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

MARK 13:17KJV
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Mark 13:17 (KJV)

What does Mark 13:17 mean?

Mark 13:17 expresses deep concern for pregnant women and nursing mothers during a coming time of great trouble, warning that their situation will make those days especially difficult for them. Jesus is highlighting the extra hardship and vulnerability these women will face when disaster strikes.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about future events, describing a period of intense suffering and upheaval. The warning comes as part of a larger conversation about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end times. By mentioning those "with child" and those "that give suck," Jesus draws attention to how certain groups—especially mothers and infants—will be particularly affected by the coming distress.

The Greek behind Mark 13:17

  • ὤ (ouai, transliterated "woe"): This word is an expression of grief, distress, or warning. Here, it signals Jesus’ deep compassion and the seriousness of the coming hardship.
  • ἐν γαστρὶ (en gastri, "with child"): This phrase literally means "in the womb," referring to pregnant women. It emphasizes the physical and emotional vulnerability of expectant mothers during times of crisis.
  • θηλαζούσαις (thēlazousais, "give suck"): This word refers to women who are nursing infants. It highlights how caring for a baby will make escape or survival even more challenging.

Why Mark 13:17 matters

  • Mark 13:17 clarifies that Jesus is not just warning in general terms but is sensitive to the unique struggles of specific people, showing His compassion for the most vulnerable.
  • This verse helps readers understand that the coming hardship will not affect everyone equally; some, like mothers and infants, will face even greater challenges.
  • Mark 13:17 connects to the wider passage by emphasizing the seriousness of the predicted events and urging listeners to be aware of the practical realities people will face during times of crisis.

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 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.

“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.

“woe” Greek G3759 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
  • Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.
  • Luke 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!