Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.

ISAIAH 26:17KJV
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Isaiah 26:17 (KJV)

What does Isaiah 26:17 mean?

Isaiah 26:17 uses the image of a woman in labor, crying out in pain as she nears delivery, to describe how the people have felt before God. The verse expresses intense longing and distress, showing that the community has been waiting and struggling in God’s presence, much like a woman endures the pains of childbirth.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah is speaking on behalf of the people of Israel during a time of trouble and expectation. The comparison to childbirth highlights not just suffering, but also the hope for something new to come. The people’s cries are directed to the LORD, showing both their vulnerability and their hope that God will respond to their need.

The Hebrew behind Isaiah 26:17

  • "Pain" (חָלָה, ḥālāh): This word often describes deep physical or emotional distress. Here, it emphasizes the intensity of the people’s suffering, not just a mild discomfort.
  • "Pangs" (חֶבֶל, ḥevel): This word specifically refers to the sharp pains of childbirth. Its use underlines the idea that the suffering is purposeful and may lead to something new.
  • "Sight" (פָּנִים, pānîm): This word literally means "face" or "presence." The people are aware that their suffering is happening before God, not hidden from Him.

Why Isaiah 26:17 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the suffering of the people is not random; it is compared to labor pains, which are difficult but lead to new life, suggesting hope even in distress.
  • The image shows that God is not distant from human pain; the people’s struggles happen "in thy sight, O LORD," meaning God is present and aware.
  • This verse connects to the wider chapter, which is a prayer for deliverance and trust in God, showing that waiting on God can feel agonizing but is not without purpose.

Where else these words appear

“child” Hebrew H2030 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • Judges 13:7 But he said unto me, Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.
  • Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

“Like” Hebrew H3644 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  • 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
  • Isaiah 26:18 We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

“pain” Hebrew H2342 · used in 58 verses

  • Genesis 8:10 And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;
  • Psalms 29:8 The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
  • Isaiah 51:2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

“pangs” Hebrew H2256 · used in 58 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:4 And we took all his cities at that time, there was not a city which we took not from them, threescore cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.
  • Job 18:10 The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way.
  • Isaiah 66:7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.