Mark 1:30

Mark 1:30, in plain English

Simon's mother-in-law was lying in bed, sick with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her.

Why it's here

They had just seen Jesus command a demon to leave. Now someone they loved was sick. Of course they told Him—they were beginning to understand that this Teacher could actually help.

Who's speaking

Mark describes the household alerting Jesus to Simon's mother-in-law's illness.

Where it sits in the story

No need was too small to bring to Jesus. After casting out a demon in front of a crowd, He was about to tenderly care for one sick woman in a quiet house. That's who He is.

The scholarly reading

Simon's mother-in-law lay bedridden (katekeito pyressousa) with a fever, and the household immediately (euthys) informed Jesus, implying an expectation that He could help.

Language and setting

This verse incidentally confirms that Peter was married (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:5). The fever, in the ancient world, could signify a serious or even life-threatening illness, not merely a mild condition.

Voice

Mark narrates the household's report to Jesus about the sick woman, using characteristic immediacy.

Significance

The prompt report to Jesus suggests that word of the synagogue exorcism had already raised expectations. The disciples instinctively brought their domestic needs to the One who had just demonstrated cosmic authority.

28And the news about Jesus spread quickly through the whole region of Galilee.

29As soon as Jesus and His companions had left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

30Simon’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they promptly told Jesus about her.

31So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32That evening, after sunset, people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed,

Read all of Mark 1 — Mark's favorite word is 'immediately.' His Gospel moves fast, stripping away everything except the urgency of who Jesus is and what He came to do.