What does Matthew 24:19 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:19, which states, "And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!" is part of a discourse known as the Olivet Discourse.

This verse expresses a lament or pronouncement of misery upon pregnant women and nursing mothers during a time of great tribulation and distress. The use of the word "woe" indicates that these groups will face particular hardship or suffering, above and beyond the general difficulties of the time.

It suggests that the conditions of the period will make it especially hard for those with infants and small children to flee danger or find the resources they need for survival.

The deeper meaning could be seen as a recognition of the inherent vulnerability of these groups and a warning of the severity of the trials to come.

Historical Context

The Olivet Discourse is found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Jesus delivered this prophetic sermon on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the temple in Jerusalem, shortly before His crucifixion.

The discourse includes predictions about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, the end of the age, the coming of the Son of Man, and the need for watchfulness and preparedness.

The audience included Jesus' disciples and, by extension, the early Christian community.

The historical context for Matthew 24:19 can be particularly associated with the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, during which the temple was destroyed after a prolonged period of conflict.

The siege and its surrounding turmoil would have been particularly difficult for those caring for infants, aligning with the warning Jesus provided.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives interpret Matthew 24:19 variously:

• Preterists view this verse as a warning specifically about the historical destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and believe the tribulation described was fulfilled in that event.
• Futurists interpret this as a prophecy concerning a future period of intense tribulation before the second coming of Christ, known as the Great Tribulation.

For them, the verse speaks to the heightened challenges during this time.

• Idealists see the tribulations described as symbolic of the ongoing struggles between good and evil throughout the church age, rather than referring to a single historical or future event.
• Historicists might link this verse to specific historical periods of suffering for Christians, seeing recurring fulfillment throughout history.

Practical Applications

The verse Matthew 24:19 can be used to foster a deeper empathy for the most vulnerable in society, particularly in times of crisis.

It can serve as a reminder to be mindful and supportive of the needs of pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children as they may experience heightened challenges.

Christians can take this message as a call to provide aid, comfort, and protection to those who may struggle to fend for themselves during disasters or periods of severe hardship.

Cross-References

• Luke 21:23: "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."
• Mark 13:17: "But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!"
• Matthew 24:21: "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "woe" is "οὐαί" (ouai), an interjection expressing grief, denunciation, or lament.

"With child" translates from "ἐν γαστρὶ ἔχουσαι" (en gastri echousai), literally meaning "having in the belly," referring to pregnancy.

"Them that give suck" comes from "θηλάζουσαι" (thēlazousai), meaning "breastfeeding" or "nursing."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including the Jewish culture of the time, the care and protection of women, especially those who are pregnant or nursing, was a moral and societal concern.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the well-being of the most vulnerable often served as an indicator of societal health or righteousness.

For example, the treatment of widows and orphans is frequently addressed as a measure of Israel's faithfulness to God's commandments.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific and sociological standpoint, the vulnerability of pregnant women and nursing mothers during crises is well documented.

They require additional nutritional and medical support and may be less mobile or able to flee dangerous situations.

Understanding this specific admonition within the Bible can serve as a complement to modern emergency and disaster preparedness, emphasizing the importance of planning that takes the needs of vulnerable populations into account.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered diverse interpretations of Matthew 24:19.

Some, like John Gill, believe it indicates the severe suffering that people, particularly mothers, would endure during the destruction of Jerusalem.

Others, looking at the larger context of the Olivet Discourse, view the verse as a description of the hardships during the End Times.

Contemporary biblical scholars often emphasize that the warning underscores Jesus' compassion and concern for those who would endure particular hardship and the importance of remaining spiritually vigilant in all circumstances.