Matthew 24:8

MATTHEW—NOTE ON Matthew 24:8 Birth pains indicates that there will be a time of suffering prior to the messianic age (compare Romans 8:22). Prophets used the metaphor of birth pains to describe terrible suffering in general (see Isaiah 13:8; Isaiah 42:14; Jeremiah 30:5) as well as specific suffering that Israel will endure prior to her deliverance (see Isaiah 26:17; Micah 4:9).