And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just ask the fever to leave; he rebukes it, showing that this illness is a hostile force that needs to be silenced. And the immediate result isn't just her recovery, but her rising to serve – a powerful picture of how true healing leads to active love for others.
And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just powerfully cast out a demon in the synagogue at Capernaum, stunning everyone with his authority. He then goes to Peter's house, where he finds Peter's mother-in-law desperately ill with a high fever, and they immediately ask him to help her. After healing her, Jesus continues to heal many other sick people and cast out demons throughout that day and into the evening.
Ever feel like sickness has a mind of its own? Jesus didn't just heal; He commanded the illness itself. This shows a profound authority beyond human understanding.
In this encounter, Jesus displays His absolute authority over the physical realm. The word used for 'rebuked' is strong, implying a stern command, like addressing a disobedient subordinate.
A Divine Commander
This shows that Jesus' healing wasn't merely a therapeutic act but an act of dominion, demonstrating His sovereignty over sickness and even death.
Healing isn't just about receiving. What happens after we're healed? This verse shows a beautiful and immediate reaction that tells us a lot about true transformation.
The immediate aftermath of Jesus' touch is striking. The woman doesn't just get better; she gets up and begins to serve.
From Recovery to Service
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This demonstrates that true healing from Jesus often leads to a renewed life dedicated to service. It’s not just about personal restoration, but about being empowered to bless others.
Understand the original words
epitimaō · Greek Verb
To express strong disapproval, censure, or a stern command to cease; biblically, it is used by Jesus to silence demons, calm the elements, or remove sickness.
diakoneō · Greek Verb
To wait upon, minister to, or perform duties for others; in a biblical context, it often refers to the humble service rendered in response to grace or out of gratitude for a work of God.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus' Galilean Ministry Begins
After his temptation in the wilderness and early teaching in Nazareth, Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, based in Capernaum.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Teaches and Heals in Capernaum Synagogue
Jesus teaches with authority in the Capernaum synagogue, casting out an unclean spirit, astonishing the crowds.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Heals Simon Peter's Mother-in-Law
Jesus visits the home of Simon Peter (also called Andrew), where he heals his mother-in-law from a severe fever.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Heals Many in Capernaum
As evening falls, crowds bring many sick people to Jesus, and he heals them all, also casting out demons.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Preaches in Other Towns
Jesus declares he must preach the good news of the kingdom of God in other towns as well, continuing his itinerant ministry.
This passage describes the same event, highlighting Jesus' touch and the immediate restoration of Peter's mother-in-law, emphasizing Jesus' power over illness.
Mark 1:30-31Mark also recounts this healing, noting that Jesus took her by the hand, which, combined with Luke's 'rebuked the fever,' shows both the gentle and authoritative nature of Jesus' power.
Isaiah 53:4Commentators noted Matthew's connection of Jesus' healing ministry to this prophecy, suggesting that in taking our diseases, Jesus was bearing our infirmities, pointing to a deeper spiritual healing.
1 Corinthians 6:20The immediate response of the healed woman to 'serve them' echoes the call for believers to glorify God with their bodies, suggesting that healing and restoration should lead to a life of service.
bengelLuke 4:39: "And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them."
Luke 4:39 . Ἐπάνω αὐτῆς , over her ) His very closely approaching her showed that the disease gives place before the power of Jesus, and that no danger of infection from disease can threaten His body.
cambridgeLuke 4:39: "And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them."
39 . he stood over her ] A graphic touch, found here only. The other Evangelists say that He took her by the hand. she arose and ministered unto them ] Literally, arising at once she began to wait on them .
Jesus doesn't just ask the fever to leave; he rebukes it, showing that this illness is a hostile force that needs to be silenced. And the immediate result isn't just her recovery, but her rising to serve – a powerful picture of how true healing leads to active love for others.
Jesus has just powerfully cast out a demon in the synagogue at Capernaum, stunning everyone with his authority. He then goes to Peter's house, where he finds Peter's mother-in-law desperately ill with a high fever, and they immediately ask him to help her. After healing her, Jesus continues to heal many other sick people and cast out demons throughout that day and into the evening.
Jesus has just powerfully cast out a demon in the synagogue at Capernaum, stunning everyone with his authority. He then goes to Peter's house, where he finds Peter's mother-in-law desperately ill with a high fever, and they immediately ask him to help her. After healing her, Jesus continues to heal many other sick people and cast out demons throughout that day and into the evening.
"And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them." — Jesus doesn't just ask the fever to leave; he rebukes it, showing that this illness is a hostile force that needs to be silenced. And the immediate result isn't just her recovery, but her rising…
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Last reviewed October 2026