The Greek word pyréssō, represented by G4445, comes from a root meaning "to be on fire" and is used specifically to describe having a fever. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its use is highly specific, denoting the physical ailment of a high temperature.
In the biblical narrative, G4445 is used exclusively in the accounts of Jesus healing Simon Peter's mother-in-law. In Matthew's gospel, upon entering Peter's house, Jesus saw his wife's mother "laid, and sick of a fever" Matthew 8:14. Mark's account presents a parallel scene where Simon's wife's mother "lay sick of a fever," and Jesus was immediately told about her condition Mark 1:30. In both instances, the word describes the illness that precedes a miraculous healing.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the scenes involving G4445:
- G2621 katákeimai (to lie down, i.e. (by implication) be sick): This word is used in Mark's account to describe how the sick woman lay with a fever, indicating her state of incapacitation Mark 1:30.
- G3994 pentherá (a wife's mother): This term identifies the specific person afflicted with the fever in both gospels, clarifying her relationship to Simon Peter as his wife's mother (Matthew 8:14, Mark 1:30).
- G906 bállō (to throw...lay, lie): In Matthew's telling, this word is used to describe how Peter's mother-in-law was laid down by her illness, emphasizing her passive and helpless state Matthew 8:14.
The significance of G4445 is found in its narrative function as a catalyst for divine intervention.
- Context for Healing: The state of being "sick of a fever" establishes the specific physical ailment that Jesus immediately addresses, demonstrating His authority over sickness.
- Occasion for Ministry: The presence of the fever prompts those with Jesus to inform him of the need, setting the stage for his miraculous work Mark 1:30. The illness is not just a detail but the very reason for the subsequent healing.
In summary, G4445 is a precise term used to describe a fever. Its biblical usage is confined to the singular event of the healing of Peter's mother-in-law. While limited in scope, its importance lies in its ability to clearly define the physical problem that Jesus remedies, providing a straightforward and powerful illustration of his authority over the natural course of illness.
TRV