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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://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=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Birth-pains</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/b/birth-pains.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/galatians/4-19.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/birth-pains.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Birth-pains</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/b/birthday--cursed.htm" title="Birthday: Cursed">◄</a> Birth-pains <a href="/topical/b/birth-pangs.htm" title="Birth-pangs">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Context</b> <br>In 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.<br><br><b>Old Testament Usage</b> <br>In 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 <a href="/isaiah/26-17.htm">Isaiah 26:17-18</a> , 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."<br><br><b>New Testament Usage</b> <br>In 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" (<a href="/matthew/24-8.htm">Matthew 24:8</a>). This suggests that these events are not the end themselves but are precursors to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan.<br><br>The Apostle Paul also employs this metaphor in his epistles. In <a href="/romans/8-22.htm">Romans 8:22</a> , 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.<br><br><b>Theological Significance</b> <br>The 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.<br><br><b>Eschatological Implications</b> <br>In 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.<br><br><b>Practical Application</b> <br>For 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.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/5605.htm"><span class="l">5605. odino -- to have birth pangs, to travail</span></a> <br><b>...</b> <b>birth pains</b>. From odin; to experience the pains of parturition (literally or<br> figuratively) -- travail in (birth). see GREEK odin. (odinousa) -- 2 Occurrences. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5605.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_about_jesus/suffering_the_birth-pains_of_a.htm"><span class="l">Suffering the <b>Birth</b>-<b>Pains</b> of a New Life.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Tragic Break in the Plan Suffering the <b>Birth</b>-<b>pains</b> of a New Life. <b>...</b> On the cross<br> Jesus would suffer the <b>birth</b>-<b>pains</b> of a new life for man and for the world. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/suffering the birth-pains of a.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chrysostom/homilies_on_the_epistles_of_paul_to_the_corinthians/homily_xxx_1_cor_xii.htm"><span class="l">1 Cor. xii. 12</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "For thou art the body even as I, and I even as thou, and we have all the same<br> Head and have passed through [181] the same <b>birth</b>-<b>pains</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxx 1 cor xii.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_about_jesus/"><span class="l">Quiet Talks about Jesus</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Aggressive Rejection. The Murderous Rejection. Suffering the <b>Birth</b>-<b>pains</b> of<br> a New Life. Some Surprising Results of the Tragic Break. The Surprised Jew. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/b/birth-pains.htm"><span class="l"><b>Birth</b>-<b>pains</b> (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>Birth</b>-<b>pains</b>. Birth-day, <b>Birth</b>-<b>pains</b>. Birth-pangs . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>Birth</b>-<b>pains</b> (10 Occurrences). Galatians <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/birth-pains.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pains.htm"><span class="l">Pains (59 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (BBE). Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. <b>...</b> There<br> will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pains.htm - 23k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/merely.htm"><span class="l">Merely (30 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEY). Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. <b>...</b> There<br> will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/merely.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/pangs.htm"><span class="l">Pangs (26 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Pangs (26 Occurrences). Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><br><b>pains</b>. <b>...</b> These things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. (See NAS RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/pangs.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/beginning.htm"><span class="l">Beginning (187 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Matthew 24:8 But all these things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. (WEB KJV ASV<br> DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b> These things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/beginning.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/birth-pangs.htm"><span class="l">Birth-pangs (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Birth-pangs. <b>Birth</b>-<b>pains</b>, Birth-pangs. Birth-place . <b>...</b> There will be famines and<br> troubles. These things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. (See RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/birth-pangs.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/warriors.htm"><span class="l">Warriors (75 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 48:41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong places have been forced, and the hearts of<br> Moab's men of war in that day will be like the heart of a woman in <b>birth</b>-<b>pains</b><b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/warriors.htm - 27k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/stretching.htm"><span class="l">Stretching (84 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Jeremiah 4:31 A voice has come to my ears like the voice of a woman in <b>birth</b>-<b>pains</b>,<br> the pain of one giving birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/stretching.htm - 32k</font><p><a href="/topical/v/various.htm"><span class="l">Various (52 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles.<br> These things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><b>pains</b>. (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/v/various.htm - 22k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nation.htm"><span class="l">Nation (192 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of <b>birth</b><br><b>pains</b>. (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nation.htm - 40k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/birth-pains.html">Is it wrong to reduce birth pains by taking pain relievers? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacobs-trouble.html">What is the time of Jacob's trouble? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/saved-childbearing.html">What does it mean that women will be "saved" through childbearing (1 Timothy 2:15)? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Birth-pains (10 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a></span><br />My children, of whom I am again in <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span> till Christ is formed in you,<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Galatians 4:27</a></span><br />For it is in the Writings, You who have never given birth, be glad; give cries of joy, you who have had no <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span>; for the children of her who has been given up by her husband are more than those of the woman who has a husband.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While they are saying "Peace and safety!" then in a moment destruction falls upon them, like <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span> on a woman who is with child; and escape there is none.<br /><span class="source">(WEY BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/45-10.htm">Isaiah 45:10</a></span><br />Cursed is he who says to a father, To what are you giving life? or to a woman, What are you in <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span> with?<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/4-31.htm">Jeremiah 4:31</a></span><br />A voice has come to my ears like the voice of a woman in <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span>, the pain of one giving birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, fighting for breath, stretching out her hands, saying, Now sorrow is mine! for my strength is gone from me before the takers of life.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/30-6.htm">Jeremiah 30:6</a></span><br />Put the question and see if it is possible for a man to have <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span>: why do I see every man with his hands gripping his sides, as a woman does when the pains of birth are on her, and all faces are turned green?<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/31-8.htm">Jeremiah 31:8</a></span><br />See, I will take them from the north country, and get them from the inmost parts of the earth, and with them the blind and the feeble-footed, the woman with child and her who is in <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span> together: a very great army, they will come back here.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/48-41.htm">Jeremiah 48:41</a></span><br />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 in <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span>.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/49-22.htm">Jeremiah 49:22</a></span><br />See, he will come up like an eagle in flight, stretching out his wings against Bozrah: and the hearts of Edom's men of war on that day will be like the heart of a woman in <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span>.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/49-24.htm">Jeremiah 49:24</a></span><br />Damascus has become feeble, she is turned to flight, fear has taken her in its grip: pain and sorrows have come on her, as on a woman in <span class="boldtext">birth-pains</span>.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/birth-pains.htm">Birth-pains</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birth-pains.htm">Birth-pains (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birth-place.htm">Birth-place (1 Occurrence)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/b/birthday--cursed.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Birthday: Cursed"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Birthday: Cursed" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/b/birth-pangs.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Birth-pangs"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Birth-pangs" /></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="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></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>