Luke 4:39

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 4:39 describes a powerful and tender moment in Jesus' early ministry, where He demonstrates His divine authority not only over spiritual forces but also over physical ailments. This verse immediately follows His teaching and casting out a demon in the synagogue in Capernaum, highlighting the breadth of His power and compassion.

Context

This healing miracle takes place in the home of Simon Peter, immediately after Jesus had been teaching with authority in the synagogue and casting out an unclean spirit from a man (Luke 4:31-37). Peter's mother-in-law was suffering from a severe fever. The disciples, including Peter, brought this need to Jesus' attention, underscoring the personal and intimate nature of this particular miracle. The parallel accounts of this event can be found in Mark 1:29-31 and Matthew 8:14-15.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority Over Sickness: Jesus' action of "rebuking" the fever signifies His absolute power over disease, treating it not merely as a physical condition but as something subject to His command. This showcases His unique status as the Son of God, capable of intervening directly in the natural order.
  • Instantaneous and Complete Healing: The phrase "it left her: and immediately she arose" emphasizes the swiftness and totality of the healing. There was no recovery period; her strength was fully restored, allowing her to serve without delay. This stands in contrast to natural recovery processes, underscoring the miraculous nature of the event.
  • Service as a Response to Grace: The woman's immediate act of "ministering unto them" is a profound response to her miraculous healing. It illustrates a key biblical principle: those who receive God's grace and healing are often moved to serve others. Her actions embody gratitude and a desire to give back to those who have blessed her.
  • Compassion of Christ: Jesus' willingness to enter a private home and address a personal, domestic ailment speaks volumes about His compassion and accessibility. He is not just a public teacher but one who cares for individual needs, demonstrating the intimate nature of His ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "rebuked" is epetimēsen (ἐπετίμησεν). This is the same strong verb Jesus often used when commanding demons or even rebuking the wind and waves. Its use here indicates that Jesus perceived the fever not just as a physical ailment but as an oppressive force, subject to His divine authority. The term "ministered" comes from diēkonei (διηκόνει), the root of the English word "deacon." It implies serving, often in the context of preparing and serving food, but more broadly, attending to the needs of others. This highlights her swift return to full health and her immediate desire to serve her guests, including Jesus.

Practical Application

Luke 4:39 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in Jesus' Authority: This verse reminds us that Jesus possesses ultimate authority over all forms of sickness and oppression. We can bring our needs and the needs of others to Him with confidence, knowing He has the power to heal and restore.
  • Gratitude Expressed Through Service: The healed woman's immediate response of service serves as a powerful example. When we experience God's grace, healing, or provision, a natural and appropriate response is to use our renewed strength and resources to serve others out of love.
  • The Personal Touch of Christ: Jesus' willingness to enter a home and address a personal need underscores that His care extends beyond public ministries to individual, private sufferings. No need is too small for His compassionate attention.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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