Jeremiah 30:6

KJV

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

KJV (with Strong's)

Ask {H7592} ye now, and see {H7200} whether a man {H2145} doth travail with child {H3205}? wherefore do I see {H7200} every man {H1397} with his hands {H3027} on his loins {H2504}, as a woman in travail {H3205}, and all faces {H6440} are turned {H2015} into paleness {H3420}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Ask now and see: can men give birth to children? Why, then, do I see all the men with their hands on their stomachs like women in labor, with every face turned pale?

Berean Standard Bible

Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?

American Standard Version

Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child: wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jeremiah 30:6 presents a profoundly unsettling and vivid rhetorical question, challenging the very order of nature to underscore the unprecedented and agonizing distress about to befall the men of Judah. The prophet depicts them in a state of extreme, unnatural pain, mirroring the intense throes of a woman in childbirth, their faces drained of all color, reflecting overwhelming fear and despair. This shocking imagery serves to convey the depth of the impending national crisis and the utter helplessness of the people in the face of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), a section of Jeremiah's prophecy that, despite its ultimate message of hope and restoration for Israel and Judah, first vividly portrays the severe distress they must endure. Jeremiah 30:6 immediately precedes the declaration of [“the day of Jacob’s trouble”](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - The Day of Jacob’s Trouble"), a period of intense suffering and fear that will come upon the people as a consequence of their disobedience. This initial depiction of agony sets the stage for the subsequent promises of God’s faithfulness and the establishment of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") that will bring lasting peace and restoration. The verse functions as a stark contrast to the future hope, emphasizing the necessity of a painful purification before true healing can occur.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeremiah prophesied during a tumultuous period in Judah’s history, leading up to and including the Babylonian exile (late 7th to early 6th century BCE). The people of Judah faced imminent invasion, destruction of Jerusalem, and forced displacement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, childbirth was universally recognized as an experience of excruciating, unavoidable pain and vulnerability. To compare the distress of men, typically seen as strong and resilient, to the agony of a woman in labor was a highly impactful and culturally resonant metaphor, signifying a level of suffering that was not only extreme but also deeply humiliating and unnatural for men. The image would have immediately conveyed a sense of complete loss of control, dignity, and strength in the face of an overwhelming, inescapable calamity.
* **Key Themes:** Jeremiah 30:6 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Jeremiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Unprecedented Agony and Helplessness**, portraying a level of distress so profound that it defies natural order, emphasizing the people’s utter inability to escape or mitigate the coming judgment. Secondly, it underscores **Overwhelming Fear and Panic**, as indicated by the "paleness" of faces, reflecting the terror that grips the nation in the face of impending or present calamity. This fear is not merely psychological but a visceral, physical manifestation of their despair. Thirdly, while horrific, this period of intense suffering is presented as a necessary part of **Divine Judgment and Purification**. It is a painful but purposeful process, a "birth pang" that precedes the deliverance and eventual restoration of God's people, leading towards their ultimate reconciliation and the establishment of a [new covenant relationship](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"). This suffering, though severe, is not without purpose, serving as a prelude to a glorious future.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **travail with child (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** From H3205, this primitive root means "to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage." In this context, it refers to the intense, agonizing process of giving birth, emphasizing the involuntary and overwhelming nature of the pain. The rhetorical question about a man travailing highlights the unnatural and shocking degree of distress experienced by the men of Judah, equating their fear and suffering to the most extreme physical pain known.
* **loins (Hebrew, _châlâts'_):** From H2504, this word refers to "the loins (as the seat of vigor)." In ancient Hebrew thought, the loins were considered the seat of strength, vitality, and procreative power. For men to hold their hands on their loins in such a manner signifies not only intense physical pain but also a profound sense of weakness, vulnerability, and a collapse of their usual strength and composure, mirroring the posture of a woman in labor. It symbolizes the draining of their very essence and ability to stand firm.
* **paleness (Hebrew, _yêrâqôwn'_):** From H3420, this term describes "paleness, whether of persons (from fright), or of plants (from drought); greenish, yellow." It denotes a sickly, yellowish-green hue, indicative of extreme fear, shock, sickness, or even the proximity of death. This detail vividly portrays the physical manifestation of the terror gripping the people, suggesting that their faces are not merely pale but have taken on the ghastly color of someone utterly overcome by dread and despair, underscoring the severity of their condition and the complete loss of composure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child?":** This opening rhetorical question immediately grabs the audience's attention by presenting an impossible and absurd scenario. The prophet challenges his listeners to consider something utterly unnatural—a man experiencing the pains of childbirth. The impossibility of the premise serves to amplify the shocking reality that follows, setting a tone of disbelief and horror at the impending or present suffering.
* **"wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail,":** Jeremiah moves from the rhetorical question to a direct observation of the horrifying reality. He describes men, typically symbols of strength and resilience, doubled over in agony, clutching their loins—a posture universally recognized as indicative of severe abdominal or lower back pain, precisely mirroring the posture of a woman in labor. This simile drives home the unprecedented and debilitating nature of their distress, stripping them of their masculine composure and reducing them to a state of extreme vulnerability.
* **"and all faces are turned into paleness?":** The final clause completes the vivid picture of terror. The "paleness" of their faces signifies not just a lack of color, but a ghastly, sickly hue brought on by intense fear, shock, and anxiety. This detail emphasizes the psychological and emotional impact of the crisis, indicating a complete draining of vitality and hope, a visual testament to the overwhelming dread that has seized the entire population.

