Infertility, the inability to conceive children, is a condition that has been experienced by several key figures in the Bible. It is often depicted as a source of deep personal anguish and social stigma, yet it also serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. The Bible provides numerous accounts of women who were initially barren but later blessed with children through divine intervention.

Old Testament Accounts

1. Sarah: One of the most notable accounts of infertility is that of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Despite God's promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations, Sarah remained childless for many years. In Genesis 11:30, it is stated, "Now Sarai was barren; she had no child." Her eventual conception of Isaac at an advanced age is a testament to God's miraculous intervention (Genesis 21:1-2).

2. Rebekah: Isaac's wife, Rebekah, also experienced infertility. Genesis 25:21 records, "Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived." This account highlights the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to the faithful.

3. Rachel: Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, struggled with infertility while her sister Leah bore several children. Her distress is palpable in Genesis 30:1, where she says to Jacob, "Give me children, or I will die!" God eventually remembered Rachel, and she bore Joseph, who would become a significant figure in Israel's history (Genesis 30:22-24).

4. Hannah: The account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is another profound example. Deeply grieved by her inability to conceive, Hannah prayed earnestly to the Lord. Her prayer was answered, and she gave birth to Samuel, who would become a great prophet and judge of Israel (1 Samuel 1:10-20).

New Testament Reference

In the New Testament, Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, is described as being barren. Luke 1:7 states, "But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years." Her eventual pregnancy is announced by an angel, emphasizing the miraculous nature of John's birth and his role in preparing the way for Jesus (Luke 1:13-17).

Theological Implications

Infertility in the Bible is often portrayed as a trial that tests faith and patience. It serves as a reminder of human limitations and the sovereignty of God. The eventual blessing of children to these women underscores the belief that God is the giver of life and that His timing and purposes are perfect. The narratives encourage believers to trust in God's promises and to remain faithful in prayer, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Cultural and Social Context

In biblical times, infertility was often viewed as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor. Children were considered a blessing and a means of securing one's legacy and inheritance. The societal pressure and personal grief experienced by infertile women are evident in the biblical narratives, yet these accounts also reveal a compassionate God who hears the cries of the afflicted and acts on their behalf.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The biblical accounts of infertility and subsequent divine intervention raise questions about the moral and ethical dimensions of human suffering and divine providence. They invite reflection on the nature of faith, the role of prayer, and the understanding of God's will in the lives of believers. These accounts continue to offer hope and encouragement to those facing similar struggles today, affirming the belief in a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people.1 Samuel 1:1-28
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
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James 1:1-27
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
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Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
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Ephesians 4:26
Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:
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1 Corinthians 3:16
Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
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Letter xxiv (Circa AD 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
... I am well aware, indeed, of the infertility of my wisdom, and I always hold myself
in suspicion for rashness and inexperience, so that I ought not to take it ...
/.../some letters of saint bernard abbot of clairvaux/letter xxiv circa a d 1126.htm

Habakkuk
... The situation in vv. 17-19 (especially v. 17) seems different from that in the rest
of the chapter: there an enemy was feared, here rather infertility. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/habakkuk.htm

The Origin of Species.
... We fully agree with the general tenor of this weighty passage; but forcible as are
these arguments, and little as the value of fertility or infertility as a ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/xii the origin of species.htm

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