King James Version

What Does Mark 1:31 Mean?

Mark 1:31 in the King James Version says “And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto the... — study this verse from Mark chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

Mark 1:31 · KJV


Context

29

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

30

But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

31

And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.

32

And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.

33

And all the city was gathered together at the door.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ's gentle touch and lifting action demonstrates His compassionate approach to healing—not merely speaking from a distance but physically engaging with the afflicted. The fever's immediate departure shows His complete authority over disease. Her instant service illustrates the proper response to divine healing: grateful, energetic ministry to Christ and His disciples. Salvation produces service.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Women in first-century Jewish culture were responsible for hospitality and serving meals. Her immediate resumption of these duties would have been understood as both a sign of complete healing and a demonstration of proper gratitude and household order.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's compassionate touch model the personal care God shows His people in their afflictions?
  2. What does her immediate service teach us about the relationship between receiving grace and serving others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

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

προσελθὼν2 of 17

he came

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

ἤγειρεν3 of 17

and lifted

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

αὐτοῖς4 of 17

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

κρατήσας5 of 17

and took

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

τῆς6 of 17
G3588

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

χειρὸς7 of 17

by the hand

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

αὐτοῖς8 of 17

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

καὶ9 of 17

And

G2532

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

ἀφῆκεν10 of 17

left

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτοῖς11 of 17

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

12 of 17
G3588

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

πυρετός13 of 17

the fever

G4446

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

εὐθὲως,14 of 17

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

καὶ15 of 17

And

G2532

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

διηκόνει16 of 17

she 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

αὐτοῖς17 of 17

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 Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 1:31 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 Mark 1:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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