#### Literary Devices
Jeremiah 30:6 is rich in powerful literary devices that amplify its message of profound distress. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child?" This question is not meant to be answered but to provoke thought and highlight the utter unnaturalness and impossibility of the scenario, thereby emphasizing the shocking reality that follows. A vivid **Simile** is employed as the prophet observes men "as a woman in travail," directly comparing their posture and agony to the universally understood pain of childbirth. This comparison is a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the pain to an extreme, unnatural degree to convey the unparalleled severity of the national crisis. The verse also relies heavily on **Imagery**, painting a graphic picture of men doubled over, clutching their loins, and with faces drained of color. This sensory detail creates a visceral experience for the reader, effectively communicating the depth of fear, suffering, and helplessness gripping the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jeremiah 30:6 serves as a stark reminder of the severity of divine judgment when a people persistently disobeys God. The imagery of men in "birth pangs" signifies a period of intense, unavoidable suffering that is both punitive and purgative. Theologically, this "day of Jacob's trouble" is not merely God's wrath but also a necessary crucible through which His people must pass to be refined and prepared for future restoration. It underscores the biblical principle that suffering can be a tool in God's sovereign hand, leading to repentance, purification, and ultimately, a deeper and more faithful relationship with Him. This intense distress, while terrifying, is a prelude to the "new covenant" and the eventual flourishing of Israel, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His promises even through painful discipline.

* [Isaiah 13:8](/isaiah/13-8 "Isaiah 13:8 - Birth Pangs of Judgment")
* [1 Thessalonians 5:3](/1_thessalonians/5-3 "1 Thessalonians 5:3 - Sudden Destruction Like Labor Pains")
* [Romans 8:22](/romans/8-22 "Romans 8:22 - Creation Groaning in Birth Pains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeremiah 30:6, while depicting a specific historical judgment, offers profound insights into the nature of suffering and its place in God's redemptive plan. The imagery of "birth pangs" is a powerful metaphor for periods of intense, unavoidable distress—whether personal, communal, or global—that often precede significant breakthroughs or new beginnings. For believers, this verse encourages us to recognize that even in the midst of overwhelming fear, pain, and uncertainty, God's ultimate purpose is often one of purification and eventual deliverance. It calls us to cultivate spiritual resilience, trusting that even the most agonizing "birth pangs" can lead to new life and greater spiritual maturity. It also fosters empathy, prompting us to stand in solidarity with those experiencing profound trials, understanding that their pain can be as incapacitating as the most intense physical agony. Ultimately, it reminds us that while the process may be agonizing, the outcome, in God's hands, is often redemptive and transformative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "birth pangs" or periods of intense, seemingly unnatural distress have you experienced in your life, and how did you respond to them?**
* **How does the idea of God using intense suffering for purification and restoration challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what ways might the church or individual believers be called to endure "birth pangs" today as a prelude to spiritual breakthrough or societal transformation?**
* **How can we cultivate a posture of trust and hope when faced with overwhelming fear and helplessness, as depicted in this verse?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jeremiah use such a strange image of men in childbirth?**

