Luke 4:38

And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

And {G1161} he arose {G450} out of {G1537} the synagogue {G4864}, and entered {G1525} into {G1519} Simon's {G4613} house {G3614}. And {G1161} Simon's {G4613} wife's mother {G3994} was {G2258} taken with {G4912} a great {G3173} fever {G4446}; and {G2532} they besought {G2065} him {G846} for {G4012} her {G846}.

Leaving the synagogue, he went to Shim`on's house. Shim`on's mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him to do something for her.

After Jesus had left the synagogue, He went to the home of Simon, whose mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever. So they appealed to Jesus on her behalf,

And he rose up from the synagogue, and entered into the house of Simon. And Simon’s wife’s mother was holden with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

Luke 4:38 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus' early ministry, immediately following His powerful teaching and exorcism in the synagogue of Capernaum. This verse transitions His public ministry into a more private, yet equally profound, display of compassion and authority within the home of Simon Peter.

Context

This verse directly follows Jesus' impactful day in the synagogue, where He taught with authority and cast out an unclean spirit, astonishing the crowds (Luke 4:31-37). Having just demonstrated His power over spiritual forces, Jesus now moves to address physical suffering. "Simon's house" refers to the home of Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, located in Capernaum—a city that served as a significant base for Jesus' Galilean ministry.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Compassion and Availability: After a demanding public ministry, Jesus does not rest but immediately attends to a personal need within a home. This highlights His deep concern for individual suffering and His constant availability to those in need.
  • Demonstration of Authority: While not as dramatic as an exorcism, healing a severe fever showcases Jesus' authority over sickness and disease, reinforcing His divine power.
  • Intercession and Faith: The phrase "they besought him for her" indicates that others brought the sick woman's plight to Jesus. This act of intercession, or praying on behalf of another, sets the stage for the miraculous healing that follows in Luke 4:39.
  • Holistic Ministry: Jesus' ministry is not limited to teaching or spiritual deliverance but extends to physical healing, demonstrating a comprehensive care for human well-being.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "taken with a great fever" translates the Greek pyretos megas (πυρετὸς μέγας). The word megas, meaning "great" or "severe," emphasizes the seriousness of her condition. This was no ordinary fever but one that was debilitating and potentially life-threatening, making the subsequent healing even more remarkable and a clear sign of divine intervention.

Practical Application

Luke 4:38 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Bringing Needs to Jesus: Just as "they besought him for her," we are encouraged to bring our own needs and the needs of others to Jesus in prayer. He is always available and compassionate.
  • Compassion in Action: Jesus' willingness to enter a home and address personal suffering reminds us to extend compassion beyond formal settings into our everyday lives and relationships.
  • Hospitality and Blessing: Simon's house became a place where Jesus ministered and blessed. This encourages us to open our homes and lives to Christ, allowing Him to work through us and in our environments.
  • Jesus Heals: This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' ability and willingness to heal, both physically and spiritually. It invites us to trust in His power in all circumstances.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 8:14

    ¶ And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

  • Matthew 8:15

    And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

  • Mark 1:29

    ¶ And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

  • Mark 1:31

    And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

  • John 11:22

    But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give [it] thee.

  • James 5:14

    Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

  • James 5:15

    And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

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