2 Esdras 4:42
King James VersionSource notes
“For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape the necessity of the travail: even so do these places haste to deliver those things that are committed unto them.”
Context
39And for our sakes peradventure it is that the floors of the righteous are not filled, because of the sins of them that dwell upon the earth.
40So he answered me, and said, Go thy way to a woman with child, and ask of her when she hath fulfilled her nine months, if her womb may keep the birth any longer within her.
41Then said I, No, Lord, that can she not. And he said unto me, In the grave the chambers of souls are like the womb of a woman:
42For like as a woman that travaileth maketh haste to escape the necessity of the travail: even so do these places haste to deliver those things that are committed unto them.
43From the beginning, look, what thou desirest to see, it shall be shewed thee.
44Then answered I and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, and if it be possible, and if I be meet therefore,
45Shew me then whether there be more to come than is past, or more past than is to come.