Luke Chapter 4 · Verse 39
And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιστὰς
he stood
G2186
ἐπιστὰς
he stood
Strong's:
G2186
Word #:
2 of 15
to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)
ἐπάνω
over
G1883
ἐπάνω
over
Strong's:
G1883
Word #:
3 of 15
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
αὐτοῖς
her
G846
αὐτοῖς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπετίμησεν
and rebuked
G2008
ἐπετίμησεν
and rebuked
Strong's:
G2008
Word #:
5 of 15
to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πυρετῷ
the fever
G4446
πυρετῷ
the fever
Strong's:
G4446
Word #:
7 of 15
inflamed, i.e., (by implication) feverish (as noun, fever)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
her
G846
αὐτοῖς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀναστᾶσα
she arose
G450
ἀναστᾶσα
she arose
Strong's:
G450
Word #:
13 of 15
to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
Cross References
Luke 4:41And 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.Luke 4:35And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.Luke 8:24And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
Historical Context
Severe fevers often required lengthy recovery periods. Peter's mother-in-law's immediate return to activity demonstrates supernatural healing—not gradual improvement but instantaneous restoration. Her service (likely preparing a meal) illustrates proper response to Jesus' grace. The Greek word diakoneō (διακονέω) became the root for "deacon"—those who serve. Her immediate service models what all who are healed by Jesus should do: serve Him and others. This domestic miracle in Peter's home shows Jesus' concern for ordinary people and everyday afflictions, not merely dramatic public miracles.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus' rebuke of the fever (as He rebuked demons) teach about His authority over all creation?
- How does the woman's immediate service after healing model the proper response to Jesus' grace?
- Why is it significant that the healing was instantaneous with no recovery period needed?
Analysis & Commentary
And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her. Jesus epistas epanō autēs (ἐπιστὰς ἐπάνω αὐτῆς, standing over her) demonstrates personal attention and care. He epetimēsen tō pyretō (ἐπετίμησεν τῷ πυρετῷ, rebuked the fever)—the same verb used for rebuking demons (v. 35) and storms (8:24). Luke presents fever as something to be commanded, suggesting possible demonic involvement or simply Jesus' absolute authority over all creation, including disease.
And immediately she arose and ministered unto them. The healing was instantaneous and complete. The phrase parachrēma anastasa (παραχρῆμα ἀναστᾶσα, immediately rising up) indicates no convalescence—she went directly from severe fever to full strength. Her response was diēkonei autois (διηκόνει αὐτοῖς, she was serving them), demonstrating that genuine healing produces service. Saved to serve remains the gospel pattern.