### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pentherá**, represented by `{{G3994}}`, is a specific familial term for a **wife's mother** or **mother in law**. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is consistently used to denote the mother of one's spouse, highlighting a particular in-law relationship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3994}}` appears in two distinct contexts. The first is the healing of Simon Peter's **wife's mother**. She is described as being "sick of a fever" `{{G4445}}` in the accounts of Matthew and Mark, and "taken with a great fever" `{{G4446}}` in Luke's account ([[Matthew 8:14]], [[Mark 1:30]], [[Luke 4:38]]). The second context is found in passages where Jesus describes the social division that will accompany His message, citing the conflict between a **daughter in law** and her **mother in law** as an example of this strife ([[Matthew 10:35]], [[Luke 12:53]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the familial and narrative context of **pentherá**:
* `{{G3565}}` **nýmphē** (daughter in law): This term is the direct counterpart to **mother in law** in the passages about family division, defined as a "son's wife" [[Luke 12:53]].
* `{{G3384}}` **mḗtēr** (mother): This word for "mother" is used in parallel with `{{G3994}}` to illustrate the scope of familial relationships that will be affected by Christ's ministry [[Matthew 10:35]].
* `{{G4445}}` **pyréssō** (be sick of a fever): This verb describes the state of Simon's **wife's mother** before Jesus heals her, directly linking her to a specific miracle narrative [[Mark 1:30]].
* `{{G4446}}` **pyretós** (fever): This noun specifies the illness afflicting Simon's **wife's mother**, emphasizing the nature of the sickness Jesus overcame [[Luke 4:38]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G3994}}` is focused on its role in key gospel events.
* **Recipient of Divine Healing:** Simon's **wife's mother** is a prominent figure in one of Jesus's healing miracles. Her recovery from a severe **fever** serves as a direct demonstration of Christ's authority over physical illness ([[Matthew 8:14]], [[Luke 4:38]]). The accounts note that she immediately began to minister to them, showing the completeness of her healing.
* **Example of Kingdom Division:** The relationship is used by Jesus to illustrate the disruptive nature of the gospel. By stating that a **daughter in law** would be set against her **mother in law**, He underscores that allegiance to Him can supersede even the most established societal and family bonds ([[Matthew 10:35]], [[Luke 12:53]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3994}}` is more than a simple genealogical tag. It is a precise term used to identify a specific person who becomes the subject of a miracle and to serve as a powerful illustration of the cost of discipleship. The use of **pentherá** in scripture highlights how personal relationships are central to demonstrating both Christ's healing power and the profound divisions His message can create.
TRV