Matthew 24:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 24:19
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Chapter Context
Matthew 24 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, love, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-51: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 24:19
19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
Analysis
And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days (οὐαὶ δὲ ταῖς ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις καὶ ταῖς θηλαζούσαις ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις)—The interjection οὐαί (ouai, "woe") expresses grief and lament, not condemnation. Jesus sympathizes with the unique vulnerability of pregnant women (ἐν γαστρὶ ἐχούσαις, literally "having in the womb") and nursing mothers (θηλαζούσαις, "giving suck"). Their physical condition makes rapid flight over mountainous terrain nearly impossible.
This isn't theoretical—Josephus records horrific accounts from Jerusalem's siege, including a woman who ate her own child during the famine. The prophesied tribulation would be so severe that normal life circumstances become unbearable liabilities. Jesus's compassion here reveals his pastoral heart even while warning of judgment. The phrase ἐν ἐκείναις ταῖς ἡμέραις ("in those days") points to the specific historical catastrophe of AD 70, though it may have typological application to future tribulation.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare was especially brutal for women and children. Josephus describes mothers hiding their children's food rations, the desperate eating grass, and infanticide during Jerusalem's siege. Pregnant women and nursing mothers, unable to flee quickly or endure harsh conditions, suffered disproportionately. Approximately 1.1 million died and 97,000 were enslaved—many women and children among them. Early Christian women who heeded Jesus's warning and fled to Pella avoided this horror.
Reflection
- How does Jesus's compassion in this verse reveal his character even in contexts of divine judgment?
- What does this teach about God's concern for the vulnerable and physically disadvantaged?
- How should churches today care for those whose circumstances make spiritual disciplines or service more difficult?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Lamentations 4:10, Hosea 13:16, Luke 21:23