The term "travaileth" is an archaic English word derived from the verb "travail," which means to labor, toil, or suffer, often with the connotation of childbirth or intense effort. In the context of the Bible, "travaileth" is used to describe both physical and spiritual exertion, reflecting the struggles and pains associated with human existence and the process of spiritual growth.

Biblical Usage:

1. Physical Labor and Childbirth:
The word "travaileth" is frequently used in the Bible to describe the pains of childbirth. This imagery is powerful, symbolizing the intense effort and suffering that precede the joy of new life. In John 16:21 , Jesus uses this metaphor to explain the transformation of sorrow into joy: "A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."

2. Spiritual Struggle and Growth:
Beyond the physical, "travaileth" is also employed to depict spiritual struggles. In Galatians 4:19 , the Apostle Paul writes, "My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." Here, Paul likens his spiritual efforts and concerns for the Galatian believers to the labor pains of childbirth, emphasizing the deep commitment and struggle involved in nurturing their faith.

3. Creation's Groaning:
The concept of travail is extended to creation itself in Romans 8:22 : "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time." This passage reflects the idea that all of creation is in a state of anticipation and suffering, awaiting the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

4. Prophetic Imagery:
In the prophetic books, "travaileth" is often used to describe the impending judgment or the birth of a new era. Isaiah 26:17 states, "As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD." This imagery conveys the urgency and inevitability of God's intervention in human history.

Theological Implications:

The use of "travaileth" in Scripture underscores the reality of suffering and struggle in the human experience, both physically and spiritually. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the hope of redemption. The metaphor of childbirth, in particular, highlights the transformative power of suffering, suggesting that through pain and effort, new life and spiritual maturity can emerge.

In a broader theological context, "travaileth" points to the eschatological hope that believers hold—the anticipation of Christ's return and the ultimate restoration of creation. The labor pains of the present age are seen as temporary, leading to the birth of a new creation where suffering will be no more.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of travailing can be an encouragement to persevere through trials and tribulations, trusting that God is at work even in the midst of suffering. It calls Christians to labor in prayer, discipleship, and service, knowing that their efforts are not in vain but are part of God's redemptive plan. The imagery of travailing invites believers to participate in the birthing of God's kingdom on earth, enduring present hardships with the hope of future glory.

Psalm LIII.
... But who there is in this world that travaileth and is in pain, the faithful
acknowledge, because thereof they are. Christ here travaileth ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm liii.htm

Whether the Brightness of the Heavenly Bodies Will be Increased at ...
... Further, "every creature that groaneth and travaileth in pain, awaiteth the revelation
of the glory of the children of God" [*'The creature also itself shall ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the brightness of the.htm

Psalm CXXVII.
... a spiritual manner. The Church beareth children, the Bride of Christ; and
if she beareth them, she travaileth of them. In figure ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxvii.htm

The General Deliverance
... sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth
in pain together until now." Rom.8:19-22. 1. Nothing is ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 60 the general deliverance.htm

Fourth Sunday after Trinity Redemption of the Creatures.
... They will be done with bondage to the devil. "For we know that the whole creation
groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.". 17. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fourth sunday after trinity redemption.htm

Out of the Deep of Death.
... life shall conquer death, light conquer darkness, righteousness conquer sin, joy
conquer grief; when the whole creation, which groaneth and travaileth in pain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/vi out of the deep.htm

Let the Inner Ear of the virgin Also...
... Lord hear her prayers, that ye may holily follow her good deserts, Who in youth
gave birth to the flesh of your husband, [2286] in old age travaileth with the ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 24 let the inner.htm

Of the Catholic Church, the Remission of Sins, and the ...
... This "whole creation" (creatura), however, "groaneth and travaileth until now."
[1636] Nevertheless, He has given it the first-fruits of the Spirit, in that it ...
/.../a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 10 of the catholic church.htm

The Father Seen in Christ.
... higher life. The whole creation groaneth and travaileth, as if striving
towards some better and more satisfying state. There is ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/x the father seen in.htm

The Blessing of Mercy,
... "We know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until
now." Even "the dumb, driven cattle" have their share of suffering, and look at ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon xxxix the blessing of.htm

Travaileth (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Travaileth (9 Occurrences). Romans 8:22 For we know that
the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. ...
/t/travaileth.htm - 9k

Travail (54 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them;
they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at ...
/t/travail.htm - 26k

Travailing (16 Occurrences)

/t/travailing.htm - 11k

Groaneth (1 Occurrence)
... Groaneth (1 Occurrence). Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth
and travaileth in pain together until now. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/g/groaneth.htm - 6k

Writhe (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 13:8 and they shall be terrified: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them,
they shall writhe as a woman that travaileth; they shall be amazed one at ...
/w/writhe.htm - 8k

Travailest (2 Occurrences)

/t/travailest.htm - 7k

Perverseness (46 Occurrences)
... YLT). Psalms 7:14 Lo, he travaileth 'with' iniquity, And he hath conceived
perverseness, And hath brought forth falsehood. (YLT). ...
/p/perverseness.htm - 18k

Pangs (26 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 21:3 Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon
me, as the pangs of a woman that travaileth: I was bowed down at the hearing of ...
/p/pangs.htm - 13k

Conceives (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV). Psalms 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity; yea, he conceiveth
mischief, and bringeth forth falsehood. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/c/conceives.htm - 7k

Conceiveth (27 Occurrences)
... YLT). Psalms 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity; Yea, he hath conceived
mischief, and brought forth falsehood. (See JPS). Isaiah ...
/c/conceiveth.htm - 13k

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