Answer: Jeremiah employs this highly unusual and shocking imagery to convey the extreme, unnatural, and inescapable nature of the distress that will befall the men of Judah. In ancient Near Eastern culture, childbirth was synonymous with the most intense, unavoidable pain and vulnerability. By comparing men, typically seen as strong and resilient, to women in labor, Jeremiah emphasizes that the coming judgment will strip them of their strength, dignity, and composure, reducing them to a state of utter helplessness and profound agony. It's a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the unprecedented severity of the crisis.

**Is this suffering purely punitive, or is there a redemptive purpose?**

Answer: While the suffering described in Jeremiah 30:6 is a direct consequence of Judah's sin and God's judgment, it is not purely punitive. Within the broader context of the "Book of Consolation" (Jeremiah chapters 30-33), this intense distress is presented as a necessary prelude to restoration. It is a period of purification and refinement, often referred to as "the day of Jacob's trouble" ([Jeremiah 30:7](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - The Day of Jacob's Trouble")), which ultimately leads to God's promised deliverance and the establishment of a [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant")). Thus, the suffering has a redemptive purpose, preparing the people for a renewed relationship with God.

**How does this verse relate to "the day of Jacob's trouble"?**

Answer: Jeremiah 30:6 directly sets the stage for and illustrates the nature of "the day of Jacob's trouble" mentioned in [Jeremiah 30:7](/jeremiah/30-7 "Jeremiah 30:7 - The Day of Jacob's Trouble")). The vivid depiction of men in labor-like pain, clutching their loins, and with faces turned pale, is the prophet's way of describing the profound fear, agony, and helplessness that will characterize this unparalleled period of national distress. It emphasizes that this "trouble" will be so severe and pervasive that it will affect every man, causing a complete breakdown of their normal composure and strength, akin to the most intense physical suffering imaginable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound suffering depicted in Jeremiah 30:6, though specific to Israel's historical judgment, finds its ultimate and redemptive echo in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the men of Judah experienced "birth pangs" of judgment due to their sin, Christ, the sinless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), voluntarily entered into the ultimate "travail" on behalf of humanity. His agony in Gethsemane, where He sweat drops of blood, and His crucifixion, where He bore the full weight of sin and divine wrath, represent a suffering far surpassing any human experience, a suffering that was truly unnatural for the Son of God ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). Just as the "day of Jacob's trouble" was a prelude to Israel's restoration, Christ's suffering and death were the necessary "birth pangs" that brought forth a new creation and the [new covenant](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") in His blood, offering true peace and deliverance from the ultimate "trouble" of sin and death ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")). Through His empathetic identification with human pain ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ's Empathy as High Priest")), Christ transforms the meaning of suffering, demonstrating that even the deepest agony can lead to glorious resurrection and the promise of a future where all tears are wiped away and there is [no more pain](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Pain")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nahum 2:10

She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain [is] in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.

Joel 2:6

Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.

Jeremiah 4:31

For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, [and] the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, [that] bewaileth herself, [that] spreadeth her hands, [saying], Woe [is] me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.

Isaiah 21:3

Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing [of it]; I was dismayed at the seeing [of it].

Hosea 13:13

The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he [is] an unwise son; for he should not stay long in [the place of] the breaking forth of children.

Psalms 48:6

Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.

Jeremiah 6:24

We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.