Matthew 24:19

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

And {G1161} woe {G3759} unto 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!

Matthew 24:19 is part of Jesus' prophetic discourse, often called the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives. In this verse, Jesus expresses a compassionate lament over the extreme difficulties that certain vulnerable groups would face during the impending period of great tribulation.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' instruction for people in Judea to flee to the mountains when they see the "abomination of desolation" standing in the holy place. The urgency of this flight is emphasized in the preceding verses (Matthew 24:17-18), where people are advised not to delay, not even to retrieve belongings. Verse 19 highlights the particular hardship for pregnant women and nursing mothers, whose physical condition would make rapid escape incredibly challenging and dangerous during this period of immense suffering, referred to as "great tribulation." While often interpreted in light of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, these prophecies also point to a future, ultimate end-time tribulation.

Key Themes

  • Compassion for the Vulnerable: Jesus' words, though sounding like a curse, are actually an expression of deep empathy and foresight. He anticipates the immense suffering that vulnerable individuals, like pregnant women and nursing mothers, would endure during a time of sudden, urgent flight and widespread calamity.
  • Severity of Tribulation: The "woe" underscores the extreme nature of the distress. The conditions would be so dire that even natural human states like pregnancy or the need to care for an infant would become significant, life-threatening hindrances to survival.
  • Urgency of Response: The verse implicitly reinforces the critical need for immediate action when the prophetic signs appear. Any physical impediment or delay would amplify the danger.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "woe" is ouai (οὐαί). It is an interjection that expresses lamentation, sorrow, or a dire prediction of suffering, rather than a curse. It signifies profound regret or pity for the unfortunate circumstances awaiting those specified. It's a cry of distress from the speaker, recognizing the hardship that will befall them.

Practical Application & Reflection

Matthew 24:19 serves as a stark reminder of the realities of human suffering, especially during times of crisis. It highlights Jesus' profound awareness of human vulnerability and His compassionate heart, even as He delivers difficult prophecies. For believers today, it encourages:

  • Preparedness: While we do not know the day or hour of future events (Matthew 24:36), this passage calls for spiritual readiness and discernment regarding the signs of the times.
  • Compassion: It compels us to have empathy for those who are most vulnerable during times of hardship, recognizing that physical limitations can exacerbate suffering.
  • Trust in God's Providence: Even in prophecies of tribulation, there is an underlying sense of God's ultimate control and His care for His people, even through difficult times.
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.
  • Luke 23:30

    Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
  • Deuteronomy 28:53

    And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, which the LORD thy God hath given thee, in the siege, and in the straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress thee:
  • 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,
  • 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.
  • Mark 13:17

    But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • Mark 13:18

    And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

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