In the original Greek, the literal translation is "travail," which is a term commonly used to describe child labor. Birth pangs usually begin slow and manageable, but become more intense, closer together, and less manageable the to delivery of the baby.

"And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven." (Luke 21:11)

"When they say, There is peace and no danger, then sudden destruction will come on them, as birth-pains on a woman with child; and they will not be able to get away from it." 
(1 Thessalonians 5:3)

The Lord shall punish the earth with hail, flooding earthquakes, storms, and fire.

"Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim (Ephraim is America), whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine! Behold, the Lord hath a mighty and strong one, which as a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, as a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast down to the earth with the hand. The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet:" (Isaiah 28:1-3)... Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." (Isaiah 28:17)

"Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelt! add ye year to year; let them kill sacrifices." (Isaiah 29:1)... "Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire." (Isaiah 29:6)

"And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:25-28)

"Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake." (Revelation 8:5)

PHYSICAL SIGNS

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