King James Version

What Does Matthew 8:14 Mean?

Matthew 8:14 in the King James Version says “And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 8:14 · KJV


Context

12

But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

13

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.

14

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

15

And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

16

When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' healing of Peter's mother-in-law demonstrates His compassionate power extending to ordinary domestic situations. The detail that this was Peter's wife's mother confirms Peter was married, contradicting later celibacy requirements for clergy. Christ's touch brought immediate healing, and her immediate service demonstrates that genuine healing produces responsive gratitude and ministry. The sequence—Jesus sees, touches, fever leaves, she serves—models the gospel pattern of grace received producing service rendered.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Peter's house in Capernaum became Jesus' ministry headquarters. Archaeological excavations have identified what may be this house, later converted into a church. The mention of Peter's mother-in-law living with them reflects extended family arrangements common in ancient Jewish culture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Peter's married state teach about biblical qualifications for ministry leadership?
  2. How does the healed woman's immediate service illustrate the proper response to Christ's healing grace?

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

ἐλθὼν2 of 15

was come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

3 of 15
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 15

when Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἰς5 of 15

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν6 of 15
G3588

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

οἰκίαν7 of 15

house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

Πέτρου8 of 15

Peter's

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

εἶδεν9 of 15

he saw

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν10 of 15
G3588

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

πενθερὰν11 of 15

wife's mother

G3994

a wife's mother

αὐτοῦ12 of 15

his

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

βεβλημένην13 of 15

laid

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

καὶ14 of 15

And

G2532

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

πυρέσσουσαν·15 of 15

sick of a fever

G4445

to be on fire, i.e., (specially), to have a fever


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 8:14 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 Matthew 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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