¹⁷ As a pregnant woman about to give birth^(A)
    writhes and cries out in her pain,
    so were we in your presence, Lord.
¹⁸ We were with child, we writhed in labor,
    but we gave birth^(B) to wind.
We have not brought salvation^(C) to the earth,
    and the people of the world have not come to life.^(D)

⁷ “Before she goes into labor,^(A)
    she gives birth;
before the pains come upon her,
    she delivers a son.^(B)
8 Who has ever heard of such things?
    Who has ever seen^(C) things like this?
Can a country be born in a day^(D)
    or a nation be brought forth in a moment?
Yet no sooner is Zion in labor
    than she gives birth to her children.^(E)
9 Do I bring to the moment of birth^(F)
    and not give delivery?” says the Lord.
“Do I close up the womb
    when I bring to delivery?” says your God.
¹⁰ “Rejoice^(G) with Jerusalem and be glad for her,
    all you who love^(H) her;
rejoice greatly with her,
    all you who mourn^(I) over her.
¹¹ For you will nurse^(J) and be satisfied
    at her comforting breasts;^(K)
you will drink deeply
    and delight in her overflowing abundance.”^(L)

“I will extend peace^(M) to her like a river,^(N)
    and the wealth^(O) of nations like a flooding stream;
you will nurse and be carried^(P) on her arm
    and dandled on her knees.
¹³ As a mother comforts her child,^(Q)
    so will I comfort^(R) you;
    and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.”