King James Version

What Does Luke 4:39 Mean?

Luke 4:39 in the King James Version says “And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.”

Luke 4:39 · KJV

Context

37

And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

38

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.

39

And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.

40

Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

41

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. to speak: or, to say that they knew him to be Christ

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Jesus' rebuke of the fever (as He rebuked demons) teach about His authority over all creation?
  2. How does the woman's immediate service after healing model the proper response to Jesus' grace?
  3. Why is it significant that the healing was instantaneous with no recovery period needed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπιστὰς2 of 15

“he stood”

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

ἐπάνω3 of 15

“over”

G1883

up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)

αὐτοῖς4 of 15

“her”

G846

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

ἐπετίμησεν5 of 15

“and rebuked”

G2008

to tax upon, i.e., censure or admonish; by implication, forbid

τῷ6 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πυρετῷ7 of 15

“the fever”

G4446

inflamed, i.e., (by implication) feverish (as noun, fever)

καὶ8 of 15

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀφῆκεν9 of 15

“it left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτοῖς10 of 15

“her”

G846

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

παραχρῆμα11 of 15

“and immediately”

G3916

at the thing itself, i.e., instantly

δὲ12 of 15

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀναστᾶσα13 of 15

“she arose”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

διηκόνει14 of 15

“ministered”

G1247

to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon

αὐτοῖς15 of 15

“her”

G846

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

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 4:39 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 4:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 4:41Luke 4:35Luke 8:24Luke 8:2-3Psalms 116:122 Corinthians 5:14-15

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