Lexical Summary penthera: mother-in-law Original Word: πενθερά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a mother-in-lawFeminine of pentheros; a wife's mother -- mother in law, wife's mother. see GREEK pentheros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of pentheros Definition a mother-in-law NASB Translation mother-in-law (6). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3994: πενθεράπενθερά, πενθερᾶς, ἡ (feminine of πενθερός, which see), a mother-in-law, a wife's mother: Matthew 8:14; Matthew 10:35; Mark 1:30; Luke 4:38; Luke 12:53. (Demosthenes, Plutarch, Lucian, others; the Sept. for חָמות.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Strong’s Greek 3994 identifies the close female relative created when a man marries: his wife’s mother. The New Testament employs the term only six times, always as singular and feminine. Beyond the lexical range, Scripture presents the mother-in-law in two principal spheres—Jesus’ miraculous healings and His prophetic warnings about familial division that attends gospel allegiance. Occurrences in the New Testament • Matthew 8:14 Historical and Social Background First-century Jewish households were multi-generational. A mother-in-law commonly lived within or near the married couple’s home, wielding practical and moral influence. Honor-shame dynamics required sons-in-law to show respect, while mothers-in-law protected family purity and tradition. This backdrop explains why her illness in Capernaum drew urgent concern and why Jesus’ forecast of discord felt so radical—family cohesion was a defining cultural value. The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law All three Synoptics record the same event by the Sea of Galilee. Mark 1:30–31: “Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.” Matthew 8:14–15 and Luke 4:38–39 echo the account, adding that Jesus “rebuked the fever,” underscoring His sovereign word over sickness. Several themes arise: 1. Swift Compassion: The disciple’s private need received public attention from the Lord. Mother-in-Law as a Symbol of Familial Division in Discipleship Matthew 10:35 quotes Micah 7:6, applying prophetic imagery to messianic times: “For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:53 repeats the theme, adding the inverse relationship: “mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Key observations: 1. Gospel Priority: Allegiance to Jesus outranks the strictest kinship bonds. Theological Reflections A. Christ’s Lordship: Whether relieving fever or redefining family loyalties, Jesus exercises complete authority. B. Family as Mission Field: The first miracle in Peter’s household demonstrates that evangelism begins at home. C. Suffering and Service: Physical restoration leads directly to vocational ministry, illustrating the purpose of healing. D. Eschatological Realities: The fracture of household peace anticipates the final separation of believers and unbelievers. Practical Ministry Implications • Pastoral Care: Illness among extended family merits congregational intercession, following the disciples’ appeal on behalf of Peter’s mother-in-law. Connections to Old Testament Patterns Naomi and Ruth illustrate covenant fidelity between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, foreshadowing the gospel’s ability both to divide and, when embraced, to unite families across ethnic lines. Similarly, Moses’ relationship with Jethro (though father-in-law) shows the in-law bond as a conduit for wise counsel and blessing. Christological Significance The miracle in Simon’s house is among the earliest recorded healings, revealing Jesus as the great Physician whose authority transcends synagogue and home alike. Conversely, the predicted clash within households confirms His messianic identity by fulfilling prophetic Scripture and confronting idolatrous loyalties. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 3994 surfaces in narratives that display both the tender mercy and disruptive power of Jesus Christ. The mother-in-law is healed to serve and, in prophetic contrast, becomes a figure in family conflict provoked by the gospel. Together these texts call believers to entrust every domestic circumstance to the sovereign Savior who alone heals, divides, and ultimately reconciles all things to Himself. Forms and Transliterations πενθερα πενθερά πενθερὰ πενθεραν πενθεράν πενθερὰν πενθερας πενθεράς πενθερᾶς penthera pentherà pentheran pentherán pentheràn pentheras pentherâsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 8:14 N-AFSGRK: εἶδεν τὴν πενθερὰν αὐτοῦ βεβλημένην NAS: He saw his mother-in-law lying sick KJV: he saw his wife's mother laid, and INT: he saw the mother-in-law of him lying sick Matthew 10:35 N-GFS Mark 1:30 N-NFS Luke 4:38 N-NFS Luke 12:53 N-NFS Luke 12:53 N-AFS Strong's Greek 3994 |
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