Mark 1:30

KJV

But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim`on's mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and they told Yeshua about her.

Berean Standard Bible

Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they promptly told Jesus about her.

American Standard Version

Now Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever; and straightway they tell him of her:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 1:30 serves as a concise narrative bridge, transitioning Jesus' public ministry in the Capernaum synagogue to a more intimate, domestic setting. It introduces Simon's mother-in-law, gravely ill with a fever, and highlights the immediate action taken by those present to inform Jesus of her condition, setting the stage for one of His earliest and most significant recorded healings in Mark's Gospel. This brief verse underscores Jesus' accessibility and the swift trust placed in His power, even in private family crises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 1:30 is situated immediately after Jesus' powerful public teaching and exorcism in the Capernaum synagogue, as detailed in [Mark 1:21-28](/mark/1-21-28 "Jesus' Authority in Capernaum"). Having just demonstrated His unparalleled authority over both demonic forces and traditional religious instruction, Jesus transitions from the public sphere to the private home of Simon (Peter) and Andrew. This shift emphasizes that Jesus' ministry was not confined to formal religious settings but extended into the everyday lives and personal needs of individuals, particularly those closest to Him. The verse directly precedes the account of the healing itself in [Mark 1:31](/mark/1-31 "Jesus Heals Simon's Mother-in-Law"), forming a seamless narrative of compassion and divine intervention following a Sabbath synagogue service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Capernaum was a bustling fishing village on the Sea of Galilee, serving as a hub for Jesus' early Galilean ministry. Jewish custom dictated that the Sabbath, while a day of rest, often involved synagogue attendance followed by communal meals or family gatherings. Fevers were a common and often life-threatening ailment in the ancient world, with limited effective treatments. The presence of a "mother-in-law" in the household indicates a multi-generational family dwelling, a common structure in first-century Jewish society, where the well-being of each member was vital to the household's function. The immediate appeal to Jesus ("anon they tell him of her") reflects the common practice of seeking help from respected teachers or healers, especially for serious illnesses, and highlights the immediate trust placed in Jesus by His newly called disciples.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Authority and Power**, demonstrating that His dominion extends beyond the spiritual realm (exorcism) to physical ailments, foreshadowing His ultimate power over death itself, as seen in passages like [Mark 5:35-43](/mark/5-35-43 "The Raising of Jairus' Daughter"). Secondly, it highlights **Jesus' Compassion and Accessibility**, showing that He is not aloof but deeply engaged with human suffering, willing to enter private spaces to minister to individual needs, a theme consistently woven throughout Mark, such as when He touches the leper in [Mark 1:40-42](/mark/1-40-42 "Jesus Heals a Leper"). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Discipleship and Service**, as the immediate family of Simon, one of Jesus' first disciples (as called in [Mark 1:16-18](/mark/1-16-18 "The Calling of Simon and Andrew")), benefits directly from Jesus' presence, implying that following Jesus brings His blessing into one's entire household.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **But (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle, G1161, functions as an adversative or continuative. In this context, it acts as a subtle transition, indicating a shift in scene or focus from the public synagogue to the private home, yet maintaining the narrative flow. It signals that while Jesus' public ministry was impactful, His personal interactions were equally significant.
* **sick of a fever (Greek, _pyréssō'_):** The verb G4445, derived from a word meaning "fire," vividly describes the physical state of being afflicted by a fever. In the ancient world, fevers were not merely discomforting but often debilitating and life-threatening, making the subsequent healing a profound demonstration of divine power over a common, serious human affliction.
* **anon (Greek, _euthéōs'_):** This adverb, G2112, translates to "immediately," "at once," or "forthwith." Its inclusion here is crucial, emphasizing the urgency with which Simon's household brought the situation to Jesus' attention and, by implication, the swiftness of Jesus' response. Mark frequently uses this word to convey the dynamic, action-oriented nature of Jesus' ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever":** This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and the problem. The mention of "Simon's wife's mother" (his mother-in-law) grounds the narrative in the domestic sphere of one of Jesus' key disciples, emphasizing the personal connection. Her state of being "sick of a fever" highlights a common and serious ailment of the time, setting up the need for divine intervention. The verb "lay" (G2621, _katákeimai_) indicates a state of being confined to bed due to illness, implying the severity of her condition.
* **"and anon they tell him of her":** This second clause reveals the immediate and urgent response of those present. The conjunction "and" (G2532, _kaí_) links the observation of her illness to the swift action taken. The word "anon" (G2112, _euthéōs_) is characteristic of Mark's fast-paced narrative, underscoring the immediacy with which the family or disciples brought the news to Jesus. The phrase "they tell him of her" signifies an appeal, a request for help, indicating their trust in Jesus' ability to intervene.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 1:30 employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. The use of **Narrative Transition** is evident as the scene shifts from the public synagogue to the private home, demonstrating the comprehensive scope of Jesus' ministry. The adverb "anon" (Greek, _euthéōs_) is a hallmark of Mark's Gospel, contributing to its rapid, action-oriented pace, creating a sense of **Urgency** and immediate divine response. Furthermore, the simple, direct statement of the mother-in-law's illness and the immediate appeal to Jesus serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the miraculous healing that is about to occur in the subsequent verse, thereby highlighting Jesus' compassion and power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 1:30 subtly yet powerfully connects to broader theological themes of divine accessibility and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive work. It illustrates that Jesus' compassion extends beyond the public spectacle to the intimate, often hidden, needs of individuals within their homes. The immediate appeal to Jesus by the household members underscores a foundational theological truth: God is approachable, and His people are encouraged to bring their burdens and infirmities directly to Him. This incident demonstrates that Jesus' authority is not merely for grand pronouncements but for tangible, personal healing, affirming His role as the compassionate Messiah who enters human suffering.

