FEVER
Disease, or genus of diseases, characterized by decreased secretions, increased temperature, thirst, increased pulse rate and other symptoms. This clinical picture is called in Hebrew “kaddahath” “fiery” (Lev. 26:16). There are versions that translate this term as intermittent fever.
In Deut. 28:22 the term fever is accompanied by the terms “inflammation” and “burning” all indicating febrile symptoms.
In Greek fever is called “puretos”, from “pur”, which means fire (Mt. 8:15; Luke 4:38, Jn. 4:52; Acts 28:8).
Galen and ancient doctors distinguished between large and small fevers. Luke makes this distinction, which must be taken into account, since he was a doctor.