[Greek] ὠδίνω (ōdinō), [French] travailler, [Latin] parturire: to have birth pangs, to be in labor, to travail, to travail in birth, to feel the pangs of child birth; Gal.4:19,27, Rev.12:2
Eileithuia, the Greek goddess of childbirth and labor pains, wields a torch representing the burning pains of childbirth.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term essentially means to have birth pangs or to travail. This can involve going through a painful or difficult process in a metaphorical, physical or emotional context. Such subject matter involves learning, giving birth, rearing children, and suffering. Interestingly, Eleithuia is the Greek goddess of childbirth and labor pains. The corresponding Roman goddess is called Natio. Pindar’s Olympian Odes 6.42 states “The golden-haired god sent the gentle-minded Eleithuia and the Fates to help her. From her womb and her sweet birth pangs, Iamus came right away into the light.” Plato’s Theaetetus 151a states “Now those who associate with me are in this matter, like women in childbirth. They are in the pain and are full of trouble night and day. Are we then, my friend, still pregnant and in travail with knowledge?” Plato’s Laws 717b states “He should acknowledge that all he owns and has belongs to those who begat and reared him, thus making returns for the loans of care and pain spent on children by those who suffered on their behalf.” Sophocles’ Trachinae 325 states “She labor with the weight of her misfortune, and ever since she left her wind-swept country, she has wept bitter streams of tears.”
Old Testament: This term refers to the burdens or consequences of childbearing (giving birth) in a mainly metaphorical sense. Rather than bearing or being born, this term means to cause to tremble or quake. This meaning refers to the public distress, anxiety, affliction, fear, and national struggles at God’s wrath and judgment. Yahweh stands for the father who begets and the mother who gives birth in pain. Yahweh marries His bride Israel (Zion) who has known no travail since the separation. The metaphor of pregnancy and travail depict the time of distress and affliction which will precede salvation. Pangs and sorrows take hold of them, like a woman in labor they writhe (Isa.13:8). The voice of the Lord rocks the desert; the Lord rocks the desert of Kadesh (Psa.29:8). I hear the moaning, as of a woman in travail, the cry of daughter Zion gasping (Jer.4:31). You were unmindful of the Rock that begot you, you forgot the God who gave you birth (Deut.32:18). Can a country be brought forth in one day or a nation be born in a single moment? (Isa.66:8). So that at the mention of Your name they will quake and tremble before You (Deut.2:25).
New Testament: This term, found only in Galatians and Revelations, means to have birth pains and to suffer greatly. Paul, as a spiritual father, experiences birth pains as he begets the Galatians through his preaching. Paul makes reference to the barren Sarah who later becomes the mother of numerous children (Isa.54:1). Revelations makes reference to a woman giving birth in distress and pain. This image represents God’s people in the Old and the New Testament.
Scripture:
“My children, for whom I am again in labor until Christ be formed in you!” Gal. 4:19
Paul becomes a spiritual father to the Galatians. Paul experiences birth pains as he raises his congregation. Paul begets the Galatians through his preaching.
“For it is written: ‘Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband’” Gal. 4:27
Paul makes references to the barren Sarah who would later become the mother of numerous children (Isa.54:1). The children of mother Zion come into the world without pain. The woman, who does not bear and who is unfruitful, has many children through the miracle of God.
“She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.” Rev.12:2
Because of Eve’s sin, the woman gives birth in distress and pain. The woman symbolizes God’s people (Old Testament and New Testament). The Israel of old gave birth to the Messiah and then became the new Israel, the Church.
Conclusion
Synod, travail, travel, natal
In the Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover that this term refers to more than literal birth pangs (child birth). This term refers to a process (sometimes difficult or painful). It was probably not surprising to discover that there was a goddess for child birth. Plato states that one can be ‘pregnant’ and in travail with knowledge. Spiritual pregnancy is the process of begetting a theory or idea in one’s mind. This ‘spiritual child’ is the actualization of this wisdom. I think every student can relate to this. I think Plato also states the profound notion that parents can also experience pangs and travail in rearing children!
In the Old Testament, this term is also used in a wider sociological context for Israel and God’s people. This focuses more on the consequences and results of God’s wrath and judgment. Yahweh and Israel are in a marriage relationship. It is also very interesting to note that barren persons may later have numerous children. Abraham and Sarah come to mind.
In the New Testament, Paul is a spiritual father who also experiences growth pangs from his Galatian “kids”. The old Israel gives birth to the Messiah. This then becomes the new Israel, the Church, which suffers persecution by the dragon. Interestingly, this notion corresponds to a widespread ancient myth of a goddess (pregnant with a savior) who is pursued by a horrible monster. By miraculous intervention, she bears a son who then kills the monster.
The same really can be said for priests, religious, sisters, nun, and consecrated. These are all spiritual fathers and spiritual mothers who teach their “kids”.
A synod is a traveling or journeying together (syn-) on the road (hodos). These travelers may often face difficulties, travail, and grieving. A synod can range from a meeting of church officials (meeting young people) to a journeying caravan. Pope Francis, in recent years, has initiated several synods regarding aspects of faith. The French travailler becomes the precursor for the modern term ‘travel’.
Warning –Useless Word Alert —
Parturition: The act of bring forth or being delivered of young
Fellow travelers, have a good journey! (“Are we there yet?” “No!” as the parent answers groaning.)