Topical Encyclopedia Bareness, often referred to as barrenness in biblical texts, is a condition of being unable to produce offspring. In the Bible, this condition is frequently mentioned and holds significant theological and cultural implications. It is often seen as a trial or a test of faith, and in some instances, a divine intervention is required to overcome it.Old Testament Instances 1. Sarah: One of the most notable examples of bareness in the Bible is Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Initially unable to conceive, Sarah's bareness is a central theme in the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham. Genesis 11:30 states, "Now Sarai was barren; she had no child." Despite her advanced age, God promises Abraham that Sarah will bear a son. This promise is fulfilled with the birth of Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 21:1-2: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." 2. Rebekah: Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, also experienced bareness. Genesis 25:21 notes, "Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived." This instance highlights the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to the faithful. 3. Rachel: Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, struggled with bareness while her sister Leah bore several children. Genesis 30:1 records Rachel's distress: "When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she envied her sister. 'Give me children, or I will die!' she said to Jacob." God eventually remembers Rachel, and she gives birth to Joseph, as stated in Genesis 30:22-24. 4. Hannah: The account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is another profound example. Hannah's bareness is a source of deep sorrow and provocation by her rival, Peninnah. In 1 Samuel 1:10-11, Hannah prays earnestly to the LORD, vowing that if He grants her a son, she will dedicate him to the LORD's service. God answers her prayer, and she gives birth to Samuel, who becomes a significant prophet in Israel. New Testament Reference In the New Testament, Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah, is described as barren. Luke 1:7 states, "But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years." Her account parallels those of the Old Testament, as God intervenes, and she conceives John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. This miraculous birth is announced by the angel Gabriel, emphasizing God's power and purpose. Theological Implications Bareness in the Bible is often depicted as a condition that God can reverse, demonstrating His sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a backdrop for divine intervention, highlighting themes of faith, patience, and the miraculous. The narratives of barren women who eventually bear children underscore the belief that God is the giver of life and that His timing and purposes are perfect. Cultural Context In ancient Near Eastern culture, bareness was often viewed as a source of shame and social stigma. Children were considered a blessing and a sign of divine favor, and the inability to conceive could lead to personal and familial distress. The biblical accounts of barren women who are later blessed with children serve to challenge cultural norms and affirm God's compassion and power. Symbolism Bareness can also symbolize spiritual desolation or a lack of fruitfulness in one's life or community. The transformation from bareness to fruitfulness is a powerful metaphor for spiritual renewal and divine blessing. This theme is echoed in various biblical passages that speak of God bringing life and abundance where there was once desolation. In summary, bareness in the Bible is a multifaceted theme that encompasses personal struggle, divine promise, and the miraculous intervention of God. It serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God and His ability to bring life and hope to seemingly hopeless situations. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The state of being bare.Strong's Hebrew 8205. shephi -- bareness, a smooth or bare height... 8204, 8205. shephi. 8206 . bareness, a smooth or bare height. Transliteration: shephi Phonetic Spelling: (shef-ee') Short Definition: heights. ... /hebrew/8205.htm - 6k 8195. Shepho -- "bareness," an Edomite 7146. qarachath -- baldness of head 1372. gabbachath -- a bald forehead Library Thou Dost not Hide Thyself in Thy Bareness, O Pearl! Three Celebrated Mysteries. The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727. Inward Mortification and Perfect Resignation are Necessary for ... Of the Men who Practise a False Vacancy The Common Way of all Souls. Of the Origin and Character of Each of These Faults. How we May Become Hidden Sons of God, and Attain to the God-Seeing ... The Elizabethan Reaction The Puritan Innovations Thesaurus Bareness (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Bareness (1 Occurrence). ... It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside. (WEB JPS ASV NAS). ... /b/bareness.htm - 6k Leprous (27 Occurrences) Mildew (26 Occurrences) Mildewed (1 Occurrence) Barest (3 Occurrences) Barely (3 Occurrences) Affected (9 Occurrences) Produced (39 Occurrences) Mountain (298 Occurrences) Examine (48 Occurrences) Resources Bareness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bareness (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 13:55 Subtopics Related Terms |