Topical Encyclopedia Sterility, often referred to as barrenness in biblical terms, is the condition of being unable to produce offspring. This condition is mentioned several times in the Bible, often carrying significant theological and narrative implications. In the ancient Near Eastern context, sterility was often viewed as a source of personal shame and social stigma, as well as a challenge to the fulfillment of God's promises regarding progeny and inheritance.Old Testament References 1. Sarah: One of the most notable examples of sterility in the Bible is Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Initially barren, Sarah's inability to conceive is a central theme in the narrative of Genesis. Despite her sterility, God promises Abraham that he will be the father of many nations. Genesis 11:30 states, "Now Sarai was barren; she had no child." Eventually, God intervenes, and Sarah miraculously gives birth to Isaac in her old age (Genesis 21:1-3). 2. Rebekah: Like her mother-in-law Sarah, Rebekah also experienced a period of barrenness. 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 highlights the power of prayer and divine intervention in overcoming sterility. 3. Rachel: Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, also faced sterility. Her struggle with barrenness is poignantly expressed in Genesis 30:1, "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 bears Joseph (Genesis 30:22-24). 4. Hannah: The account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is another significant account of sterility. Deeply distressed by her inability to conceive, Hannah prays fervently to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:5-6 notes, "But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival would provoke her bitterly to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb." God answers her prayers, and she gives birth to Samuel, who becomes a great prophet (1 Samuel 1:19-20). New Testament References 1. Elizabeth: 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 matriarchs, as God intervenes and she gives birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ (Luke 1:13-17). Theological Implications Sterility in the Bible often serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and power. It underscores the belief that God is the ultimate giver of life and that His purposes can transcend human limitations. The miraculous births that follow periods of barrenness are seen as acts of divine grace and fulfillment of God's promises. Furthermore, the narratives of barren women in the Bible often highlight themes of faith, patience, and the importance of prayer. These accounts encourage believers to trust in God's timing and to remain faithful even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Cultural and Social Context In biblical times, sterility was not only a personal issue but also a social one. Children were considered a blessing from God and a means of securing one's legacy and inheritance. The inability to bear children could lead to social ostracism and personal despair. However, the biblical accounts consistently reveal God's compassion and intervention, offering hope and redemption to those who suffer from sterility. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or condition of being sterile.2. (n.) Quality of being sterile; infecundity; also, the state of being free from germs or spores. Strong's Hebrew 6160. arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley ...... From arab (in the sense of sterility); a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the Jordan and its continuation to the ... /hebrew/6160.htm - 6k 6152. Arab -- "steppe-dwellers," a country East of Isr. Library Answer to Objections: Signal Instances of Prayer Biogenesis The Manich??an Fictions About Things Good and Evil are not ... The Origin of Species. The Fig-Tree. And it came to Pass that the Festival of the Dedication was at ... Of Meditating on the Future Life. Athenagoras. Preface The Objects of Prayer Thesaurus Sterility (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) Quality of being sterile; infecundity; also, the state of being free from germs or spores. Multi-Version Concordance Sterility (1 Occurrence). ... /s/sterility.htm - 7k Barrenness (3 Occurrences) Sterile (3 Occurrences) Sterling (1 Occurrence) Casteth (54 Occurrences) Botany Healing (60 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian view the Roe vs. Wade decision? | GotQuestions.orgSterility: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sterility (1 Occurrence)2 Kings 2:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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