1:29 1:29

Mark 1:30

1:31 1:31

Bible Versions

But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
But {G1161} Simon's {G4613} wife's mother {G3994} lay {G2621} sick of a fever {G4445}, and {G2532} anon {G2112} they tell {G3004} him {G846} of {G4012} her {G846}.
Shim`on's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and they told Yeshua about her.
Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they promptly told Jesus about her.
Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell him of her:

Context of Mark 1:30

Mark 1:30 places us directly in the immediate aftermath of Jesus' powerful teaching and exorcism in the synagogue of Capernaum (Mark 1:21-28). Having just demonstrated His authority publicly, Jesus now transitions to a more private, domestic setting. This verse describes Jesus entering the home of Simon (who would later be known as Peter) and Andrew, likely after the synagogue service on the Sabbath. It sets the stage for one of Jesus' earliest recorded miracles of healing in the Gospel of Mark, highlighting that His compassion extended beyond public ministry into the personal lives of His disciples and their families.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Jesus' Compassion and Accessibility: The verse immediately brings to light a domestic crisis – Simon's mother-in-law is gravely ill. The fact that "anon they tell him of her" signifies a swift appeal to Jesus, demonstrating His perceived accessibility and the immediate trust placed in Him by those close to His new disciples. Jesus does not only minister in grand public displays but also attends to the personal needs of individuals.
  • The Scope of Jesus' Ministry: This incident illustrates that Jesus' ministry was not confined to formal religious settings or public gatherings. His divine power and willingness to help penetrated the everyday realities and challenges of people's lives, even within the intimate space of a home.
  • Early Disciples' Immediate Needs: For Simon and Andrew, who had just left everything to follow Jesus (Mark 1:16-18), this situation underscores that following Christ does not exempt one from personal trials. However, it also shows that Jesus is present to meet those needs.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "anon they tell him of her" uses an archaic English word, "anon," which means "immediately" or "at once." This emphasizes the urgency with which the situation was brought to Jesus' attention. The Greek word for "fever" is pyretos, which could refer to various types of fevers, some of which were debilitating and potentially life-threatening in ancient times, making the subsequent healing even more significant.

Related Scriptures

The healing of Simon's mother-in-law is also recounted in the other Synoptic Gospels, indicating its importance in the early accounts of Jesus' ministry:

The immediate action Jesus takes after this report is detailed in the very next verse, Mark 1:31, where He heals her instantly.

Practical Application

Mark 1:30 serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus cares deeply about our personal afflictions and the well-being of our families. Just as Simon and Andrew's household brought their need to Jesus, we are encouraged to bring our everyday concerns, illnesses, and challenges to Him. This verse highlights that faith is not just for public declarations but also for private reliance on God's power and compassion in the midst of life's difficulties. It encourages us to be quick to "tell Him" of our needs and the needs of those around us.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:5

    Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and [as] the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

  • John 11:3

    Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

  • 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.

  • Mark 5:23

    And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.
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