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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Isaiah 26  › Isaiah 26:17

Isaiah 26:17

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Isaiah 26:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

As a woman with child about to give birth writhes and cries out in pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

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 have been before thee, O Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

As a woman with child, whose time is near, is troubled, crying out in her pain; so have we been before you, O Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

Just as a pregnant woman giving birth tosses about and cries out in pain, that's what we were like in your presence, Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Like as a woman with childe, that draweth neere to the trauaile, is in sorow, and cryeth in her paines, so haue we bene in thy sight, O Lord.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

When a pregnant woman cometh near to the birth, She is pained — she crieth in her pangs, So we have been from Thy face, O Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

Just as a woman with child, who draws near the time of her delivery, is in pain and cries out in her pangs, so we have been before you, LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

As a woman with child, when she draweth near the time of her delivery, is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs: so are we become in thy presence, O Lord.

Translation for Translators T4T

Like pregnant women writhe and cry out when they are giving birth, we suffered very much, too.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 26:17

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Isaiah 26:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כְּמ֤וֹ הָרָה֙ תַּקְרִ֣יב לָ/לֶ֔דֶת תָּחִ֥יל תִּזְעַ֖ק בַּ/חֲבָלֶ֑י/הָ כֵּ֛ן הָיִ֥ינוּ מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ יְהוָֽה
כְּמ֤וֹ kᵉmôw H3644 like Prep
הָרָה֙ hâreh H2030 pregnant Adj
תַּקְרִ֣יב qârab H7126 to present V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
לָ/לֶ֔דֶת yâlad H3205 to beget Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
תָּחִ֥יל chûwl H2342 to twist V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
תִּזְעַ֖ק zâʻaq H2199 to cry out V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
בַּ/חֲבָלֶ֑י/הָ chebel H2256 cord Prep | N-mp | Suff
כֵּ֛ן kên H3651 right Part
הָיִ֥ינוּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-1cp
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 26:17

כְּמ֤וֹ kᵉmôw H3644 "like" Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
הָרָה֙ hâreh H2030 "pregnant" Adj
This Hebrew word means to be pregnant, as seen in Genesis when women like Sarah and Rachel conceive. It describes a woman with child, emphasizing the miracle of new life. The KJV Bible translates it as 'with child' or 'conceive'.
Definition: pregnant Also means: ha.riy.yah (הָרִיָּה "pregnant" H2030B)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: (be, woman) with child, conceive, [idiom] great. See also: Genesis 16:11; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 7:14.
תַּקְרִ֣יב qârab H7126 "to present" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
לָ/לֶ֔דֶת yâlad H3205 "to beget" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
תָּחִ֥יל chûwl H2342 "to twist" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
תִּזְעַ֖ק zâʻaq H2199 "to cry out" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
בַּ/חֲבָלֶ֑י/הָ chebel H2256 "cord" Prep | N-mp | Suff
A cord or rope, also a measured area of land or a group of people tied together. In the Bible, it appears in books like Joshua and Psalms. It can also mean a company or region.
Definition: 1) a cord, rope, territory, band, company 1a) a rope, cord 1b) a measuring-cord or line 1c) a measured portion, lot, part, region 1d) a band or company § destruction
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: band, coast, company, cord, country, destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling. See also: Deuteronomy 3:4; Psalms 119:61; Psalms 16:6.
כֵּ֛ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
הָיִ֥ינוּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִ/פָּנֶ֖י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Isaiah 26:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 21:3 Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see.
2 Isaiah 13:8 Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear.
3 John 16:21 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 has been born into the world.
4 Jeremiah 4:31 For I hear a cry like a woman in labor, a cry of anguish like one bearing her first child— the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands to say, “Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!”
5 1 Thessalonians 5:3 While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
6 Jeremiah 30:6 Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale?
7 Jeremiah 6:24 We have heard the report; our hands hang limp. Anguish has gripped us, pain like that of a woman in labor.
8 Psalms 48:6 Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.

Isaiah 26:17 Summary

Isaiah 26:17 describes a time when the people of God were in great pain and struggle, like a woman giving birth. They were before God, feeling His presence and power, and crying out to Him in their distress. This verse reminds us that our struggles and pains can be a time to seek God and trust in His sovereignty, just like the Israelites did (Isaiah 26:16). We can apply this to our own lives by recognizing that God is with us in our struggles and that He has a plan to bring us through them, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the comparison to a woman in childbirth mean in Isaiah 26:17?

