The term “labor pains” is used in Scripture to describe the period of increasing tribulations, disasters, and unrest leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. Just as a woman experiences contractions that grow more frequent and intense before giving birth, so too will the world experience increasing turmoil before the end of this age.
Jesus Himself used this analogy when teaching about the signs of His coming:
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Matthew 24:7-8)
The Greek word translated as “sorrows” (ὠδίν ōdin) means birth pangs or labor pains. This tells us that these events are not just random, but part of a process, one that builds in intensity until the ultimate fulfillment—the return of Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom.
When Do the Labor Pains Begin?
The labor pains began the moment Christ ascended into heaven, but like a woman in labor, they increase in intensity as the time of His return draws near. The Apostle Paul writes:
“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” (Romans 8:22)
Creation itself longs for redemption, but the labor pains of the end times will become unmistakable. Jesus gave specific signs to watch for that indicate we are moving closer to the final moments before His return.
The Signs of the Labor Pains
Wars and Rumors of Wars
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” (Matthew 24:6)
Throughout history, there have always been wars, but in the end times, conflicts will escalate both in scale and frequency. We are seeing global tensions and regional conflicts intensifying like never before.
Nations and Kingdoms Rising Against Each Other
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.” (Matthew 24:7)
The word translated as “nation” is ethnos, meaning people groups or ethnic groups. This points to civil wars, racial tensions, and international conflicts increasing as part of the end-times labor pains.
Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes
“And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew 24:7)
Famines: Global food shortages, economic instability, and supply chain disruptions contribute to increasing famine. The book of Revelation describes a future famine during the tribulation:
“A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:6)
This suggests hyperinflation and economic crisis causing widespread food scarcity.
Pestilences: The Greek word used for pestilence (loimos) refers to plagues and diseases. With global pandemics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and new viruses emerging, we see how fragile human health is in these times.
Earthquakes: Seismic activity has been increasing, and Revelation speaks of massive earthquakes as part of God’s final judgments:
“And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.” (Revelation 16:18)
The Increase of Lawlessness and Wickedness
Paul warns:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
As the labor pains progress, morality collapses. People will reject truth, exalt sin, and openly rebel against God. Jesus warns:
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)
Persecution of Believers
Jesus prophesied that those who follow Him will be hated in the last days:
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9)
Persecution against Christians is rapidly increasing across the world. From government crackdowns to social hostility, standing for biblical truth is becoming more difficult.
The Gospel Preached to All Nations
Despite all this, the final sign before Christ returns is the spreading of the Gospel worldwide:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
No matter how dark the world becomes, God’s light still shines. Technology, the internet, and missionary work are allowing the Gospel to reach places never before possible.
Why Is the Labor Pains Analogy Used?
It Shows Increasing Intensity – Just like contractions, these events grow closer together and more painful as we approach the climax—the return of Christ.
It Reveals an Inevitable Outcome – Labor pains lead to birth. Likewise, the pains of this world will lead to Christ’s return and the birth of His Kingdom.
It Is a Call to Prepare – Just as an expectant mother prepares for delivery, so too must believers prepare spiritually, watching for the signs and standing firm in faith.
Paul affirms this analogy in 1 Thessalonians:
“For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
The world will not expect the final moment, but believers are called to be alert:
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4)
My Final Thoughts
We are living in the time of labor pains. The world is groaning, nations are rising against each other, morality is collapsing, and the Gospel is being preached to all nations. These signs are not to cause fear, but to remind us that Christ’s return is drawing near.
Just as a woman in labor prepares for delivery, we must prepare our hearts. The pain will increase, but the birth of Christ’s Kingdom is coming.
Let us live watchful, faithful, and ready, knowing that the labor pains of this world are temporary—but the reign of Jesus Christ is eternal.
“Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:28)
