And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text subtly reveals that Jesus, despite his growing fame, still operates within the ordinary structures of Jewish life, first in the synagogue and then as a guest in a family home. This isn't just about a miracle; it's Jesus engaging with a disciple's family in a way that shows his ministry is deeply intertwined with the everyday lives and relationships of those who follow him.
And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just demonstrated his authority over demons in the synagogue at Capernaum. He then leaves the synagogue and enters the home of Simon, who is identified as Peter. There, they find Simon's mother-in-law suffering from a severe fever, and the family pleads with Jesus to help her.
Jesus steps out of the synagogue and into a private home. This moment marks a shift from public teaching to a more intimate setting, revealing the personal side of his ministry.
From Synagogue to House
Jesus begins his public ministry with powerful teaching and miraculous signs. After a Sabbath day of ministry in the synagogue, he enters the home of Simon Peter. This transition is significant:
A high fever grips Simon's mother-in-law. In her suffering, the community turns to Jesus with an urgent plea. What does this teach us about bringing our needs to him?
The Plea for Healing
The text highlights a critical moment: a woman is desperately ill, and her family turns to Jesus.
Ask a follow-up
Jesus possesses a power that transcends human suffering. His interaction with the fever reveals not just compassion, but divine authority.
Rebuke and Release
The healing itself is a profound demonstration of Jesus' authority:
Understand the original words
synagōgē · Greek Noun
A place of assembly for Jewish prayer, scripture reading, and teaching; it served as the center of communal religious life for Jews in the first century.
This event immediately follows Jesus' powerful teaching in the Capernaum synagogue, demonstrating His authority and compassion not just to the masses, but also in a personal, domestic setting, and setting the stage for His wider ministry in the region.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
After his baptism and temptation, Jesus begins his public ministry, traveling and teaching.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus teaches in the Capernaum synagogue
Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue at Capernaum, impressing the crowd.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law
Jesus enters Simon Peter's house and heals his mother-in-law who was suffering from a high fever.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus heals many in Capernaum
As evening falls, Jesus heals numerous people with various ailments and casts out demons.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus departs Capernaum
The next morning, Jesus leaves Capernaum to preach in other towns, despite the crowds seeking him.
This passage recounts the same healing event, highlighting Jesus' compassion and power over illness by touching Peter's mother-in-law and instantly curing her fever.
Mark 1:29-31Mark's Gospel also records this healing, emphasizing the immediate relief and her subsequent service to Jesus, underscoring the transformative power of Jesus' touch.
Isaiah 35:5-6These verses prophesy about the messianic age when the blind will see, the deaf hear, the lame leap, and the mute sing, paralleling the physical healings Jesus performed as signs of His kingdom.
1 Corinthians 9:5Paul mentions that apostles, including Peter, had the right to take their believing wives along with them, indirectly confirming Peter's marital status and his mother-in-law's presence in his household.
cambridgeLuke 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."
38, 39. The Healing of Simon’s Wife’s Mother 38 . into Simon’s house ] St Mark, nearly connected with St Peter, says more accurately “the house of Simon and Andrew” ( Luke 1:29 ). This is the first mention of Peter in St Luke, but the name was too well known in the Christian Church to need further explanation. Peter and Andrew wer…
clarkeLuke 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."
Simon's wife's mother - See on Matthew 8:14-17 (note). As soon as Peter began to follow Christ, his family began to benefit by it. It is always profitable to contract an acquaintance with good men. One person full of faith and prayer may be the means of drawing down innumerable blessings on his family and acquaintance. Every perso…
The text subtly reveals that Jesus, despite his growing fame, still operates within the ordinary structures of Jewish life, first in the synagogue and then as a guest in a family home. This isn't just about a miracle; it's Jesus engaging with a disciple's family in a way that shows his ministry is deeply intertwined with the everyday lives and relationships of those who follow him.
Jesus has just demonstrated his authority over demons in the synagogue at Capernaum. He then leaves the synagogue and enters the home of Simon, who is identified as Peter. There, they find Simon's mother-in-law suffering from a severe fever, and the family pleads with Jesus to help her.
Jesus has just demonstrated his authority over demons in the synagogue at Capernaum. He then leaves the synagogue and enters the home of Simon, who is identified as Peter. There, they find Simon's mother-in-law suffering from a severe fever, and the family pleads with Jesus to help her.
"And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf." — The text subtly reveals that Jesus, despite his growing fame, still operates within the ordinary structures of Jewish life, first in the synagogue and then as a guest in a family home. This isn't jus…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026