The comparison to a woman in childbirth in Isaiah 26:17 illustrates the intense pain and struggle that the people of God experienced in the presence of the Lord, much like the pain of childbirth described in John 16:21 and Romans 8:22.

How does this verse relate to the surrounding context?

Isaiah 26:17 is part of a larger passage that describes the people's distress and prayer during a time of discipline, as seen in Isaiah 26:16, and their ultimate hope for resurrection and salvation, as seen in Isaiah 26:19.

What does it mean to be 'in Your presence, O LORD'?

Being 'in Your presence, O LORD' means to be before God, acknowledging His power and sovereignty, similar to what is described in Psalm 95:6 and Isaiah 6:1-5, where the presence of God evokes humility and reverence.

How can we apply this verse to our own lives?

We can apply Isaiah 26:17 to our own lives by recognizing that our struggles and pains can be a catalyst for prayer and seeking God, just as the Israelites did in their distress, as seen in Isaiah 26:16, and trusting in God's sovereignty and plan, as seen in Romans 8:28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have felt like I was 'writheing and crying out in pain' before the Lord, and how did I respond?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and humility in God's presence, like the Israelites in Isaiah 26:17?
  3. In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and plan, even when I am experiencing pain or struggle, and how can I apply the promise of Isaiah 26:19 to my life?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God in my distress, and how can I pour out a quiet prayer to Him, like the Israelites in Isaiah 26:16?

Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 26:17

Like as a woman with child,.... By this simile are set forth the great distresses and afflictions the church of Christ will be in, before redemption and deliverance from the antichristian yoke comes:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 26:17

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.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 26:17

So have we been, such was our anguish and danger, in thy sight; whilst thou didst only look upon us like a mere spectator, without affording us the least degree of pity or help. Or this phrase notes only the reality of the thing; God was witness of this our misery, and knoweth the truth of what I say.

Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 26:17

Isaiah 26:17 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.Ver. 17. So have we been in thy sight.] Heb, From thy face - i.e., by reason of thy wrath. So 2 Thessalonians 1:9, "Who shall be punished from the presence of God," that is, of God himself present to their terror.

Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 26:17

(17) Like as a woman with child.—This, as in Matthew 24:8, John 16:21, comes as the most natural image of longing, painful expectation, followed by great joy.

Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 26:17

17. The agony of the crisis is compared to the pangs of a woman in travail,—a common figure, Hosea 13:13; Micah 4:10, &c. in thy sight] Or, because of thee—Thy chastening hand.

Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 26:17

Like as a woman with child ... - This verse is designed to state their griefs and sorrows during the time of their oppression in Babylon.

Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 26:17

16-18. Back to Israel’s night of affliction — perhaps before, and certainly during, the captivity — is the glance again taken. See Isaiah 26:8-9.

Sermons on Isaiah 26:17

SermonDescription
Jane Lead November 10. 1678. the Wilderness. by Jane Lead Jane Lead preaches about the imminent return of the Redeemer, likening it to a woman in labor about to give birth to something glorious. Despite the chaos and noise of the world, b
Art Katz Eternal Hell (1 of 2) by Art Katz In this sermon transcript, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of preaching on the judgment of God and the impending return of Jesus as a judge. He longs for the re
Ralph Sexton Time to Travail by Ralph Sexton In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency for believers to recognize the gravity of their mission. He compares the experience of a woman in labor, facing fear and pain, t
T. Austin-Sparks Joy Out of Travail by T. Austin-Sparks In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a deep appreciation for the things of God. He highlights how easily humans can take God's blessings for granted and
Eli Brayley The Joy of the Lord by Eli Brayley Eli Brayley preaches about the true essence of joy, emphasizing that joy is not found in silliness or worldly entertainment but in the Lord's presence and strength. He challenges C
F.B. Meyer Hagar and Ishmael Cast Out by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer explores the profound implications of Abraham's decision to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, emphasizing that true faith requires the removal of anything that hinders our rel
Gerhard Du Toit A Life of Effectual Intercessory Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of discerning the difference between the voice of God and the voice of Satan. He shares a story about a man who would pray for
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