It may come from the Old English verb thrōwian, meaning “to suffer” or “to be in pain,” or from the Old English thrāwu, meaning “threat.” Throes is typically used in situations involving pain or struggle. It's especially used in certain phrases, such as death throes, the throes of childbirth, and the throes of passion.

What does it mean in the throes?

: experiencing (something painful) She met him while he was in the throes of a messy divorce.

What does throes mean in the Bible?

1 : pang, spasm death throes throes of childbirth.