Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextIn biblical literature, "birth-pains" or "labor pains" are often used metaphorically to describe periods of intense suffering or tribulation that precede a significant event or transformation. This imagery is drawn from the natural process of childbirth, where pain and struggle culminate in the birth of new life. The metaphor is employed in both the Old and New Testaments to convey the idea of impending change or divine intervention.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, birth-pains are frequently associated with the judgment and deliverance of Israel. The prophets often used this imagery to describe the nation's suffering under foreign oppression or divine judgment, which would eventually lead to redemption and restoration. For example, in
Isaiah 26:17-18 , the prophet writes, "As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we before You, O LORD. We were with child, we writhed in pain, but we gave birth to wind. We have not brought salvation to the earth, nor have the inhabitants of the world been born."
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles use the metaphor of birth-pains to describe the tribulations that will precede the end times and the coming of God's kingdom. In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus speaks of wars, famines, and earthquakes as "the beginning of birth pains" (
Matthew 24:8). This suggests that these events are not the end themselves but are precursors to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan.
The Apostle Paul also employs this metaphor in his epistles. In
Romans 8:22 , he writes, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time." Here, Paul speaks of the entire creation eagerly awaiting the revelation of the children of God, indicating that the current suffering is temporary and will lead to a glorious future.
Theological SignificanceThe metaphor of birth-pains underscores the Christian belief in the transformative power of suffering. Just as labor pains lead to the joy of new life, the trials and tribulations faced by believers are seen as necessary precursors to spiritual growth and the ultimate realization of God's promises. This perspective encourages perseverance and hope, as believers are assured that their present sufferings are not in vain but are part of a divine process leading to redemption and renewal.
Eschatological ImplicationsIn eschatological terms, birth-pains are often interpreted as signs of the approaching end times. The imagery suggests that the current age is in a state of transition, moving towards the fulfillment of God's kingdom. This understanding calls for vigilance and readiness among believers, as they are urged to remain faithful and steadfast in anticipation of Christ's return.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, the concept of birth-pains serves as a reminder of the transient nature of suffering and the hope of future glory. It encourages believers to endure hardships with the assurance that God is at work, bringing about His purposes. This metaphor also calls the Christian community to support one another through trials, recognizing that they are part of a larger narrative of redemption and renewal.
Greek
5605. odino -- to have birth pangs, to travail...birth pains. From odin; to experience the pains of parturition (literally or
figuratively) -- travail in (birth). see GREEK odin. (odinousa) -- 2 Occurrences.
...Library
Suffering theBirth-Pains of a New Life.
... The Tragic Break in the Plan Suffering theBirth-pains of a New Life.... On the cross
Jesus would suffer thebirth-pains of a new life for man and for the world....
1 Cor. xii. 12
... "For thou art the body even as I, and I even as thou, and we have all the same
Head and have passed through [181] the samebirth-pains....
Quiet Talks about Jesus
... The Aggressive Rejection. The Murderous Rejection. Suffering theBirth-pains of
a New Life. Some Surprising Results of the Tragic Break. The Surprised Jew....
Thesaurus
Birth-pains (10 Occurrences)Birth-
pains. Birth-day,
Birth-
pains. Birth-pangs . Multi-Version
Concordance
Birth-
pains (10 Occurrences). Galatians
...Pains (59 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning ofbirthpains.... There
will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning ofbirthpains....
Merely (30 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning ofbirthpains.... There
will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning ofbirthpains....
Pangs (26 Occurrences)
... Pangs (26 Occurrences). Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning ofbirth
pains.... These things are the beginning ofbirthpains. (See NAS RSV)....
Beginning (187 Occurrences)
... Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning ofbirthpains. (WEB KJV ASV
DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV).... These things are the beginning ofbirthpains....
Birth-pangs (2 Occurrences)
Birth-pangs.Birth-pains, Birth-pangs. Birth-place .... There will be famines and
troubles. These things are the beginning ofbirthpains. (See RSV)....
Warriors (75 Occurrences)
... 48:41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong places have been forced, and the hearts of
Moab's men of war in that day will be like the heart of a woman inbirth-pains...
Stretching (84 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 4:31 A voice has come to my ears like the voice of a woman inbirth-pains,
the pain of one giving birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter...
Various (52 Occurrences)
... There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles.
These things are the beginning ofbirthpains. (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV)....
Nation (192 Occurrences)
... There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning ofbirth
pains. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
Is it wrong to reduce birth pains by taking pain relievers? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the time of Jacob's trouble? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that women will be "saved" through childbearing (1 Timothy 2:15)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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