Luke 23:29

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754}, behold {G2400}, the days {G2250} are coming {G2064}, in {G1722} the which {G3739} they shall say {G2046}, Blessed {G3107} are the barren {G4723}, and {G2532} the wombs {G2836} that {G3739} never {G3756} bare {G1080}, and {G2532} the paps {G3149} which {G3739} never {G3756} gave suck {G2337}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the time is coming when people will say, ‘The childless women are the lucky ones — those whose wombs have never borne a child, whose breasts have never nursed a baby!

Berean Standard Bible

Look, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 23:29 captures a deeply poignant and unsettling prophecy delivered by Jesus during His agonizing journey to the cross. As women of Jerusalem lament His suffering, Jesus redirects their sorrow, foretelling a future time of such profound distress and judgment upon the city that traditional societal values would be inverted, and barrenness, typically a source of shame, would paradoxically be considered a blessing. This declaration underscores the severe consequences awaiting a generation that rejected its Messiah, culminating in the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct continuation of Jesus' interaction with the "daughters of Jerusalem" as He is led to Golgotha for crucifixion. In [Luke 23:27](/luke/23-27 "Luke 23:27 - Women of Jerusalem Mourn Jesus"), a large crowd, including many women, follows Him, expressing their grief and sorrow. However, in [Luke 23:28](/luke/23-28 "Luke 23:28 - Jesus' Warning to Jerusalem"), Jesus turns to them, not to accept their pity for His own imminent suffering, but to issue a solemn warning: "Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children." Verse 29 then elaborates on the dire nature of the coming distress that would necessitate such weeping, painting a stark picture of a future where conventional blessings would become burdens. This prophetic interlude highlights Jesus' divine foresight and His unwavering concern for His people, even in His darkest hour, shifting the focus from His individual pain to the collective tragedy awaiting Jerusalem.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, children, especially sons, were considered an immense blessing from God, a sign of divine favor, and a guarantee of family lineage and inheritance. Barrenness, conversely, was often viewed as a curse or a source of profound shame and sorrow for women, as seen in the distress of figures like Rachel in [Genesis 30:1](/genesis/30-1 "Genesis 30:1 - Rachel's Distress Over Barrenness") or Hannah in [1 Samuel 1:6-7](/1_samuel/1-6-7 "1 Samuel 1:6-7 - Hannah's Anguish"). Large families were a source of pride and security, with [Psalm 127:3-5](/psalms/127-3-5 "Psalm 127:3-5 - Children as a Heritage") famously describing children as "a heritage from the Lord." Jesus' prophecy directly subverts this deeply ingrained cultural value, pointing to a future catastrophe so severe that the blessing of children would transform into a source of immense suffering. This prophecy found its primary historical fulfillment in the Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, a period marked by horrific famine, disease, and violence, where mothers often faced the unbearable agony of watching their children starve or be killed.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Impending Judgment and Distress** upon Jerusalem. Jesus' words serve as a stark warning of the catastrophic events, primarily the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, which would bring unprecedented suffering, famine, and violence. This judgment is presented as a consequence of the city's rejection of its Messiah, fulfilling earlier prophecies of desolation (e.g., [Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37-38 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). Another crucial theme is the **Reversal of Values**. The traditional Jewish understanding of blessing and curse is dramatically inverted; what was once considered a divine blessing (fertility and children) becomes a source of anguish, while barrenness, previously a source of sorrow, becomes "blessed." This paradox powerfully illustrates the extreme nature of the coming tribulation, where the very act of nurturing life would lead to unbearable pain. Finally, the passage also highlights Jesus' **Compassion Amidst Suffering**. Even as He faces His own crucifixion, Jesus' focus remains on the welfare of others, demonstrating His profound love and foresight by warning His people of the future consequences of their spiritual blindness, echoing similar warnings found in [Luke 21:20-24](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - The Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** G2400. This interjection serves as an imperative, drawing immediate attention to what follows. It functions as a dramatic marker, signaling the importance and certainty of the impending prophetic statement. It compels the hearers to truly "see" and comprehend the gravity of Jesus' words, emphasizing the undeniable reality of the coming "days."
