Isaiah 26:17: Meaning Explained
Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so...
We suffered like a woman in terrible pain during childbirth. Our pain was intense and desperate.
What’s Happening Here
The people's suffering was severe and unbearable, like the worst pain of childbirth.
Key Words
Why It Matters
This verse reminds us that crying out to God in our moments of deepest pain and desperation is a valid and honest form of prayer, offering hope that God hears us in our suffering.
Did You Know?
In the original Hebrew, the word for 'writhes' conveys a twisting or writhing in anguish, intensifying the image of uncontrollable pain.
Tradition Spectrum
Word Study
Cross References
Frequently asked questions
What does Isaiah 26:17 mean?
We suffered like a woman in terrible pain during childbirth. Our pain was intense and desperate.
What is the context of Isaiah 26:17?
The people's suffering was severe and unbearable, like the worst pain of childbirth.
Why does Isaiah 26:17 matter?
This verse reminds us that crying out to God in our moments of deepest pain and desperation is a valid and honest form of prayer, offering hope that God hears us in our suffering.
What's a surprising detail about Isaiah 26:17?
In the original Hebrew, the word for 'writhes' conveys a twisting or writhing in anguish, intensifying the image of uncontrollable pain.
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]
Commentary on Isaiah 26:17
(Verse 17,18.) Just as she who conceives, when she approaches childbirth, cries out in her pain: so have we become because of your presence, Lord. We have conceived and, as it were, given birth, and brought forth the spirit. LXX: And as a woman in labor draws near to childbirth, in her pain she cries out: so have we become ÷ your beloved, because of your fear, Lord. In the womb we have received, and as if giving birth, we have brought forth the spirit of your salvation, which we have made upon the earth. Just as a woman approaching childbirth is compelled to cry out in pain: thus do we seek you in distress, and from the face of your dread we conceive, and labor, and bring forth, not fleshly…