Luke 4:39

KJV

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he stood {G2186} over {G1883} her {G846}, and rebuked {G2008} the fever {G4446}; and {G2532} it left {G863} her {G846}: and immediately {G3916} she arose {G450} and {G1161} ministered {G1247} unto them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So, standing over her, he rebuked the fever; and it left her. She immediately got up and began helping them.

Berean Standard Bible

and He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and began to serve them.

American Standard Version

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she rose up and ministered unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 4:39 powerfully depicts Jesus' divine authority and compassion as He heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law. Standing over her, Jesus issues a direct command, "rebuking" the severe fever, which immediately departs. Her instantaneous and complete restoration is evidenced by her immediate ability to rise and serve her guests, including Jesus and His disciples, showcasing a profound response of gratitude and renewed strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This miraculous healing occurs immediately after Jesus' authoritative teaching and a dramatic exorcism in the synagogue of Capernaum, as recounted in [Luke 4:31-37](/luke/4-31-37 "Jesus' Authority in Capernaum"). Having demonstrated His power over spiritual forces in a public setting, Jesus now enters the private sphere of Peter's home, revealing His care for individual suffering. The narrative flows seamlessly, highlighting Jesus' constant activity and His willingness to engage with both public and private needs. This event is also recorded in the parallel accounts of [Mark 1:29-31](/mark/1-29-31 "Mark's Account of Peter's Mother-in-Law's Healing") and [Matthew 8:14-15](/matthew/8-14-15 "Matthew's Account of Peter's Mother-in-Law's Healing"), underscoring its significance in the early ministry of Jesus. The quick transition from synagogue to home emphasizes Jesus' accessibility and personal engagement.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum, a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, served as Jesus' primary base of operations in Galilee. Jewish society of the time placed a high value on hospitality, and it was customary for hosts to provide food and refreshment for guests. A severe fever, as described, would have been debilitating, rendering the afflicted person incapable of fulfilling their domestic duties, especially in a household hosting guests. Illness was often viewed through a spiritual lens, sometimes attributed to sin or demonic influence, though Jesus frequently challenged such simplistic associations. The immediate return to service by Peter's mother-in-law would have been a remarkable sign of complete healing, defying the typical recovery period associated with such an ailment, and thus validating the miraculous nature of Jesus' intervention.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Jesus' **divine authority over sickness and disease**, treating the fever not merely as a physical symptom but as an entity subject to His command, much like He commands demons (e.g., [Luke 4:35](/luke/4-35 "Jesus Rebukes a Demon")). Secondly, the **instantaneous and complete nature of Jesus' healings** is highlighted, demonstrating His unique power to restore health without a period of convalescence. Thirdly, the woman's immediate act of "ministering" exemplifies **gratitude and service as a natural response to grace**, a theme that recurs throughout the Gospels as disciples are called to serve others ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Finally, Jesus' **compassion and accessibility** are evident in His willingness to enter a private home and address a personal, domestic ailment, showing that His ministry extends to every facet of human need, not just public spectacles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **rebuked (Greek, _epitimáō'_):** This verb, G2008, means "to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid." It is a strong term, frequently used by Jesus when addressing demons (e.g., [Luke 4:35](/luke/4-35 "Jesus Rebukes a Demon")) or even natural forces like the wind and waves ([Luke 8:24](/luke/8-24 "Jesus Rebukes the Wind and Waves")). Its application to a fever here suggests that Jesus perceived the illness not merely as a physiological malfunction but as an oppressive force, a manifestation of the brokenness of creation, over which He exercises absolute, divine authority.
* **fever (Greek, _pyretós'_):** G4446, derived from a word meaning "inflamed," refers to a fever, indicating a state of high body temperature and illness. The KJV's "severe fever" (implied by the context and parallel accounts) would have been a life-threatening condition in ancient times, highlighting the gravity of the woman's affliction and the profound nature of her healing.
* **ministered (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** G1247, meaning "to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon." This word is the root of our English "deacon" and implies active service, often related to preparing and serving food, but more broadly, attending to the needs of others. The woman's immediate engagement in service underscores the completeness of her healing and her grateful response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he stood over her,"**: This phrase (using G2186 _ephístēmi_ and G1883 _epánō_) indicates Jesus' close physical presence and intimate engagement with the suffering woman. It conveys a posture of authority and focused attention, signifying His direct and personal intervention.
* **"and rebuked the fever;"**: Jesus' direct command to the fever, using the strong verb _epitimáō_, signifies His absolute authority over disease. He treats the illness not as an impersonal condition but as something subject to His will, demonstrating His divine power over the natural order.
* **"and it left her:"**: The immediate departure of the fever (using G863 _aphíēmi_, meaning "to send forth, leave, let go") confirms the efficacy of Jesus' rebuke. The illness obeys His command without resistance, highlighting the miraculous and undeniable nature of the healing.
* **"and immediately she arose"**: The Greek word _parachrēma_ (G3916), translated "immediately," emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the healing. There was no gradual recovery; she was fully restored to health and strength, able to stand up (G450 _anístēmi_) without delay.
* **"and ministered unto them."**: This final clause (using G1247 _diakonéō_) reveals the woman's immediate and grateful response. Her restoration was so complete that she could immediately resume her duties as a hostess, serving Jesus and His disciples, illustrating a profound act of thanksgiving and renewed capacity for service.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's account in [Luke 4:39](/luke/4-39 "Luke 4:39 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law") employs several powerful literary devices. The **Personification** of the fever is striking, as Jesus "rebukes" it as if it were a sentient being or an oppressive force, rather than merely a physical condition. This elevates the illness to an enemy overcome by divine power. The repeated emphasis on **Immediacy** ("immediately she arose") highlights the miraculous nature of the healing, contrasting sharply with natural recovery processes. This swiftness underscores Jesus' absolute authority and the completeness of His work. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** between the woman's prior state of debilitating illness and her immediate, vigorous return to service, which serves as irrefutable evidence of the miracle. This transformation from passive suffering to active service also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the spiritual transformation that often follows an encounter with Christ's grace and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 4:39 provides a profound theological statement about the nature of Jesus' ministry and His identity. His authority over sickness, demonstrated by "rebuking" the fever, aligns Him with God's sovereign power over all creation. This miracle is not merely an act of compassion but a display of the kingdom of God breaking into the present, reversing the effects of the fall and demonstrating God's restorative will. The immediate response of service from the healed woman underscores a key New Testament principle: divine grace and healing often lead to a life of grateful service, transforming recipients into active participants in God's redemptive work. This healing foreshadows Jesus' ultimate triumph over all forms of brokenness, including sin and death, through His sacrificial work.

