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)

¹³ Then young women will dance and be glad,
    young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning^(A) into gladness;
    I will give them comfort^(B) and joy^(C) instead of sorrow.

⁹ Why do you now cry aloud—
    have you no king^[a](A)?
Has your ruler^[b] perished,
    that pain seizes you like that of a woman in labor?^(B)