King James Version

What Does Mark 13:17 Mean?

Mark 13:17 in the King James Version says “But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!”

Mark 13:17 · KJV

Context

15

And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:

16

And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.

17

But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

18

And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.

19

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! The Greek ouai (οὐαί, 'woe') expresses grief, not curse. Jesus mourns the hardship pregnant women and nursing mothers will face during Jerusalem's destruction. Fleeing urgently (vv. 15-16) proves especially difficult for those physically hindered—late pregnancy limits mobility; nursing infants require care. The practical difficulty intensifies suffering.

This reveals Jesus' compassion—He doesn't merely prophesy judgment but feels sorrow for those suffering it. He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). God takes no pleasure in wicked's death (Ezekiel 33:11) yet justice demands judgment. The 'woe' acknowledges human tragedy within divine judgment. It also warns hearers: flee immediately while physically able; don't delay until circumstances hinder escape. Spiritually, it teaches urgency—respond to gospel now, not later when conditions worsen. 'Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation' (2 Corinthians 6:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Josephus' account of Jerusalem's siege (AD 70) records horrific suffering, particularly for women and children. Starvation drove cannibalism—mothers ate children. Josephus describes Mary of Bethezuba, who killed and ate her infant. Pregnant women miscarried from stress, starvation. Nursing mothers had no milk. Attempting escape with infants proved nearly impossible—Roman blockade, Zealot violence within city, terrain difficulty. Those who heeded Jesus' warning fled before siege tightened. Those who delayed faced unimaginable horror. Church history records similar patterns—Christians who delayed fleeing persecution (Roman, medieval, modern) suffered terribly. The lesson: immediate obedience spares suffering; delay invites tragedy. God's warnings are mercy—heed them promptly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' 'woe' (grief) over pregnant women and nursing mothers reveal His compassion even while prophesying judgment?
  2. What does this warning teach about timing—why is immediate response to God's warnings crucial?
  3. How might this apply spiritually to responding to gospel—why shouldn't people delay accepting Christ until circumstances seem better?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
οὐαὶ1 of 13

“woe”

G3759

woe

δὲ2 of 13

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ταῖς3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν4 of 13

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γαστρὶ5 of 13

“child”

G1064

the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand

ἐχούσαις6 of 13

“to them that are”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ7 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ταῖς8 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θηλαζούσαις9 of 13

“to them that give suck”

G2337

to suckle, (by implication) to suck

ἐν10 of 13

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐκείναις11 of 13

“those”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ταῖς12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέραις13 of 13

“days”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:29Lamentations 4:10Matthew 24:19-21Deuteronomy 28:56-57Luke 21:23Hosea 13:16

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