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

MARK 1:30KJV
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Mark 1:30 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:30 mean?

Mark 1:30 reports that Simon Peter’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever, and as soon as Jesus arrived, the people in the house immediately told Him about her condition. This verse sets up the situation for Jesus to respond to her illness.

Mark 1:30 takes place in Simon Peter’s house, where Jesus has just arrived with His first disciples. The people present quickly inform Jesus about the illness of Simon’s mother-in-law, showing their trust in His ability to help. This moment highlights both the urgency of her sickness and the expectation that Jesus can do something about it.

The Greek behind Mark 1:30

  • The word "lay" (κατέκειτο, katékeito) means to be lying down, often due to illness or weakness. This emphasizes that Simon’s mother-in-law was bedridden, not just mildly unwell.
  • The term "fever" (πυρέσσουσα, pyressousa) refers to a significant fever, which in ancient times was considered a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition.
  • The word "anon" (εὐθέως, eutheōs) is often translated as "immediately" or "at once," showing that the people wasted no time in bringing the need to Jesus’ attention.

Why Mark 1:30 matters

  • Mark 1:30 clarifies that Peter was married, as it mentions his wife’s mother, which is sometimes overlooked.
  • The verse highlights the immediacy with which people brought needs to Jesus, underlining their faith in His compassion and power.
  • This sets the stage for one of Jesus’ early miracles, showing His willingness to help in private, everyday situations, not just in public or dramatic settings.

Where else these words appear

“fever” Greek G4445 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

“mother” Greek G3994 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
  • Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
  • Luke 4:38 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.

“lay” Greek G2621 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
  • Luke 5:25 And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
  • John 5:6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

“Simon's” Greek G4613 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
  • Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
  • John 18:15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.