Mark 13:17 - Exposition

But woe unto them that are with child and to them that give suck in those days! Women in this condition would be specially objects of pity, for they would be more exposed to danger. The words, "Woe to them ( οὐαι )!" are an exclamation of pity, as, though it was said, "Alas! for them." Josephus ( Mark 7:8 ) mentions that some mothers, constrained by hunger during the siege, devoured their own infants!