Luke 21:23

KJV

But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} woe {G3759} unto {G1722} them that are with child {G1064}{G2192}, and {G2532} to them that give suck {G2337}, in {G1722} those {G1565} days {G2250}! for {G1063} there shall be {G2071} great {G3173} distress {G318} in {G1909} the land {G1093}, and {G2532} wrath {G3709} upon {G1722} this {G5129} people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What a terrible time it will be for pregnant women and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress in the Land and judgment on the people.

Berean Standard Bible

How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers! For there will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people.

American Standard Version

Woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days! for there shall be great distress upon the land, and wrath unto this people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 21:23 delivers a solemn and compassionate warning from Jesus Christ concerning the unparalleled suffering that would accompany the impending destruction of Jerusalem. This poignant declaration, part of His Olivet Discourse, expresses profound sorrow for the most vulnerable—pregnant and nursing women—who would face unimaginable hardship during this period of intense distress and divine judgment upon the Jewish people. It underscores the severity of the coming tribulation, emphasizing both its human cost and its theological significance as a consequence of rejecting God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a critical component of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, recorded in [Luke 21](/luke/21 "Luke 21 - The Olivet Discourse") (and parallel accounts in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - Signs of the End") and [Mark 13](/mark/13 "Mark 13 - The Little Apocalypse")). Following His prophecy regarding the complete destruction of the Temple in [Luke 21:6](/luke/21-6 "Luke 21:6 - Prophecy of Temple Destruction"), Jesus provides a series of signs and warnings about the "days of vengeance" ([Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance")). Specifically, [Luke 21:20-21](/luke/21-20-21 "Luke 21:20-21 - Fleeing Jerusalem") instructs His followers to flee Jerusalem when they see it surrounded by armies, indicating the immediate precursor to the events described in verse 23. The "woe" pronounced here is not a curse but a lament, highlighting the extreme distress that would befall those unable to escape the city's siege.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The primary historical fulfillment of this prophecy occurred during the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Led by General Titus, the Roman legions encircled the city, leading to a horrific period of famine, disease, and internal strife among the Jewish factions trapped within its walls. The cultural context of a siege meant that food and water would become scarce, sanitation would collapse, and escape would be virtually impossible for many. For pregnant women and those nursing infants, the physical demands of flight, the inability to find sustenance, and the heightened vulnerability to violence would have been catastrophic. Contemporary historical accounts, particularly those of Josephus in "The Jewish War," corroborate the extreme suffering, cannibalism, and immense loss of life during this period, making Jesus' warning profoundly accurate and compassionate.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 21:23 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader Olivet Discourse and Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, demonstrating that the rejection of God's Messiah and the continued rebellion of the Jewish nation would incur severe consequences, culminating in the "wrath upon this people." Secondly, it highlights **Prophetic Fulfillment**, showcasing Jesus' divine foresight and the certainty of His words, which were meticulously fulfilled in 70 AD. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Compassion Amidst Calamity**, as Jesus' "woe" is not an expression of anger but of deep sorrow and empathy for the most vulnerable victims of the impending disaster. Finally, it serves as a call to **Spiritual Vigilance and Preparedness**, as the broader discourse encourages believers to discern the times and prepare for both immediate tribulations and the ultimate return of Christ, as seen in [Luke 21:36](/luke/21-36 "Luke 21:36 - Be Watchful").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Greek, _ouaí'_):** This is a primary exclamation of grief, sorrow, or lament. In this context, it is not merely a curse or an expression of anger, but a profound declaration of pity and deep regret for the immense suffering that is about to befall those in such a vulnerable state. It conveys the heavy heart of Jesus as He foresees the coming catastrophe.
* **Distress (Greek, _anánkē'_):** Derived from a word implying constraint or necessity, _anánkē_ refers to severe tribulation, compulsion, or overwhelming hardship. It emphasizes the unavoidable and intense nature of the suffering that would characterize the siege of Jerusalem, a period of inescapable and dire circumstances.
* **Wrath (Greek, _orgḗ'_):** This term, stemming from a word meaning "desire" or "excitement of the mind," denotes violent passion, indignation, or righteous judgment. In this verse, it specifically refers to divine indignation and the just recompense from God upon "this people" (the Jewish nation) for their rejection of His covenant and, ultimately, His Son. It signifies that the suffering is not random but a consequence of divine justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days!":** Jesus expresses profound sorrow and pity for pregnant women and nursing mothers. The phrase "in those days" refers specifically to the period of the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, a time of extreme hardship, famine, and violence. These women, physically burdened and responsible for infants, would be uniquely disadvantaged and vulnerable, making escape or survival exceedingly difficult. Jesus' lament highlights the immense human cost of the impending catastrophe.
* **"for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.":** This clause provides the reason for the "woe." The "great distress" signifies an unparalleled period of tribulation, characterized by famine, disease, and violence, as historically documented during the siege. The phrase "wrath upon this people" indicates that this suffering is not merely a random historical event but a consequence of divine judgment. This judgment fell upon the Jewish nation for its persistent rejection of God's covenant and ultimately, the Messiah, culminating in the destruction of their capital and Temple.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 21:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Pathos**, as Jesus' "woe" evokes deep pity and sorrow for the plight of the most vulnerable—pregnant and nursing women—during the impending catastrophe. This specific mention amplifies the emotional weight and horror of the forecasted events, making the suffering tangible and relatable. The verse also functions as a clear **Prophecy**, a direct foretelling of future events that would be fulfilled with chilling accuracy in 70 AD. Furthermore, the phrase "great distress" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and unprecedented nature of the suffering, although historical accounts suggest it was hardly an overstatement given the horrors of the siege. The stark contrast between Jesus' compassionate lament and the severity of the "wrath" also creates a powerful **Juxtaposition**, highlighting both divine justice and divine mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 21:23 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of divine judgment and the consequences of rejecting God's truth. While specifically foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, it serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over history and that His warnings are not to be taken lightly. The "wrath upon this people" underscores the concept of corporate judgment for national apostasy and the rejection of the Messiah, echoing Old Testament prophecies of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Yet, Jesus' lament also reveals God's deep compassion, even in judgment, for the suffering of humanity. The verse thus bridges themes of divine justice, prophetic fulfillment, and the enduring reality of human suffering in a fallen world, pointing to the ultimate need for repentance and reliance on God's redemptive plan.

