New Testament

Luke 23:29

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus predicts a time of great distress and suffering, where people will ironically bless those who are childless.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

"Because the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the women who never had children — the wombs that never carried a baby and the breasts that never nursed.'"

KJVKing James Version

For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus predicts a time of great distress and suffering, where people will ironically bless those who are childless. This reflects a cultural shift where having children, traditionally seen as a blessing, is viewed differently due to the hardships faced. The statement highlights the deep sorrow and desperation of the times, suggesting that people will long for a life free from the pain of raising children in such dire circumstances. It serves as a reminder of the value of life and the challenges that come with it, emphasizing that in times of crisis, societal values can become distorted. The mention of barren women and those who have not nursed indicates a profound sense of loss and the longing for a different reality, where motherhood is celebrated rather than lamented. This verse invites reflection on the nature of blessings and the societal pressures that can shape our perceptions of worth and fulfillment.

How to apply Luke 23:29 to your life

This verse encourages us to appreciate the blessings in our lives, especially during difficult times. It reminds us to support those who may feel societal pressure or shame, fostering a community that values all experiences, including those of childlessness, rather than judging them.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 23:29 mean?

Luke 23:29 reflects a time of great suffering where people will ironically bless those who are childless. It highlights a cultural shift in values during distress, suggesting that motherhood, once seen as a blessing, is viewed differently in times of crisis.

What is the meaning of 'blessed are the barren' in Luke 23:29?

The phrase 'blessed are the barren' indicates a societal perspective during hardship where having children is seen as a burden rather than a blessing. It underscores the deep sorrow and desperation of the times, contrasting traditional views on motherhood.

How does Luke 23:29 relate to motherhood?

Luke 23:29 presents a stark view of motherhood during difficult times, suggesting that the pain and challenges of raising children can lead to a longing for childlessness. It reflects a cultural shift in how motherhood is perceived in the face of adversity.

What themes are present in Luke 23:29?

Key themes in Luke 23:29 include suffering, irony, cultural values, motherhood, desperation, and blessings. The verse invites reflection on how societal pressures can shape our understanding of what it means to be blessed.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

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