New Testament
Luke 4:39
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and began serving them.
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And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.
What Luke 4:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus demonstrates His authority over illness by rebuking a fever that had afflicted Peter's mother-in-law. The act of standing over her signifies His care and attention. When He commands the fever to leave, it obeys immediately, showcasing His divine power. The woman's swift recovery is remarkable; she rises and begins to serve Jesus and His disciples, indicating her gratitude and willingness to help. This moment highlights not only Jesus' miraculous healing ability but also the response of those healed, who often feel compelled to serve others in gratitude. The passage illustrates the compassion of Jesus and His readiness to intervene in human suffering, emphasizing the importance of faith and service in the life of a believer.
How to apply Luke 4:39 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in Jesus' power over our struggles and illnesses. It reminds us that healing can lead to a renewed purpose, prompting us to serve others in gratitude for the blessings we receive. We should be ready to help those around us.
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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 4:39
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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 4:39 mean?
Luke 4:39 shows Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law by rebuking the fever. This act demonstrates His authority over illness and highlights His compassion, as she immediately recovers and begins to serve Him and His disciples.
What is the significance of Jesus rebuking the fever in Luke 4:39?
Jesus rebuking the fever signifies His power over sickness and His ability to restore health. It illustrates His divine authority and compassion, as He actively intervenes in human suffering.
How does Luke 4:39 illustrate Jesus' compassion?
In Luke 4:39, Jesus' act of healing Peter's mother-in-law demonstrates His compassion for those who suffer. He not only addresses her physical ailment but also restores her ability to serve her family.
What themes are present in Luke 4:39?
Luke 4:39 highlights themes such as Jesus' authority over illness, the importance of healing, compassion for others, and the call to serve in gratitude after receiving blessings.
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