* [Matthew 8:14-15](/matthew/8-14-15 "Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law")
* [Luke 4:38-39](/luke/4-38-39 "Jesus Heals Simon's Mother-in-Law")
* [James 5:14-15](/james/5-14-15 "Prayer for the Sick")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 1:30 offers a profound invitation to personal faith and reliance on Jesus. In a world where suffering and illness are ever-present, this verse reminds us that Jesus is not distant or unconcerned with our daily struggles. Just as Simon's household immediately brought their loved one's dire condition to Jesus, we are called to bring our own anxieties, physical ailments, and family challenges directly to Him. This isn't just about physical healing, but about the holistic well-being that comes from placing our trust in His compassionate care. The "anon" (immediately) in the text serves as a powerful prompt for us: when we face difficulties, our first instinct should be to turn to Christ, knowing that His power and love are accessible even in the most private and vulnerable moments of our lives. It encourages a posture of immediate, unreserved trust in His ability and willingness to intervene.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the immediate appeal to Jesus in this verse reveal about the early disciples' perception of Him, and how does that challenge or affirm my own trust in Jesus?**
* **How does Jesus' willingness to enter a private home to address a family illness speak to the scope and nature of His ministry in my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life, or the lives of my loved ones, am I hesitant to "tell Him" (bring to Jesus) my needs, and what steps can I take to cultivate a more immediate reliance on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is the healing of Simon's mother-in-law significant, given its brevity in Mark's Gospel?**

Answer: Despite its brevity, the healing of Simon's mother-in-law is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is one of Jesus' earliest recorded miracles in Mark, immediately following His public display of authority in the synagogue, demonstrating that His power extends from spiritual liberation (exorcism) to physical healing. Secondly, its inclusion in all three Synoptic Gospels ([Matthew 8:14-15](/matthew/8-14-15 "Matthew 8:14-15 - Peter's Mother-in-Law Healed"), [Luke 4:38-39](/luke/4-38-39 "Luke 4:38-39 - Simon's Mother-in-Law Healed")) underscores its importance in the early Christian tradition. Thirdly, it highlights Jesus' compassion and accessibility, showing He cares for the personal, domestic needs of His disciples and their families, not just large crowds. Finally, the immediate service she renders after being healed ([Mark 1:31](/mark/1-31 "Mark 1:31 - She Served Them")) serves as a model of discipleship: restored to health, she immediately uses her renewed strength to serve Christ and His followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 1:30, while a simple narrative, points profoundly to the Christ-centered nature of God's redemptive plan. The swift appeal to Jesus for healing a fever-stricken woman foreshadows Jesus' ultimate mission as the Great Physician, who came not just to cure physical ailments but to heal the deeper malady of sin and death. Just as He entered Simon's home to bring restoration, Jesus, through His incarnation, entered the human condition, taking on our infirmities and bearing our sorrows ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Bore Our Griefs")). His subsequent healing of the mother-in-law is a tangible demonstration of the power that would ultimately overcome the grave itself, culminating in His resurrection, which offers eternal life and healing to all who believe ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The compassion shown in this private moment reflects the heart of God, who, in Christ, draws near to humanity in its weakness and suffering, offering not just temporary relief but ultimate salvation and a life of service, as seen in the woman's immediate response of serving them in [Mark 1:31](/mark/1-31 "Mark 1:31 - She Served Them").

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

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.