Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "pang" is often used to describe intense feelings of distress, suffering, or anguish, typically associated with childbirth or severe emotional turmoil. The imagery of pangs is employed throughout Scripture to convey the depth and intensity of certain experiences, both physical and spiritual.Old Testament Usage The Hebrew word often translated as "pang" is "חֵבֶל" (chebel), which can mean pain, sorrow, or travail. This term is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the labor pains of childbirth, symbolizing both the physical agony and the anticipation of new life. For instance, in Isaiah 13:8 , the prophet describes the terror and anguish that will come upon the people as the day of the Lord approaches: "They will be seized with terror, agony and pain will grip them; they will writhe like a woman in labor." The metaphor of childbirth pangs is also used to describe the suffering and judgment that come upon nations and individuals due to sin and rebellion against God. In Jeremiah 49:24 , the prophet speaks of Damascus: "Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee, and panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her, pain like a woman in labor." New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "ὠδίν" (odin) is used similarly to describe birth pangs or severe distress. Jesus uses this imagery in the Olivet Discourse to describe the beginning of sorrows that will precede the end times. In Matthew 24:8 , He states, "All these are the beginning of birth pains." The Apostle Paul also employs this metaphor in Romans 8:22 to describe the current state of creation: "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time." Here, Paul illustrates the suffering and anticipation of creation as it awaits the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Theological Significance The use of "pang" in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the intense suffering and anticipation associated with both judgment and redemption. It reflects the reality of human suffering due to sin and the hope of new life and restoration through God's intervention. The imagery of birth pangs underscores the transformative process that often accompanies divine judgment and the ultimate hope of deliverance and renewal. In a broader theological context, pangs can be seen as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the promise of future glory. The pain and suffering experienced in this life are temporary and serve as a precursor to the joy and fulfillment that will come with the establishment of God's kingdom. This dual aspect of suffering and hope is central to the Christian understanding of the human experience and God's redemptive work in history. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A paroxysm of extreme pain or anguish; a sudden and transitory agony; a throe; as, the pangs of death.2. (v. t.) To torture; to cause to have great pain or suffering; to torment. Greek 5604. odin -- a birth pang ... a birth pang. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: odin Phonetic Spelling: (o-deen') Short Definition: the pain of childbirth, severe agony Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5604.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2784. chartsubbah -- bond, fetter, pang... 2783, 2784. chartsubbah. 2785 . bond, fetter, pang. Transliteration: chartsubbah Phonetic Spelling: (khar-tsoob-baw') Short Definition: bonds. ... /hebrew/2784.htm - 5k 2256b. chebel -- a pain, pang 6735c. tsir -- a pang 2427. chil -- a writhing, anguish 6735. tsiyr -- an envoy, messenger 6089. etseb -- a hurt, pain, toil 2256. chebel -- cord, territory, band 7670. shibbaron -- a breaking, crushing Library Christ's Look Chastisements. Putting Clouds Over the Sun Mary in the House of Caiphas. Literary Expressions John xvi. 16, 17 The Fourth Word Love's Triumph Over Sin Andromeda 'In the Holy Mount' Thesaurus Pang (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Pang (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 66:7 Before she is pained she hath brought forth, Before a pang cometh to her, She hath delivered a male. ... /p/pang.htm - 6k Panels (10 Occurrences) Pangs (26 Occurrences) Labor (181 Occurrences) Gird (44 Occurrences) Torture (9 Occurrences) Momentary (3 Occurrences) Pinch (3 Occurrences) Pain (172 Occurrences) Resources How can I overcome grieving the loss of a pet? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the conviction of sin? | GotQuestions.org Pang: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pang (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 66:7 Subtopics Related Terms |