Mark 1:30
But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατέκειτο
lay
G2621
κατέκειτο
lay
Strong's:
G2621
Word #:
5 of 12
to lie down, i.e., (by implication) be sick; specially, to recline at a meal
πυρέσσουσα
sick of a fever
G4445
πυρέσσουσα
sick of a fever
Strong's:
G4445
Word #:
6 of 12
to be on fire, i.e., (specially), to have a fever
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγουσιν
they tell
G3004
λέγουσιν
they tell
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῆς
her
G846
αὐτῆς
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 12
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
Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?Mark 5:23And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.John 11:3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
Historical Context
Fevers in first-century Palestine could be deadly, with malaria common in the Jordan valley and Galilee region. Without modern medicine, such illnesses posed serious threats. The extended family structure meant illness affected the entire household's functioning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Peter's household situation remind us that God calls ordinary people with families and responsibilities?
- Why is it significant that the disciples immediately told Jesus about this need rather than trying to solve it themselves?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Peter's mother-in-law (confirming Peter's married state, cf. 1 Cor. 9:5) lay sick with fever, demonstrating human frailty even in the household of a chief apostle. The disciples' immediate report to Jesus models proper faith—bringing afflictions directly to Christ rather than attempting self-sufficiency. This sets the stage for demonstrating Christ's healing authority extends to all conditions.