* [Deuteronomy 28:53](/deuteronomy/28-53 "Deuteronomy 28:53 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Matthew 24:19](/matthew/24-19 "Matthew 24:19 - Woe to Pregnant and Nursing Women")
* [Romans 2:5](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5 - Storing Up Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 21:23, while rooted in a specific historical prophecy, offers timeless principles for reflection and application in the life of a believer. It powerfully reminds us of the gravity of God's warnings and the reality of consequences for rejecting His truth. Just as Jerusalem faced judgment for its spiritual blindness and rebellion, so too are there spiritual and temporal repercussions for individuals and societies that turn away from God. This verse calls us to a posture of humility and repentance, recognizing that our ultimate safety and peace are found not in earthly security but in faithful obedience to Christ. Furthermore, Jesus' compassionate lament for the vulnerable during a time of immense suffering challenges us to cultivate a profound empathy for those who suffer, especially in times of crisis. It compels us to be agents of compassion and practical aid, mirroring Christ's own heart for the distressed. Finally, the broader context of the Olivet Discourse, which includes this verse, serves as a call to spiritual vigilance, urging us to live in a state of readiness, discerning the times, and anchoring our hope in the unwavering sovereignty of God amidst all tribulations, whether personal or global.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' "woe" in this verse challenge my understanding of God's character, particularly His justice and compassion?**
* **In what ways might I be called to show empathy and practical care for the vulnerable in my own community or in the face of global crises?**
* **What does this prophecy about Jerusalem teach me about the importance of heeding God's warnings and living in spiritual preparedness?**

### FAQ

**Was the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD truly an act of "wrath upon this people" from God, or merely a historical tragedy?**

Answer: While the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD was undeniably a historical tragedy with immense human suffering, the biblical text, particularly [Luke 21:23](/luke/21-23 "Luke 21:23 - Great Distress and Wrath"), presents it as an act of "wrath upon this people." This signifies that it was not merely a random event but a consequence of divine judgment for the nation's persistent rejection of God's covenant, their prophets, and ultimately, the Messiah Himself. Jesus' prophecy frames it within the context of "days of vengeance" ([Luke 21:22](/luke/21-22 "Luke 21:22 - Days of Vengeance")), indicating a divinely ordained recompense for their spiritual rebellion and the shedding of innocent blood ([Matthew 23:35-36](/matthew/23-35-36 "Matthew 23:35-36 - Blood Guilt on Jerusalem")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 21:23 primarily details the historical judgment on Jerusalem, its Christ-centered fulfillment extends beyond this event to reveal profound truths about Jesus' identity and redemptive work. The "wrath upon this people" foreshadows the ultimate judgment that Christ, as the righteous Judge, will execute upon all unrighteousness ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Yet, the "woe" expressed by Jesus also reveals His deep compassion, even for those facing judgment, echoing His lament over Jerusalem in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem"). This compassion is ultimately manifested in His atoning sacrifice on the cross, where He willingly absorbed the "wrath" of God that humanity deserved, becoming the propitiation for our sins ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation")). Thus, for those who trust in Him, the ultimate "distress" and "wrath" have been averted, and they are offered refuge and salvation in the Lamb of God. The tribulations foretold in this verse, and indeed all tribulations, serve to highlight the urgent need for humanity to find shelter in Christ, who alone delivers us from the coming wrath ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from Wrath")).

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

Luke 23:29

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed [are] the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Matthew 24:19

And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

Lamentations 4:10

The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people.

Mark 13:17

But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

Deuteronomy 28:56

The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter,

Deuteronomy 28:57

And toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children which she shall bear: for she shall eat them for want of all [things] secretly in the siege and straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress thee in thy gates.

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.