Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Mark 1:30

πενθερά. It is certain that πενθερά means “mother-in-law” (Luke 12:53; Ruth 1:14; Ruth 2:11; Ruth 2:18-19; Ruth 2:23; Micah 7:6); “step-mother” is μητρυιά; and it is clear from 1 Corinthians 9:5 that Peter was married. Clem. Alex. (Strom. iii. 6) says that Peter had children and that his wife helped the Apostle in ministering to women; and here her mother ministers to Christ and His disciples. See also Strom. vii. 11, quoted by Eusebius, H. E. iii. 30. Jonas or John (John 21:15), the father of Simon and Andrew, was probably dead.

Note the accurate changes of tense in Mark 1:30-31, imperf. of what continued, hist. pres. or aor. of what was done once for all; also the two participles, as in Mark 1:14-15.

κατέκειτο. Was in bed; John 5:3; John 5:6; Acts 9:33; Acts 28:8; cf. Wis 17:7. She was keeping her bed, being in a fever.

εὐθὺς λέγουσιν. As soon as He enters the house Peter and Andrew tell Him of their sick relation, for after what they had seen in the synagogue they were confident that He could and would heal her. To suppose that they were merely explaining her non-appearance is inadequate. Mt. omits this. Euthymius notes how often ὁ Χριστὸς τῇ ἑτέρων πἱστει χαρίζεται τὴν ἑτέρων ἴασιν, and continues ὑποδεξώμεθα καὶ ἡμεῖς τὸν Χριστόν, ἵνα τῶν ἐν ἡμῖν παθῶν τὴν πύρωσιν�.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Mark 1:30

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