Mark 13:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Alas for the wives with children and expectant mothers. Why is this so? The mothers, bound by their love for their offspring, find it impossible to flee. Likewise, those who are with child will struggle to escape due to the weight of their pregnancy. I believe this also alludes to the grim reality of mothers resorting to dreadful acts in times of siege, as the hunger of the Jewish people compelled them to turn against their own children.

This is metaphorical language. Who are the expectant and those who nourish infants? The expectant represent souls whose aspirations are tied to the present world; those who have attained their desires are referred to as those who nourish. For instance, consider someone wishing to acquire land. This illustrates expectation: as long as the property remains unpurchased, hope swells within; yet once the purchase is complete, the hope is fulfilled, and what was desired is then provided for. Alas for those who are expectant and tend to the young in those times—woe to those who place their hopes in this world, woe to those who are seduced by the things that arise from the hopes of this present age.

In presenting a vivid description of impending events, the Lord focused on the imminent judgment of God concerning Jerusalem. He stated, regarding Jerusalem, that its destruction is inevitable, as referenced in the prophecy of Daniel, where the abomination of desolation will be seen in the sacred place. Consequently, those who wish to escape this devastation should quickly leave Judea. Those who choose to stay will endure unprecedented tribulation. Additionally, false messiahs will emerge during this time, but do not be misled by them. The Son of Man will come like bright lightning, not confined to a specific location or form, but manifesting as the divine judgment of God. He will be fully revealed in His glory at the end of the age.

Alas, those who are expecting or nursing infants will find themselves in a dire situation, as they will be unable to escape the immense disaster that has been declared upon this people.