The term "travelleth" is an archaic English word often found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). It is derived from the verb "travail," which means to labor, toil, or undergo hardship. In the context of the Bible, "travelleth" is frequently used to describe the intense labor and pain associated with childbirth, as well as metaphorically to depict spiritual or emotional struggles.

Biblical Usage

1. Childbirth and Labor:
The most direct application of "travelleth" in the Bible is in reference to the physical labor of childbirth. This imagery is used to convey the intensity and inevitability of certain events or judgments. For example, in Isaiah 26:17 , the prophet writes, "As a pregnant woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pain, so were we in Your presence, O LORD." This verse uses the imagery of a woman in labor to describe the anguish and anticipation of the people awaiting deliverance.

2. Spiritual and Emotional Struggle:
Beyond the literal sense, "travelleth" is also used metaphorically to describe spiritual or emotional struggles. In Galatians 4:19 , the Apostle Paul writes, "My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you." Here, Paul uses the metaphor of childbirth to express his deep concern and effort in nurturing the spiritual growth of the Galatian believers.

3. Judgment and Consequence:
The term is also employed to illustrate the inevitability and intensity of divine judgment. In Jeremiah 4:31 , the prophet declares, "I hear a cry as of a woman in labor, a groan as of one bearing her first child—the cry of Daughter Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands: 'Woe is me, for my soul faints before the murderers!'" This passage uses the travail of childbirth to symbolize the distress and impending judgment upon Jerusalem.

Theological Implications

The use of "travelleth" in Scripture underscores the reality of human suffering and the transformative process that often accompanies spiritual growth and divine intervention. It reflects the biblical theme that through pain and struggle, new life and redemption can emerge. This concept is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of salvation history, where suffering is not without purpose but is often a precursor to divine fulfillment and glory.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, childbirth was a common metaphor for intense experiences due to its universally understood nature. The use of "travelleth" in biblical texts would have resonated deeply with the original audience, who were familiar with the physical and emotional demands of childbirth. This metaphor served as a powerful tool for conveying messages of urgency, transformation, and hope.

Conclusion

The term "travelleth," while archaic, carries rich connotations within the biblical narrative. It serves as a vivid illustration of the human condition, the process of spiritual formation, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Through its use, Scripture communicates the profound truth that through labor and pain, God's purposes are ultimately realized.

Psalm CXX.
... Such is not that country Jerusalem, where all are good: whoever travelleth away
from thence, is among the evil; nor can he depart from the wicked, save when he ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxx.htm

Psalm CX.
... before it was collected from the rain; so this hidden rain is collected together
from hidden sources, and floweth on; at death again it travelleth where it is ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cx.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... Blood must be my body's balmer, While my soul, like faithful palmer, Travelleth
toward the land of heaven; Other balm will not be given. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm

Sleep Not
... little more sleep, and a little more slumber, and a little more folding of the hands,"
till your "poverty shall come upon you as one that travelleth, and your ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Psalm XCI.
... All the Evangelists, in whom our Lord travelleth over all nations....We need not
therefore wonder that our Lord was raised up to heaven by the hands of Angels ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xci.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Travelleth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Travelleth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 6:11 So shall thy
poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (KJV). ...
/t/travelleth.htm - 6k

Travelling (17 Occurrences)

/t/travelling.htm - 11k

Traveller's (1 Occurrence)

/t/traveller's.htm - 6k

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