Isaiah 26:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The people's suffering mirrors the intense pain preceding new birth.
The Context of Isaiah 26:17
Suffering in view of God's presence carries meaning when it moves toward redemption.
What Does Isaiah 26:17 Mean?
Childbirth pain is unavoidable, involuntary, and purposeful—it precedes life. The simile captures how Israel's affliction, while severe, contains inherent purpose and moves toward renewal, not mere destruction.
The people cry out in their pangs ''in thy sight,'' acknowledging that God witnesses their anguish. This is not silent suffering but vocal, honest supplication offered in God's presence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah 26:17
What does Isaiah 26:17 mean?
The people's suffering mirrors the intense pain preceding new birth.
What is the context of Isaiah 26:17?
Suffering in view of God's presence carries meaning when it moves toward redemption.