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 21:23KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“suck” Greek G2337 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
  • Matthew 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • Luke 11:27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

“child” Greek G1064 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

“distress” Greek G318 · used in 18 verses

  • Matthew 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
  • 1 Corinthians 7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
  • Philemon 1:14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

“wrath” Greek G3709 · used in 34 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
  • 1 Timothy 2:8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.