* [Psalm 103:2-3](/psalm/103-2-3 "Bless the Lord, O My Soul, Who Heals All Your Diseases") - "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;"
* [Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "The Son of Man Came to Serve") - "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
* [Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Surely He Has Borne Our Griefs") - "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law in [Luke 4:39](/luke/4-39 "Luke 4:39 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law") offers rich ground for personal reflection and practical application in our lives today. It reminds us that Jesus is not a distant deity but one who intimately engages with our personal sufferings and domestic challenges. His authority extends over every form of brokenness, whether physical illness, emotional distress, or spiritual bondage. We are encouraged to bring our needs, and the needs of those we love, before Him with confidence, knowing that He has the power to intervene and restore. Furthermore, the healed woman's immediate response of "ministering unto them" serves as a powerful model for our own gratitude. When we experience God's grace, healing, or provision, our natural and appropriate response should be to use our renewed strength, gifts, and resources to serve others, embodying the very love and compassion we have received. This act of service transforms our experience of grace into a channel of blessing for others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to experience Jesus' authoritative "rebuke" over sickness, fear, or oppression?**
* **How does the immediate and complete nature of this healing encourage your faith in Jesus' power today?**
* **What does the woman's immediate act of "ministering" teach you about the proper response to receiving God's grace and healing?**
* **How can you, in your daily life, embody the compassion and accessibility that Jesus demonstrated in entering Peter's home?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus "rebuke" the fever instead of simply healing it?**

Answer: The use of the word "rebuked" (Greek _epitimáō_) is significant because it is the same strong verb Jesus often used when commanding demons ([Luke 4:35](/luke/4-35 "Jesus Rebukes a Demon")) or even natural forces like the wind and waves ([Luke 8:24](/luke/8-24 "Jesus Rebukes the Wind and Waves")). This suggests that Jesus viewed the fever not merely as a physiological condition but as an oppressive force, a manifestation of the brokenness and disorder introduced by sin into creation. By "rebuking" it, Jesus asserts His divine authority and sovereignty over all forms of illness and evil, demonstrating that these are subject to His command and are part of the kingdom of darkness that He came to dismantle. It highlights His unique power to confront and overcome the effects of a fallen world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The healing of Peter's mother-in-law in [Luke 4:39](/luke/4-39 "Luke 4:39 - Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law") is a vivid demonstration of Jesus' identity as the Christ, the promised Messiah, and foreshadows the fullness of His redemptive work. His authoritative "rebuke" of the fever reveals Him as the one who possesses ultimate dominion over all creation, including the forces of disease and death that plague humanity. This miracle is a tangible sign of the inauguration of God's kingdom, where sickness and suffering will ultimately be eradicated. Just as He restored the woman to immediate health and service, Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, offers a far greater healing: the restoration of humanity from the debilitating fever of sin and its ultimate consequence, spiritual death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin Is Death")). He is the Great Physician who not only mends physical bodies but also heals broken souls, offering forgiveness and new life ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "By His Wounds We Are Healed")). The woman's immediate act of ministering after her healing anticipates the calling of all believers, who, having received Christ's grace and healing, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God and others, living lives transformed by His resurrection power ([Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Created for Good Works")). Ultimately, this miracle points to the future consummation when Christ will return to establish His eternal kingdom, where there will be no more sickness, pain, or death, but only perfect health and unending service in His presence ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Death or Mourning")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 4:41

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Luke 4:35

And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.

Luke 8:24

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

Luke 8:2

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,

Luke 8:3

And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.

2 Corinthians 5:14

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

2 Corinthians 5:15

And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.