Book of Mark - Chapter 13 - Verse 17

When Jesus utters the words "But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!" in the Gospels, he is warning of the impending peril that pregnant women and nursing mothers will face during a time of great tribulation. This verse comes from a passage in which Jesus is foretelling the events leading up to the end times and the hardships that his followers will endure. The mention of pregnant women and nursing mothers serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of those who are caring for young children during times of chaos and upheaval. Jesus's words here highlight the need for caution and preparation, as well as a recognition of the challenges that will arise in the face of uncertainty. Ultimately, this verse serves as a call to vigilance and awareness of the trials that may come, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith even in the midst of adversity.

When examining the verse "But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!" from a theological perspective, it is crucial to consider the context in which it appears. This verse is part of Jesus's discourse on the signs of the end times in the Gospel of Matthew. Here, Jesus warns his disciples about the tribulations that will occur before his second coming. The imagery of pregnant women and nursing mothers facing woe in those days symbolizes the intense suffering and turmoil that will characterize the end times. Some theologians interpret this verse as a call to prepare both spiritually and physically for the trials to come, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith despite the hardships they may face. Additionally, word studies on "woe" in the original Greek text reveal a sense of great distress or calamity, emphasizing the severity of the challenges ahead for those mentioned in the verse. Overall, this verse serves as a sobering reminder of the hardships believers may encounter in the last days and the importance of remaining faithful to God amidst adversity.