from πυρά; to be on fire, i.e. (specially), to have a fever:--be sick of a fever.
Transliteration:pyréssō
Pronunciation:poo-res'-so
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma πυρέσσω (pyréssō) `{{G4445}}` is derived from πυρά (pyra), which denotes a fire, often a funeral pyre or a heap of burning material. This etymological root directly links pyréssō to the concept of "fire" or "burning." Its primary, literal meaning is "to be on fire" or "to burn." However, in its specialized and most common biblical usage, it takes on the metaphorical extension of "to have a fever" or "to be sick with a fever." This semantic shift aptly describes the physiological state of a fever, where the body's internal heat is likened to being consumed by fire. Thus, the word encompasses a range from literal combustion to the specific medical condition of feverishness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb πυρέσσω (pyréssō) `{{G4445}}` appears in the New Testament exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, always in reference to the healing of Peter's mother-in-law:
* **[[Matthew 8:14]]**: "And when Jesus entered Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever." Here, pyréssō precisely describes the debilitating illness from which the woman suffered. The context immediately precedes Jesus's direct intervention.
* **[[Mark 1:30]]**: "Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay down with a fever, and immediately they told him about her." Mark's account mirrors Matthew's, emphasizing the immediate communication of her condition to Jesus.
* **[[Luke 4:38]]**: "And he rose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him to help her." Luke, known for his attention to detail, particularly medical ones, specifies that she was suffering from a "high fever" (πυρετῷ μεγάλῳ, using the related noun πυρετός `{{G4446}}`). The use of pyréssō here still denotes the state of being feverish.
In all three accounts, the presence of pyréssō sets the stage for Jesus's miraculous healing. The fever is presented as a serious affliction, rendering the woman bedridden. Jesus's response—a touch or a command—results in an immediate and complete recovery, enabling her to rise and serve, a stark contrast to the typical, gradual recovery from such an illness. This immediate restoration highlights Jesus's divine authority over sickness and His power to bring wholeness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πῦρ (pyr) `{{G4442}}`**: The direct etymological root, meaning "fire." This connection reinforces the "burning" sensation associated with fever.
* **πυρετός (pyretos) `{{G4446}}`**: The noun form, meaning "fever." This word is frequently used in conjunction with or as a parallel to pyréssō in the Gospels (e.g., Luke's "high fever").
* **νοσέω (noseō) `{{G3554}}`**: A more general term for "to be sick" or "to be ill." pyréssō specifies a particular type of illness.
* **ἀσθενέω (astheneō) `{{G770}}`**: To be weak, sick, or infirm. While pyréssō describes the specific ailment, astheneō describes the resulting state of weakness or debility.
* The broader concept of "sickness" and "healing" in the New Testament. The instantaneous nature of the healing of the fever is a testament to Jesus's unique power, differentiating His actions from conventional medical treatment or natural recovery.
### Theological Significance
The use of πυρέσσω (pyréssō) `{{G4445}}` in the Synoptic accounts of Peter's mother-in-law's healing carries profound theological significance. Fever, a common and often life-threatening condition in the ancient world, symbolizes human vulnerability to disease and the pervasive presence of suffering. Jesus's simple yet authoritative act of rebuking or touching the fever demonstrates His immediate and complete mastery over physical ailments. This is not merely a benevolent act but a powerful sign of the inbreaking of God's Kingdom, where sickness and its effects are overcome.
The miraculous healing of the pyréssō illustrates several key theological truths:
1. **Divine Authority**: Jesus's power over sickness is absolute and instantaneous, not gradual or conditional. This underscores His divine nature and authority as the Son of God.
2. **Wholeness and Restoration**: The woman's immediate ability to rise and serve after being healed signifies a complete restoration, not just to health, but to a state of active participation and service. This points to the holistic nature of salvation offered by Christ, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
3. **Compassion and Presence**: Jesus's willingness to enter a private home and attend to a common illness highlights His compassion and identification with human suffering, bringing the divine presence into the midst of everyday affliction.
4. **Messianic Sign**: The healing of the sick, including those suffering from pyréssō, was a hallmark of the Messiah's ministry, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and demonstrating that the Kingdom of God had drawn near.
### Summary
πυρέσσω (pyréssō) `{{G4445}}` is a Greek verb meaning "to be on fire," but specifically denotes "to have a fever" in its New Testament usage. Rooted in πυρά (pyra), "fire," it vividly describes the internal burning sensation of illness. Its three occurrences in the Synoptic Gospels ([[Matthew 8:14]], [[Mark 1:30]], [[Luke 4:38]]) consistently refer to the specific ailment of Peter's mother-in-law, which Jesus miraculously heals. This instantaneous and complete healing, where the pyréssō immediately departs, serves as a powerful demonstration of Jesus's divine authority over sickness and suffering. The word is closely related to πυρετός (pyretos) `{{G4446}}`, the noun for "fever." Theologically, the healing of the pyréssō underscores Jesus's role as the compassionate Messiah who inaugurates God's Kingdom by overcoming human vulnerability to disease, bringing immediate wholeness and enabling renewed service.
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