Luke 21:23 (KJV)

What does Luke 21:23 mean?

Luke 21:23 warns that it will be especially hard for pregnant women and nursing mothers during a coming time of great trouble, because there will be intense suffering and anger directed at the people living in that land. The verse highlights how vulnerable people will be during a period of widespread distress and judgment.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events, specifically the hardships that will come upon Jerusalem and its people. He describes a time when the city will face severe crisis, making it particularly difficult for those who are already in a fragile state, like women with young children. The verse underscores the seriousness of the coming calamity and the widespread impact it will have on everyone, especially the most defenseless.

The Greek behind Luke 21:23

• The word "woe" (οὐαί, ouai) expresses deep sorrow or warning, showing that Jesus is not just predicting trouble but also lamenting the suffering that will come.
• "Distress" (ἀνάγκη, anankē) means a strong sense of pressure or hardship, emphasizing that the coming events will bring unavoidable and overwhelming trouble.
• "Wrath" (ὀργή, orgē) refers to intense anger, often used in the sense of divine judgment; here, it signals that the suffering is not random but connected to a larger purpose or response.

Why Luke 21:23 matters

• Luke 21:23 clarifies that Jesus’ warning is not just about general hardship, but about a specific, severe crisis that will deeply affect the most vulnerable.
• The verse connects to the larger context of Luke 21, where Jesus describes the coming destruction of Jerusalem, helping readers understand the historical and emotional weight of His words.
• This verse reminds readers that Jesus was aware of the real human cost of the events He described, showing compassion even as He spoke of judgment.