* **Blessed (Greek, _makários'_):** G3107. This term signifies a state of being supremely fortunate, happy, or divinely favored. It describes a profound and enviable state of well-being, often associated with those who receive God's favor or are in a right relationship with Him. The profound irony in this verse is Jesus' application of this term to barrenness, a state traditionally viewed as unfortunate, thereby underscoring the extreme nature of the coming tribulation where conventional misfortune becomes preferable.
* **barren (Greek, _steíros'_):** G4723. Derived from a word meaning "stiff and unnatural," this term directly refers to a woman who is infertile or unable to bear children. In the cultural context, this was a source of great sorrow and social stigma. Jesus' use of this word, immediately followed by the declaration of "blessed," creates a stark and shocking paradox that highlights the unprecedented severity of the future suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, behold, the days are coming":** Jesus uses a prophetic formula, "the days are coming," to indicate a definite future event. The "for" (G3754, _hóti_) connects this statement as the reason or explanation for His previous command to weep for themselves rather than for Him. The "behold" (G2400, _idoú_) serves as an emphatic call to attention, signaling the solemnity and certainty of the prophecy.
* **"in the which they shall say":** This clause indicates a widespread consensus or common sentiment that will arise during the predicted period of distress. It's not just a few individuals, but "they" – the general populace – who will come to this grim realization, reflecting a collective experience of extreme hardship. The phrase "shall say" (G2046, _eréō_) points to a future utterance, a lament born out of deep suffering.
* **"Blessed [are] the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck":** This is the core of the paradoxical prophecy. It describes three categories of women who would typically be considered unfortunate or sorrowful due to their inability to bear or nourish children. "Barren" (G4723, _steíros_) is the general term for infertility. "Wombs that never bare" (G2836, _koilía_ G1080, _gennáō_) specifically refers to those who have never experienced childbirth. "Paps which never gave suck" (G3149, _mastós_ G2337, _thēlázō_) refers to breasts that have never nursed, emphasizing the absence of the maternal role. The declaration that these women are "blessed" (G3107, _makários_) reveals the horrific nature of the coming judgment, where having children would mean enduring the unbearable agony of watching them suffer or die.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 23:29 is rich with literary devices that amplify its prophetic impact. The most striking is **Irony**, specifically **Tragic Irony**. In a culture where fertility was a supreme blessing and barrenness a curse, Jesus declares the barren "blessed." This reversal of conventional values is deeply ironic, highlighting the catastrophic nature of the impending judgment where the absence of children would spare mothers unimaginable grief. This also functions as **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. While literally true in the context of the siege of Jerusalem, the statement is hyperbolically designed to convey the extreme, unprecedented suffering that would make such a counter-intuitive blessing desirable. Furthermore, the verse employs **Parallelism** through its triple description of childlessness ("barren," "wombs that never bare," "paps which never gave suck"), which intensifies the focus on the specific aspect of suffering related to motherhood and children. This repetition underscores the comprehensive nature of the coming distress that would affect even the most fundamental aspects of life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 23:29 stands as a profound testament to divine judgment and the consequences of rejecting God's redemptive plan. It reveals God's foreknowledge and His consistent warnings to humanity about the outcomes of disobedience. The verse challenges the superficial understanding of "blessing," demonstrating that in times of severe tribulation, what is typically cherished can become a source of immense pain. It underscores the severity of the Roman-Jewish War, which was interpreted by many early Christians as divine judgment upon Jerusalem for its rejection of Christ. This passage reminds us that God's justice is real and that turning away from His grace has grave consequences, yet even in warning, there is an underlying compassion, a desire for repentance and escape from the coming wrath.

