Matthew 8:14

¶ And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

And {G2532} when Jesus {G2424} was come {G2064} into {G1519} Peter's {G4074} house {G3614}, he saw {G1492} his {G846} wife's mother {G3994} laid {G906}, and {G2532} sick of a fever {G4445}.

Yeshua went to Kefa's home and there saw Kefa's mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever.

When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever.

And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying sick of a fever.

Commentary

Matthew 8:14 introduces us to a personal moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately following His powerful public miracles. This verse sets the stage for Jesus’ compassionate healing of Peter’s mother-in-law, demonstrating His authority extending even into the most private and domestic spheres.

Context

This verse is part of a series of miracles recorded in Matthew Chapter 8, which vividly illustrate Jesus’ divine power over sickness and natural elements. Having just healed a leper (Matthew 8:3) and the centurion's servant from a distance (Matthew 8:13), Jesus enters Peter's house in Capernaum. This account is also found in the parallel Gospels of Mark (1:29-31) and Luke (4:38-39), underscoring its significance and highlighting Jesus' willingness to minister in private settings.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Personal Accessibility and Compassion: The act of Jesus entering Peter's home signifies His willingness to engage with people’s personal and domestic needs. He wasn't only concerned with public displays of power but also with individual suffering, demonstrating His profound compassion for humanity.
  • Evidence of Peter's Married Life: The mention of "his wife's mother" is a clear indication that Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, was married. This detail provides a rare glimpse into the personal lives of the apostles and challenges some historical misconceptions.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Healing: This verse merely describes the situation, but it immediately precedes one of Jesus' swift and powerful healings, showcasing His authority over all forms of illness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "fever" in the original Greek is pyretos (πυρετός), which refers to a burning heat or a high temperature. The phrase "laid, and sick of a fever" indicates that her condition was severe enough to confine her to bed, making her unable to perform her daily duties.

Practical Application

Matthew 8:14 offers a comforting truth: Jesus is concerned with our everyday lives and the challenges we face within our homes. He doesn't wait for us to come to a synagogue or a public gathering; He is willing to enter our private spaces and address our needs. This verse reminds us that no problem is too small or too personal for Jesus' attention and healing power. It also subtly emphasizes the blessing of hospitality, as Peter's home became a sanctuary where Christ's power was manifested.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 4:38 (12 votes)

    And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

  • Luke 4:41 (12 votes)

    And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking [them] suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

  • Mark 1:29 (10 votes)

    ¶ And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

  • Mark 1:34 (10 votes)

    And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:5 (4 votes)

    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?

  • Matthew 17:25 (1 votes)

    He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

  • Hebrews 13:4 (0 votes)

    Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.