Mark 13:17

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

But {G1161} woe {G3759} to them that are {G2192} with {G1722} child {G1064}, and {G2532} to them that give suck {G2337} in {G1722} those {G1565} days {G2250}!

What a terrible time it will be for pregnant women and nursing mothers!

How miserable those days will be for pregnant and nursing mothers!

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

Mark 13:17 is part of Jesus' detailed prophecy known as the Olivet Discourse, where He outlines signs preceding the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and the end of the age. This particular verse highlights the extreme hardship that certain groups would face during these tumultuous times, emphasizing the urgency and severity of the coming events.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' instruction for those in Judea to flee to the mountains when they see the "abomination of desolation standing where it ought not". The discourse, recorded in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 as well, describes a period of unprecedented distress and tribulation (Mark 13:19). Jesus' "woe" is not a curse but a lament, expressing profound sorrow and compassion for those who would be most disadvantaged in such a desperate flight.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Hardship and Urgency: The warning indicates that the events would unfold with such speed and danger that escape would be incredibly difficult, especially for those with physical limitations.
  • Vulnerability of Specific Groups: Pregnant women and nursing mothers are singled out because their condition would severely impede their ability to flee quickly and safely. This underscores the intense pressure and lack of time for preparation.
  • Divine Compassion: Despite prophesying judgment and tribulation, Jesus expresses deep empathy for the suffering of vulnerable individuals. His "woe" is a compassionate acknowledgment of their impending plight.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "woe" is ouai (οὐαί). It is an interjection expressing lamentation, sorrow, or grief, often associated with impending doom or distress. It conveys a strong sense of pity for the suffering that is about to occur, rather than a direct curse or condemnation against the individuals themselves.

Practical Application

While this prophecy had a direct fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, its principles offer timeless lessons:

  • Readiness and Vigilance: The verse calls for spiritual readiness and discernment in all times, reminding believers to be prepared for the unexpected, as Jesus warned about the uncertainty of His coming.
  • Compassion for the Vulnerable: It highlights the importance of caring for and recognizing the unique challenges faced by the most vulnerable members of society, especially during times of crisis or societal upheaval.
  • Intercessory Prayer: The implicit difficulty of these days for specific groups encourages believers to pray for alleviation of suffering and for God's mercy during times of distress, much like the plea in Mark 13:18 to pray against unfortunate circumstances for flight.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Lamentations 2:19

    Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street.

  • Lamentations 2:20

    Behold, O LORD, and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit, [and] children of a span long? shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord?

  • 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.

  • Hosea 9:14

    Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.

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