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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Isaiah 13:8 Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/isaiah/13-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/23_Isa_13_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Isaiah 13:8 - An Oracle Concerning Babylon" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. 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They will look aghast at each other, their faces aflame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/isaiah/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />and people are terrified. Pangs of anguish grip them, like those of a woman in labor. They look helplessly at one another, their faces aflame with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/isaiah/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They will be dismayed: pangs and agony will seize them; they will be in anguish like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at one another; their faces will be aflame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/isaiah/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces <i>shall be as</i> flames.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/isaiah/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of <i>them;</i> They will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; They will be amazed at one another; Their faces <i>will be like</i> flames.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/isaiah/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will be terrified, Pains and anguish will take hold of <i>them;</i> They will writhe like a woman in labor, They will look at one another in astonishment, Their faces aflame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/isaiah/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They will be terrified, Pains and anguish will take hold of them; They will writhe like a woman in labor, They will look at one another in astonishment, Their faces aflame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/isaiah/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they will be terrified, Pains and anguish will take hold of <i>them;</i> They will writhe like a woman in labor, They will look at one another in astonishment, Their faces aflame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/isaiah/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They will be terrified, Pains and labor pangs will take hold of <i>them</i>; They will writhe like a woman in labor, They will look at one another in astonishment, Their faces aflame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/isaiah/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They [of Babylon] will be shocked <i>and</i> terrified, Pains and anguish will grip them; They will be in pain like a woman in childbirth. They will stare aghast <i>and</i> horrified at one another, Their faces aflame [from the effects of the unprecedented warfare].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/isaiah/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will be horrified; pain and agony will seize them; they will be in anguish like a woman in labor. They will look at each other, their faces flushed with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/isaiah/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They will be horrified; pain and agony will seize them; they will be in anguish like a woman in labor. They will look at each other, their faces flushed with fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/isaiah/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and they shall be dismayed; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in travail: they shall look in amazement one at another; their faces shall be faces of flame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/isaiah/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Everyone will tremble with pain like a woman giving birth; they will stare at each other with horror on their faces. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/isaiah/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and they shall be dismayed; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in travail: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be faces of flame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/isaiah/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They'll be terrified. Pain and anguish will seize them. They'll writhe like a woman giving birth to a child. They'll look at one another in astonishment. Their faces will be burning red.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/isaiah/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They will all be terrified and overcome with pain, like the pain of a woman in labor. They will look at each other in fear, and their faces will burn with shame. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/isaiah/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They will be terrified; pain and anguish will seize them; they'll writhe like a woman in labor. They'll look aghast at one another; and their faces will be ablaze with fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/isaiah/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/isaiah/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They panic--cramps and pain seize hold of them like those of a woman who is straining to give birth. They look at one another in astonishment; their faces are flushed red. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/isaiah/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They will be dismayed. Pangs and sorrows will seize them. They will be in pain like a woman in labor. They will look in amazement one at another. Their faces will be faces of flame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/isaiah/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/isaiah/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They will be dismayed. Pangs and sorrows will seize them. They will be in pain like a woman in labor. They will look in amazement one at another. Their faces will be faces of flame. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/isaiah/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they have been troubled, "" Pains and pangs take them, "" They are pained as a travailing woman, "" A man marvels at his friend, "" The appearance of flames—their faces!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/isaiah/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they have been troubled, Pains and pangs they take, As a travailing woman they are pained, A man at his friend they marvel, The appearance of flames -- their faces!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/isaiah/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they trembled; pains and writhings will lay hold of them; as she bringing forth they will be in pain: they shall wonder a man at his neighbor; their faces the face of flames.