* [Matthew 24:19](/matthew/24-19 "Matthew 24:19 - Woes to Pregnant Women in Tribulation")
* [Luke 21:23](/luke/21-23 "Luke 21:23 - Woes During the Great Distress")
* [Hosea 9:14](/hosea/9-14 "Hosea 9:14 - Prayer for Barrenness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 23:29 serves as a stark reminder that life is unpredictable and that even our greatest joys can become sources of sorrow in times of profound crisis. It challenges us to consider the true nature of blessing, which is not merely found in external circumstances or societal norms, but in our spiritual posture before God. This verse compels us to cultivate a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and to seek His wisdom in navigating life's uncertainties. It also calls us to spiritual preparedness, recognizing that while we may not face the exact historical circumstances of first-century Jerusalem, the world is prone to distress, and our ultimate security lies in Christ. Furthermore, it encourages us to cultivate compassion for those who suffer, recognizing that true empathy means understanding the depth of their pain, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths about the world's brokenness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of what it means to be "blessed" or "fortunate"?**
* **In what ways might our contemporary society's values or desires be similarly inverted or tested by future crises?**
* **What does Jesus' warning, even in His own suffering, teach us about His compassion and priorities?**
* **How can we cultivate spiritual preparedness and reliance on God in anticipation of unforeseen difficulties?**

### FAQ

**What is the primary historical fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Luke 23:29?**

Answer: The primary historical fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in [Luke 23:29](/luke/23-29 "Luke 23:29 - Prophecy of Barrenness as a Blessing") is the catastrophic Roman siege and destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. During this horrific event, the city was besieged, leading to widespread famine, disease, and violence. Josephus, the Jewish historian, recounts the extreme suffering, including instances where mothers resorted to cannibalism due to starvation. In such dire circumstances, having children meant enduring the agony of watching them starve, be killed, or be enslaved, making barrenness a tragic "blessing" as it spared women from this particular form of suffering. This historical event is also alluded to in other prophetic passages, such as [Luke 21:20-24](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - The Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold").

**Does this verse suggest that having children is a curse or that barrenness is always preferable?**

Answer: No, this verse does not suggest that having children is inherently a curse or that barrenness is always preferable. Instead, it is a specific prophetic statement delivered in the context of an impending, unprecedented catastrophe for Jerusalem. Jesus is using **hyperbole** and **irony** to emphasize the extreme severity of the coming judgment. In normal circumstances, children are indeed a blessing from God, as affirmed throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 127:3](/psalms/127-3 "Psalm 127:3 - Children as a Heritage")). Jesus' words highlight that the future distress would be so profound that the absence of children would spare parents from unimaginable grief and suffering directly related to their children's fate during the siege. It's a commentary on the severity of the judgment, not a universal theological statement about family size or fertility.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 23:29](/luke/23-29 "Luke 23:29 - Prophecy of Barrenness as a Blessing") primarily foretells the judgment upon Jerusalem, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the judgment itself, but in the redemptive work of the One who pronounces it. Jesus, the suffering Messiah, is on His way to the cross, bearing the sins of the world, including those that led to Jerusalem's ultimate desolation. His warning, even in His agony, underscores His divine foresight and His profound love for humanity, a love that compelled Him to endure the cross so that all who believe might escape the ultimate judgment. The "days are coming" for Jerusalem, but through Christ, new "days" of salvation and grace have dawned. His death and resurrection offer a spiritual "womb" for new birth, where those who are spiritually barren can be regenerated and become children of God, not through physical lineage, but through faith in Him ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God by Faith")). Furthermore, Jesus' suffering on the cross is the ultimate act that absorbs the judgment foreshadowed in this verse, offering a refuge from the wrath to come for all who trust in Him ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5:9 "Romans 5:9 - Saved from Wrath Through Christ")). Thus, even in a prophecy of desolation, the compassionate heart of Christ, who offers Himself as the sole means of true blessing and escape from eternal judgment, shines through.

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

Matthew 24:19

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

Mark 13:17

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

Mark 13:19

For [in] those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Luke 21:23

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.

Luke 21:24

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Hosea 13:16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Hosea 9:12

Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, [that there shall] not [be] a man [left]: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!