New Testament
Matthew 8:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When Jesus arrived at Peter's house, he found Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.
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And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever.
What Matthew 8:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus visits the home of Peter, one of his disciples, and finds Peter's mother-in-law sick with a fever. This moment highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to help those in need. The fact that he goes to Peter's house shows his personal connection with his disciples and their families. The fever indicates a serious illness, and the urgency of the situation is implied by the fact that she is lying in bed, unable to care for herself. This encounter sets the stage for Jesus' healing ministry, demonstrating his authority over sickness and his desire to restore health. It also reflects the importance of family and community in the context of Jesus' ministry, as he engages with Peter's family directly. This brief but significant moment illustrates the human side of Jesus, who cares for individuals and their struggles, and it foreshadows the miracles he will perform throughout his ministry.
How to apply Matthew 8:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to bring our concerns for loved ones to Jesus, trusting in his compassion and power to heal. It reminds us of the importance of caring for family members and being present in their times of need, just as Jesus was for Peter's mother-in-law.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14–15)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 8:14 mean?
Matthew 8:14 describes Jesus visiting Peter's house and finding his mother-in-law sick with a fever. This verse illustrates Jesus' compassion and readiness to help those in need, highlighting his personal connection with his disciples and their families.
What is the significance of Peter's mother-in-law in Matthew 8:14?
Peter's mother-in-law represents the importance of family in the context of Jesus' ministry. Her illness and Jesus' subsequent healing demonstrate his authority over sickness and his willingness to care for individuals.
What does the fever in Matthew 8:14 symbolize?
The fever in Matthew 8:14 symbolizes a serious illness that incapacitates Peter's mother-in-law. It sets the stage for Jesus' healing ministry, showcasing his power to restore health and alleviate suffering.
How does Matthew 8:14 relate to Jesus' healing ministry?
Matthew 8:14 is an early example of Jesus' healing ministry, showing his willingness to intervene in personal situations. This encounter emphasizes his compassion and foreshadows the many miracles he will perform throughout his ministry.
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