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/isaiah/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And shall be broken. Gripings and pains shall take hold of them, they shall be in pain as a woman in labour. Every one shall be amazed at his neighbour, their countenances shall be as faces burnt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/isaiah/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Writhing and pain will seize them. They will be in pain, like a woman in labor. Each one will appear stupefied to his neighbor. Their countenances will be like faces which have been burned up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/isaiah/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and they are terrified, Pangs and sorrows take hold of them, like a woman in labor they writhe; They look aghast at each other, their faces aflame. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/isaiah/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and they will be dismayed. Pangs and agony will seize them; they will be in anguish like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at one another; their faces will be aflame.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/isaiah/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they shall be afraid; terror and pangs shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in travail; they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/isaiah/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they shall be troubled, and dizziness and pains as of childbirth shall seize them, and they shall be astonished, man with his fellow man, and their faces are the faces of flames!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/isaiah/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they shall be affrighted; Pangs and throes shall take hold of them; They shall be in pain as a woman in travail; They shall look aghast one at another; Their faces shall be faces of flame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/isaiah/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The elders shall be troubled, and pangs shall seize them, as of a woman in travail: and they shall mourn one to another, and shall be amazed, and shall change their countenance as a flame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/isaiah/13-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xv9bHT-nr9s?start=2778" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/isaiah/13.htm">An Oracle Concerning Babylon</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/926.htm" title="926: wə·niḇ·hā·lū (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To disturb, terrify. A primitive root; to tremble inwardly, i.e. be alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously.">Terror,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6735.htm" title="6735: ṣî·rîm (N-mp) -- A hinge, a throe, a herald, erranddoer. From tsuwr; a hinge; also a throe; also a herald or errand-doer.">pain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2256.htm" title="2256: wa·ḥă·ḇā·lîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin.">and anguish</a> <a href="/hebrew/270.htm" title="270: yō·ḥê·zūn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To grasp, take hold, take possession. A primitive root; to seize.">will seize them;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2342.htm" title="2342: yə·ḥî·lūn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- Or chiyl; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl, i.e. to dance, to writhe in pain or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert.">they will writhe</a> <a href="/hebrew/3205.htm" title="3205: kay·yō·w·lê·ḏāh (Prep-k, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-fs) -- A primitive root; to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage.">like a woman in labor.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">They will look at</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">one</a> <a href="/hebrew/7453.htm" title="7453: rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion, fellow. Or reya2; from ra'ah; an associate.">another,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">their faces</a> <a href="/hebrew/3851.htm" title="3851: lə·hā·ḇîm (N-mp) -- Flame, blade. From an usused root meaning to gleam; a flash; figuratively, a sharply polished blade or point of a weapon.">flushed</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê·hem (N-mpc:: 3mp) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8539.htm" title="8539: yiṯ·mā·hū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To be astounded or dumbfounded. A primitive root; to be in consternation.">with fear.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>Behold, the Day of the LORD is coming—cruel, with fury and burning anger—to make the earth a desolation and to destroy the sinners within it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm">Jeremiah 30:6</a></span><br />Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Nahum 2:10</a></span><br />She is emptied! Yes, she is desolate and laid waste! Hearts melt, knees knock, bodies tremble, and every face grows pale!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-6.htm">Joel 2:6</a></span><br />Nations writhe in horror before them; every face turns pale.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/30-4.htm">Ezekiel 30:4</a></span><br />A sword will come against Egypt, and there will be anguish in Cush when the slain fall in Egypt, its wealth is taken away, and its foundations are torn down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-14.htm">Zephaniah 1:14-15</a></span><br />The great Day of the LORD is near—near and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. / That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-8.htm">Matthew 24:8</a></span><br />All these are the beginning of birth pains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Revelation 6:15-16</a></span><br />Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. / And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/4-31.htm">Jeremiah 4:31</a></span><br />For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child—the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Hosea 13:13</a></span><br />Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/4-9.htm">Micah 4:9-10</a></span><br />Why do you now cry aloud? Is there no king among you? Has your counselor perished so that anguish grips you like a woman in labor? / Writhe in agony, O Daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor. For now you will leave the city and camp in the open fields. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-25.htm">Luke 21:25-26</a></span><br />There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. / Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-24.htm">Jeremiah 6:24</a></span><br />We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Isaiah 21:3</a></span><br />Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/50-43.htm">Jeremiah 50:43</a></span><br />The king of Babylon has heard the report, and his hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped him, pain like that of a woman in labor.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travails: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames.