Old Testament
Isaiah 21:3
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Therefore, my loins are filled with pain; agony grips me like a woman in labor. I was bent over at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.
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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 of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it.
What Isaiah 21:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Isaiah 21:3, the prophet expresses deep emotional turmoil and physical pain in response to a troubling vision or message he has received. The imagery of labor pains illustrates the intensity of his distress, suggesting that the news is not just alarming but also transformative, akin to the pain of childbirth. This verse highlights the weight of prophetic responsibility, as the prophet feels overwhelmed by the impending judgment or calamity he foresees. His reaction—being bent over and dismayed—reflects the seriousness of the situation and the burden of conveying such dire news. The use of feminine imagery, particularly the pangs of a woman in labor, emphasizes the urgency and inevitability of the events to come, indicating that just as labor leads to birth, the events foretold will lead to significant change, whether good or bad. This emotional response serves as a reminder of the human cost of divine messages and the profound impact they can have on those who deliver them.
How to apply Isaiah 21:3 to your life
When faced with difficult news or situations, we can acknowledge our feelings of pain and distress. Like the prophet, we should seek to understand the deeper implications of our experiences and respond with compassion and wisdom, both for ourselves and others.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Keep studying Isaiah 21:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 21:3 mean?
Isaiah 21:3 expresses the prophet's intense emotional and physical pain in response to a troubling vision. The imagery of labor pains signifies the seriousness and transformative nature of the message he receives, highlighting the burden of prophetic responsibility.
What is the significance of labor pains in Isaiah 21:3?
The labor pains in Isaiah 21:3 symbolize the urgency and inevitability of the events the prophet foresees. Just as labor leads to birth, the impending events will bring significant change, reflecting the weight of the message being delivered.
How does Isaiah 21:3 relate to emotional pain?
Isaiah 21:3 relates to emotional pain by showing how the prophet feels overwhelmed and burdened by the message he must convey. His physical reaction, filled with pain and dismay, highlights the human cost of prophetic duties.
What themes are present in Isaiah 21:3?
Key themes in Isaiah 21:3 include prophetic burden, emotional pain, divine judgment, and the urgency of the message. The verse emphasizes the transformative nature of suffering and the serious implications of the prophetic message.
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