, willing to travel far and wide and hunt Him down wherever He went. Now Jesus and His disciples make another attempt to withdraw from the people and the Pharisees. He leaves Israel and enters pagan Gentile territory. Specifically, Jesus travels east from Galilee to the district of the Gentile towns of Tyre and Sidon. Jesus was much less likely to be known and pursued outside of Israel.This is the region to which Jesus had referred when condemning the unwillingness of fellow Israelites to repent (Matthew 11:20–24). In a virtual fulfillment of those words, this thoroughly pagan region will produce a famous example of faith (Matthew 15:22).