</p><p class="hdg">pangs</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Isaiah 21:3,4</a></b></br> Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing <i>of it</i>; I was dismayed at the seeing <i>of it</i>… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Isaiah 26:17</a></b></br> Like as a woman with child, <i>that</i> draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, <i>and</i> crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/48-5.htm">Psalm 48:5,6</a></b></br> They saw <i>it, and</i> so they marvelled; they were troubled, <i>and</i> hasted away… </p><p class="hdg">be amazed one at another.</p><p class="hdg">flames.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joel/2-6.htm">Joel 2:6</a></b></br> Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nahum/2-10.htm">Nahum 2:10</a></b></br> She is empty, and void, and waste: and the heart melteth, and the knees smite together, and much pain <i>is</i> in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/83-17.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/isaiah/12-2.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/job/26-11.htm">Aghast</a> <a href="/psalms/48-5.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/genesis/43-33.htm">Amazement</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-1.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/psalms/48-6.htm">Childbirth</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-21.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/isaiah/12-2.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-17.htm">Flame</a> <a href="/psalms/140-10.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/songs/6-4.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-9.htm">Full</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Grip</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-2.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-15.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-8.htm">Marvel</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-7.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-9.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Pains</a> <a href="/psalms/116-3.htm">Pangs</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-6.htm">Seize</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-23.htm">Sorrows</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-29.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-9.htm">Throes</a> <a href="/songs/8-5.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/psalms/7-14.htm">Travaileth</a> <a href="/psalms/48-6.htm">Travailing</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-7.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/psalms/55-4.htm">Writhe</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Affrighted</a> <a href="/isaiah/17-2.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/job/26-11.htm">Aghast</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-9.htm">Amazed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/5-14.htm">Amazement</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Childbirth</a> <a href="/isaiah/20-5.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/isaiah/25-8.htm">Faces</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/isaiah/27-4.htm">Flame</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-2.htm">Flames</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-8.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-9.htm">Full</a> <a href="/jeremiah/8-21.htm">Grip</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-8.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/isaiah/18-4.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Labor</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-14.htm">Marvel</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-8.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Pain</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Pains</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Pangs</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Seize</a> <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Sorrows</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-17.htm">Terrified</a> <a href="/hosea/13-13.htm">Throes</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-3.htm">Travail</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-3.htm">Travaileth</a> <a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Travailing</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-1.htm">Troubled</a> <a href="/jeremiah/4-19.htm">Writhe</a><div class="vheading2">Isaiah 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/13-1.htm">God musters the armies of his wrath</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/13-6.htm">He threatens to destroy Babylon by the Medes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/isaiah/13-19.htm">The desolation of Babylon</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/isaiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/isaiah/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them;</b><br>This phrase describes the intense emotional and physical distress that will come upon the people. In the context of <a href="/isaiah/13.htm">Isaiah 13</a>, this is a prophecy concerning the judgment against Babylon. The imagery of terror and anguish is often used in the Bible to depict the day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment (<a href="/joel/2.htm">Joel 2:1-2</a>, <a href="/zephaniah/1-14.htm">Zephaniah 1:14-15</a>). Historically, Babylon was a powerful empire, and its fall would have been a significant event, causing widespread fear and distress among its inhabitants. The use of such language underscores the severity of God's judgment.<p><b>they will writhe like a woman in labor.</b><br>The comparison to a woman in labor is a common biblical metaphor for sudden and intense pain (<a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm">Jeremiah 30:6</a>, <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a>). This imagery conveys not only the physical agony but also the inevitability and inescapability of the coming judgment. In ancient Near Eastern culture, childbirth was a time of great vulnerability and uncertainty, further emphasizing the helplessness of those experiencing God's wrath. This metaphor also connects to the broader biblical theme of creation and new beginnings, as labor pains precede birth, suggesting that judgment may lead to a new order or restoration.<p><b>They will look at one another,</b><br>This phrase indicates a communal experience of fear and confusion. In times of crisis, people often seek reassurance from one another, but here, the shared experience only amplifies the terror. This reflects the breakdown of societal structures and the inability of human alliances to provide security against divine judgment. The communal aspect of this fear is reminiscent of other biblical accounts where entire nations or groups face God's wrath, such as the plagues in Egypt (<a href="/exodus/10-23.htm">Exodus 10:23</a>).<p><b>their faces flushed with fear.</b><br>The physical manifestation of fear, with flushed faces, highlights the intensity of the emotion. In biblical times, facial expressions were seen as a reflection of one's inner state (<a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5-6</a>). The flushing of faces can symbolize shame, panic, or overwhelming dread. This vivid imagery serves to emphasize the totality of the judgment and the complete inability of the people to hide or escape their fear. It also connects to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the futility of resisting His will, as seen in other prophetic writings (<a href="/ezekiel/7-17.htm">Ezekiel 7:17-18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaiah.htm">Isaiah</a></b><br>A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah is the author of the book. He prophesied during the reigns of several kings of Judah and is known for his messages of both judgment and hope.