New Testament
Luke 4:38
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon's house. Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a severe fever, and they begged Jesus to help her.
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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.
What Luke 4:38 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus leaves the synagogue, where he has been teaching, and goes to the home of Simon Peter. There, he finds Simon's mother-in-law very ill with a high fever. The people present, likely including Simon and others, urgently ask Jesus to help her. This moment highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to intervene in personal crises. It shows that he cares not only for the spiritual needs of people but also for their physical well-being. The act of healing Simon's mother-in-law demonstrates his authority over illness and his ability to restore health. This event sets the stage for further miracles and teachings, emphasizing the holistic nature of Jesus' ministry, which addresses both spiritual and physical needs.
How to apply Luke 4:38 to your life
This passage encourages us to bring our needs and the needs of others to Jesus. It reminds us of the importance of community support in times of crisis. We can pray for those who are suffering and seek help for ourselves and others, trusting in Jesus' compassion and power to heal.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: A Sabbath in Capernaum (Luke 4:31–41)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 4:38
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 4:38 mean?
Luke 4:38 describes Jesus visiting Simon Peter's home and finding his mother-in-law very ill with a fever. It illustrates Jesus' compassion as he responds to the urgent requests for help, highlighting his authority to heal and his concern for people's physical well-being.
What is the significance of Simon's mother-in-law in Luke 4:38?
Simon’s mother-in-law represents those in need of healing and support. Her illness and the plea for Jesus' help emphasize the importance of community and intercession in times of personal crisis.
What does the phrase 'great fever' in Luke 4:38 mean?
The phrase 'great fever' indicates that Simon's mother-in-law was suffering from a serious and potentially life-threatening illness. It underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for Jesus' healing intervention.
How does Luke 4:38 relate to Jesus' ministry?
Luke 4:38 illustrates the holistic nature of Jesus' ministry, showing that he addresses both spiritual and physical needs. This event sets the stage for further miracles and teachings, emphasizing his compassion and authority.
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