The term "throes" refers to intense pain or struggle, often associated with childbirth or severe distress. In the biblical context, it is used metaphorically to describe periods of intense suffering, turmoil, or transformation. The imagery of throes is powerful, conveying both the agony and the potential for new beginnings that often accompany such experiences.

Biblical Usage and Context

In the Bible, the concept of throes is frequently linked to the pains of childbirth, symbolizing both the suffering and the hope of new life. This metaphor is used to describe the intense struggles faced by individuals or nations, often as a result of divine judgment or as part of God's redemptive plan.

One of the key passages that illustrate this metaphor is found in the prophetic literature. In Isaiah 13:8 , the prophet describes the fear and anguish that will seize the people during the day of the Lord: "They will be terrified, pain and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look aghast at one another, their faces aflame." Here, the throes of labor are used to depict the overwhelming distress and inevitable transformation that accompany divine intervention.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 30:6 , the prophet uses the imagery of labor pains to describe the coming judgment and the subsequent restoration of Israel: "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, every face turned pale?" This passage highlights the paradoxical nature of throes—while they are a source of great pain, they also herald the birth of something new and significant.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the throes experienced by individuals or nations can be seen as part of God's sovereign plan. They serve as a means of purification, correction, or preparation for a greater purpose. The pain and struggle are not without meaning; they are often the precursors to divine deliverance or the fulfillment of God's promises.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of childbirth to describe the groaning of creation as it awaits redemption. In Romans 8:22 , he writes, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time." This passage underscores the idea that the current suffering and turmoil are temporary and will ultimately give way to the glory of God's new creation.

Practical Implications

For believers, the concept of throes can offer both comfort and challenge. It serves as a reminder that suffering is not meaningless but is often part of a larger divine narrative. The throes of life, whether personal trials or broader societal upheavals, can be seen as opportunities for growth, transformation, and deeper reliance on God's grace.

Moreover, the metaphor of throes encourages believers to persevere through difficult times, holding onto the hope of eventual deliverance and renewal. Just as the pains of childbirth culminate in the joy of new life, so too can the struggles of the present lead to the fulfillment of God's promises and the manifestation of His kingdom.

"For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through ...
... man while he is alive. It is a new birth, and the pains and throes of the
birth are known. Regeneration certainly hath a travailing ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxv for if ye.htm

My Creed Leads Me to Think that Prayer is Efficacious...
... great work upon earth. The great throes and mighty convulsions on earth are
the results of these prayers. Earth is changed, revolutionised ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter i my creed leads.htm

Introductory.
... of the country. For two full centuries the land had laboured under the
throes of the Reformation. Even when William III. died, it ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter i introductory.htm

God Just as Well as Merciful; Accordingly, Mercy must not be ...
... I have been quiet as (a woman) in birth-throes; I will arise, and will make (them)
to grow arid." [737] For "a fire shall proceed before His face, and shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter ii god just as well.htm

The Acceptance of the Christian Conception of Life Will Emancipate ...
... Humanity is passing through seemingly unnecessary, fruitless agonies.
It is passing through something like the throes of birth. ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter ix the acceptance of.htm

Jesus Choosing his Friends.
... CHRISTINA G. ROSSETTI. If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear
gain, and wholly well for you. Make the low nature better by your throes! ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter v jesus choosing his.htm

Final Considerations to Induce to Exomologesis.
... The haughtiest [8527] mountains start asunder in the birth-throes of their
inly-gendered fire; and"which proves to us the perpetuity of the judgment"though ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter xii final considerations to induce.htm

Concerning Power, Justice, Preservation, Redemption, in which Also ...
... the rills of water unfailing; and sets bounds to the aerial current, and establishes
the earth upon nothing; and guards its life-giving throes from perishing ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput viii concerning power justice.htm

The Project of French Empire and Evangelization --Its Wide and ...
... Incessant dynastic wars with near neighbors, the final throes of the long struggle
between the crown and the great vassals, and finally the religious wars that ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter iii the project of.htm

Hymns of Suffering and Trust.
... It tells us in the most affecting way how affliction refines the spirit and "the
agonizing throes of thought bring forth glory." Often a broken life has ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter v hymns of suffering.htm

Throes (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Throes (6 Occurrences). Matthew 24:8 But all these
are the beginning of throes. (DBY). Mark 13:8 For nation ...
/t/throes.htm - 8k

Terminated (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:24 But God has raised Him to life, having terminated the throes of death,
for in fact it was not possible for Him to be held fast by death. (WEY). ...
/t/terminated.htm - 7k

Throbs (1 Occurrence)

/t/throbs.htm - 6k

Pain (172 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Specifically, the throes or travail of childbirth. 4. (n.) Uneasiness of
mind; mental distress; disquietude; anxiety; grief; solicitude; anguish. ...
/p/pain.htm - 43k

Arrives (7 Occurrences)
... Hosea 13:13 The throes of a travailing woman shall come upon him; he is an unwise
son; for it is time he should not tarry in the place of the breaking forth of ...
/a/arrives.htm - 8k

Fact (98 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:24 But God has raised Him to life, having terminated the throes of death,
for in fact it was not possible for Him to be held fast by death. (WEY). ...
/f/fact.htm - 36k

Astonishment (51 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be affrighted; pangs and throes shall take hold them;
they shall be in pain as a woman in travail; they shall look aghast one at ...
/a/astonishment.htm - 24k

Anguish (75 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 13:8 And they shall be affrighted; pangs and throes shall take hold them;
they shall be in pain as a woman in travail; they shall look aghast one at ...
/a/anguish.htm - 29k

Fast (157 Occurrences)
... Acts 2:24 But God has raised Him to life, having terminated the throes of death,
for in fact it was not possible for Him to be held fast by death. (WEY). ...
/f/fast.htm - 49k

Throne (181 Occurrences)

/t/throne.htm - 48k

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