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/babylon.htm">Babylon</a></b><br>The primary subject of <a href="/bsb/isaiah/13.htm">Isaiah 13</a>, Babylon represents a powerful empire known for its wealth and military might. In this chapter, it is the target of God's impending judgment.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/day_of_the_lord.htm">Day of the Lord</a></b><br>A significant event in biblical prophecy, often associated with God's judgment and wrath upon nations and peoples who oppose Him.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/labor_pains.htm">Labor Pains</a></b><br>A metaphor used to describe sudden and intense suffering, often associated with the onset of God's judgment.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_anguish.htm">Fear and Anguish</a></b><br>Emotional responses depicted in the prophecy, highlighting the severity of God's judgment on Babylon.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_certainty_of_god's_judgment.htm">The Certainty of God's Judgment</a></b><br>God's judgment is inevitable for those who oppose Him. Just as Babylon faced destruction, so will all who stand against God's righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_intensity_of_god's_wrath.htm">The Intensity of God's Wrath</a></b><br>The imagery of labor pains and fear illustrates the intensity and suddenness of God's wrath. It serves as a warning to remain faithful and obedient.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>Understanding the severity of God's judgment should lead us to repentance and a renewed commitment to live according to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_hope_of_deliverance.htm">The Hope of Deliverance</a></b><br>While judgment is certain for the wicked, God's people can find hope in His promises of deliverance and restoration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_readiness.htm">Living in Readiness</a></b><br>Believers are called to live in readiness for the "Day of the Lord," maintaining a posture of watchfulness and spiritual preparedness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_isaiah_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_biblical_birth_pains.htm">What are the biblical birth pains?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/order_of_jesus'_disciples'_calling.htm">What does 'travail' mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'travail'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does "travail" mean in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_manage_anger_at_god.htm">How should you handle anger towards God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/isaiah/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They shall be afraid;</span> rather, <span class="accented">dismayed</span>. <span class="cmt_word">Pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them</span>; literally, <span class="accented">they shall take hold of pangs and sorrows</span>. <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>They shall be amazed</span>; rather, <span class="accented">look aghast</span>. <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Their faces</span> shall be as <span class="cmt_word">flames</span>. I know no better explanation than that of Dr. Kay, that a sudden transition is intended flora despondency to extreme excitement. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/isaiah/13-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Terror,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽנִבְהָ֓לוּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(wə·niḇ·hā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_926.htm">Strong's 926: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pain,</span><br /><span class="heb">צִירִ֤ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṣî·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6735.htm">Strong's 6735: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hinge, a throe, a herald, erranddoer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and anguish</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽחֲבָלִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(wa·ḥă·ḇā·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2256.htm">Strong's 2256: </a> </span><span class="str2">A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will seize them;</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹֽאחֵז֔וּן</span> <span class="translit">(yō·ḥê·zūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_270.htm">Strong's 270: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grasp, take hold, take possession</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they will writhe</span><br /><span class="heb">יְחִיל֑וּן</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḥî·lūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> </span><span class="str2">To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a woman in labor.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּיּוֹלֵדָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(kay·yō·w·lê·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3205.htm">Strong's 3205: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They will look in astonishment at</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">one</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֤ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">another,</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵעֵ֙הוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7453.htm">Strong's 7453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion, fellow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their faces</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">aflame</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהָבִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3851.htm">Strong's 3851: </a> </span><span class="str2">A flash, a sharply polished blade, point of a, weapon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with fear.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְמָ֔הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·mā·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8539.htm">Strong's 8539: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be astounded or dumbfounded</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/isaiah/13-8.htm">Isaiah 13:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/isaiah/13-8.htm">OT Prophets: Isaiah 13:8 They will be dismayed (Isa Isi Is)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/isaiah/13-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Isaiah 13:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Isaiah 13:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/isaiah/13-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Isaiah 13:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Isaiah 13:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>