Luke 23:29

Look, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore, and breasts that never nursed!'

Study Bible

For behold
This phrase serves as a call to attention, urging the listener or reader to pay close attention to the significant prophecy that follows. In the Greek, "ἰδού" (idou) is often used to introduce a statement of great importance or urgency. It is a divine alert, emphasizing the certainty and gravity of the forthcoming events. In the biblical narrative, such phrases are used to draw attention to God's unfolding plan, reminding believers of the sovereignty and omniscience of God.

the days are coming
This phrase is prophetic, indicating a future time that is both certain and divinely appointed. The Greek word "ἡμέραι" (hēmerai) refers to a specific period marked by significant events. Historically, this phrase echoes the Old Testament prophetic tradition, where prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah often used similar language to foretell times of judgment or deliverance. It underscores the inevitability of God's plan and serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of human history in contrast to God's eternal perspective.

when they will say
This anticipates a collective response or declaration from the people. The Greek "ἐροῦσιν" (erousin) implies a future utterance that reflects a change in societal values or circumstances. It suggests a shift in perception, where what was once considered a curse or misfortune is now seen as a blessing. This phrase highlights the transformative power of God's actions in history, altering human understanding and priorities.

‘Blessed are the barren
In ancient Jewish culture, barrenness was often seen as a curse or a sign of divine displeasure. The Greek word "μακάριαι" (makariai) means blessed or happy, indicating a reversal of societal norms. This statement is shocking and counter-cultural, suggesting a time of such distress that childlessness would be considered a blessing. It reflects the severity of the coming judgment and the upheaval of traditional values, pointing to a deeper spiritual truth about reliance on God rather than societal status.

the wombs that never bore
This phrase emphasizes the physical aspect of barrenness, focusing on the womb, "γαστέρες" (gasteres), which in biblical times was often associated with fertility and blessing. The absence of childbirth, once a source of shame, is now seen as a form of divine protection. This reversal highlights the drastic nature of the prophesied events and serves as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness, where reliance on God becomes paramount over earthly blessings.

and the breasts that never nursed
Continuing the theme of barrenness, this phrase highlights the nurturing aspect of motherhood, "μαστοί" (mastoi), which is traditionally seen as a blessing and a source of life. The absence of nursing, like the absence of childbirth, is now considered a blessing, indicating a time of great tribulation where the responsibilities and vulnerabilities of parenthood would be burdensome. This statement serves as a poignant reminder of the coming trials and the need for spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's providence.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this prophecy, Jesus is on His way to be crucified. He is addressing the women who are mourning for Him.

2. Women of Jerusalem
These women are lamenting and mourning for Jesus as He carries His cross to Golgotha.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events are taking place, and which is central to Jesus' prophecy of coming judgment.

4. The Coming Days
A prophetic reference to future times of distress and judgment, likely pointing to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

5. The Crucifixion
The event during which Jesus speaks these words, highlighting the gravity of the moment and the impending suffering.

Teaching Points

Understanding Prophetic Warnings
Jesus' words serve as a prophetic warning about future judgment. Believers should heed such warnings and live in readiness for Christ's return.

Reversal of Cultural Values
In biblical times, barrenness was often seen as a curse. Jesus' statement reverses this, showing that earthly values can be upended in times of divine judgment.

Compassion Amidst Judgment
Even as Jesus speaks of coming distress, His compassion for the women of Jerusalem is evident. Believers are called to show compassion even when speaking hard truths.

The Reality of Judgment
Jesus' prophecy reminds us that divine judgment is real and should motivate us to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency.

Hope in Christ
While Jesus speaks of distress, believers have hope in Christ, who provides salvation and peace amidst turmoil.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' prophecy in Luke 23:29 challenge our understanding of blessing and suffering?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for times of distress and judgment as described in this passage?

3. How does the reversal of cultural values in Jesus' statement apply to our lives today?

4. What can we learn from Jesus' compassion towards the women of Jerusalem, and how can we apply this in our interactions with others?

5. How do the prophetic warnings in Luke 23:29 and related scriptures motivate us to live out our faith more intentionally?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 24:19
Jesus speaks of the difficulties for pregnant women and nursing mothers during times of great tribulation, echoing the sentiment of distress in Luke 23:29.

Hosea 9:14
The prophet Hosea speaks of barrenness as a judgment from God, which parallels the reversal of blessing in Jesus' statement.

Revelation 6:16
The call for mountains and rocks to fall on people during the end times reflects the desperation and fear of judgment similar to the context of Luke 23:29.