Matthew 8:14 (KJV)

What does Matthew 8:14 mean?

Matthew 8:14 describes Jesus entering Peter’s house and noticing Peter’s mother-in-law lying down, sick with a fever. The verse sets the scene for a personal moment where Jesus encounters illness within the family of one of his closest followers.

This verse is part of a series of events where Jesus performs healings. The focus here is on the private setting—Jesus is not in a public place but inside Peter’s home. The mention of Peter’s mother-in-law being sick highlights both Peter’s family life and the reality of everyday suffering that Jesus addresses directly.

The Greek behind Matthew 8:14

• οἶκος (oikos, "house"): This word refers to a dwelling or household, emphasizing that Jesus is entering a private, family space rather than a public area.
• πενθερά (penthera, "mother-in-law"): The Greek term makes it clear that the sick woman is Peter’s wife’s mother, which also shows that Peter was married.
• βεβλημένην (beblēmenēn, "laid"): This word is often understood as “lying down” or “reclining,” which suggests she was bedridden due to her illness.
• πυρέσσουσα (pyressousa, "fever"): The Greek word specifically means suffering from a fever, indicating a significant illness rather than a minor ailment.

Why Matthew 8:14 matters

• Matthew 8:14 shows that Jesus’s care extended to the families of his disciples, not just to crowds or strangers, highlighting his personal concern.
• The verse quietly confirms Peter’s marital status, which is sometimes overlooked, by mentioning his mother-in-law.
• By setting the healing in a home, Matthew 8:14 connects Jesus’s miraculous work to everyday life, not just public ministry.