New Testament
Luke 21:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
How terrible it will be for pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days! There will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
Compare translations
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.
What Luke 21:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus expresses deep concern for pregnant women and nursing mothers during a time of great suffering and turmoil. He warns that the days ahead will be filled with immense distress and divine judgment upon the people. The mention of pregnant and nursing women highlights the vulnerability of those who are caring for young children, emphasizing the severity of the situation. This warning serves as a reminder of the challenges that families will face in times of crisis, where the innocent and helpless often bear the brunt of societal upheaval. The phrase 'great distress' indicates not just physical suffering but also emotional and spiritual turmoil. Jesus' words reflect the compassion He has for those who will endure hardship, urging listeners to recognize the gravity of the impending events and to prepare themselves spiritually and practically for the challenges ahead.
How to apply Luke 21:23 to your life
This verse encourages us to be mindful of those who are vulnerable during difficult times, especially families with young children. It reminds us to offer support and compassion to those in distress and to prepare ourselves spiritually for challenges that may arise in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:5–36)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Luke 21:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Luke 21:23
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 21:23 mean for pregnant women?
In Luke 21:23, Jesus expresses a warning about the difficult times ahead, particularly highlighting the plight of pregnant women and nursing mothers. This emphasizes their vulnerability during crises, as they bear the additional burden of caring for young children. The verse serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by families in distressing situations, urging us to consider their needs and offer support.
Why does Jesus mention nursing mothers in this verse?
Jesus mentions nursing mothers in Luke 21:23 to illustrate the heightened vulnerability of those caring for infants during times of great distress. This highlights the emotional and physical challenges that families face in crises, as the innocent often suffer the most. It serves as a call for compassion and awareness towards those who are in particularly difficult situations.
How can we apply Luke 21:23 in our lives today?
Luke 21:23 encourages us to be aware of and support vulnerable individuals, especially families with young children, during challenging times. It reminds us to extend compassion and assistance to those in distress, whether through practical help or emotional support. Additionally, it prompts us to prepare ourselves spiritually for potential hardships, fostering resilience and community care.
What is the significance of 'great distress' in this verse?
The phrase 'great distress' in Luke 21:23 signifies not only physical suffering but also emotional and spiritual turmoil that will affect the people during tumultuous times. It underscores the severity of the impending events and serves as a warning to be vigilant and prepared. This distress is a call to recognize the gravity of the situation and the need for compassion towards those who will be most affected.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.