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

LUKE 4:39KJV
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Luke 4:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 4:39 mean?

Luke 4:39 describes Jesus standing over Simon’s mother-in-law, rebuking her fever, and healing her so completely that she immediately gets up and begins to serve them. This verse shows Jesus’ authority over illness and his compassion in restoring someone to full health right away.

In this scene, Jesus is in Simon Peter’s house, where Simon’s mother-in-law is suffering from a high fever. Jesus takes direct action by speaking to the fever as if it were something to be commanded, and the fever leaves her instantly. The fact that she is able to get up and serve immediately highlights the thoroughness of the healing—she is not left weak or recovering, but fully restored.

The Greek behind Luke 4:39

  • The word "rebuked" (ἐπετίμησεν, epetimēsen) is often used in the Gospels when Jesus commands evil spirits or forces. Here, it is directed at the fever, showing that Jesus treats the illness as something he can command and dismiss.
  • The word "left" (ἀφῆκεν, aphēken) means to leave or depart. The use of this word emphasizes that the fever responded to Jesus’ command as if it had a will of its own.
  • The word "ministered" (διηκόνει, diēkonei) means to serve or wait on. This word suggests active, practical service, showing that Simon’s mother-in-law was not only healed but able to immediately return to normal life and hospitality.

Why Luke 4:39 matters

  • Luke 4:39 clears up the idea that Jesus’ healings were gradual or partial; the healing here is immediate and complete, as shown by the woman’s ability to serve right away.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ unique authority, as he addresses the fever directly and it obeys, which is unusual language for treating illness in that time.
  • This event connects to the wider passage by showing the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, where his power over sickness and his care for ordinary people are both highlighted.

Where else these words appear

“fever” Greek G4446 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 8:15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.
  • Mark 1:31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.
  • John 4:52 Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

“over” Greek G1883 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
  • Matthew 23:22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
  • Luke 19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

“immediately” Greek G3916 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 5:10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

“stood” Greek G2186 · used in 21 verses

  • Luke 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
  • Acts 4:1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
  • Acts 22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.