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Topical Bible: Barren
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Barren</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/b/barren.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/luke/1-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/barren.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Barren</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/b/barrels.htm" title="Barrels">◄</a> Barren <a href="/topical/b/barren_and_childless_woman.htm" title="Barren and Childless Woman">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, the term "barren" primarily refers to the inability to produce offspring. This condition is often depicted as a significant personal and social challenge, particularly for women in ancient times, where childbearing was closely tied to a woman's identity and societal status. The Bible contains several narratives involving barren women, each illustrating themes of faith, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God's promises.<br><br><b>Old Testament Instances</b><br><br>1. <b>Sarah</b>: One of the most notable examples of barrenness in the Bible is Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Initially unable to conceive, Sarah's barrenness is a central theme in the narrative of God's covenant with Abraham. <a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Genesis 11:30</a> states, "But Sarai was barren; she had no children." Despite her advanced age, God promised Abraham that Sarah would bear a son. This promise is fulfilled in <a href="/genesis/21.htm">Genesis 21:1-2</a>: "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."<br><br>2. <b>Rebekah</b>: Isaac's wife, Rebekah, also experienced barrenness. <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a> records Isaac's prayer for his wife: "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 account highlights the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to the faithful.<br><br>3. <b>Rachel</b>: Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, struggled with barrenness while her sister Leah bore several children. Rachel's plight is described in <a href="/genesis/30.htm">Genesis 30:1</a>: "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 remembered Rachel, and she bore Joseph, as noted in <a href="/genesis/30-22.htm">Genesis 30:22-24</a>.<br><br>4. <b>Hannah</b>: The account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is another profound example. Her deep anguish over her barrenness is captured in <a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10</a>: "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears." God answered her fervent prayers, and she gave birth to Samuel, dedicating him to the Lord's service.<br><br><b>New Testament Reference</b><br><br>1. <b>Elizabeth</b>: In the New Testament, Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist, is described as barren. <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7</a> states, "But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both of them were well along in years." Her miraculous conception of John the Baptist is a testament to God's power and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.<br><br><b>Symbolic and Theological Significance</b><br><br>Barrenness in the Bible often serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It underscores the belief that God is the giver of life and that His purposes transcend human limitations. The miraculous births that follow periods of barrenness are frequently linked to significant developments in God's covenantal history, such as the birth of Isaac, the establishment of the Israelite nation, and the coming of John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ.<br><br>Furthermore, barrenness can symbolize spiritual desolation or a lack of fruitfulness in one's life or community. The transformation from barrenness to fruitfulness is a powerful metaphor for divine intervention and blessing, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/54.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a>: "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who never were in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband, says the LORD."<br><br>In summary, the theme of barrenness in the Bible is rich with theological implications, illustrating God's ability to bring life and hope where there is none, and His unwavering commitment to His promises.<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>For a woman to be barren was accounted a severe punishment among the Jews (<a href="/genesis/16-2.htm">Genesis 16:2</a>; <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">30:1</a>-23; <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6</a>, 27; <a href="/isaiah/47-9.htm">Isaiah 47:9</a>; <a href="/isaiah/49-21.htm">49:21</a>; <a href="/luke/1-25.htm">Luke 1:25</a>). Instances of barrenness are noticed (<a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Genesis 11:30</a>; <a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">25:21</a>; <a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">29:31</a>; <a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Judges 13:2</a>, 3; <a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7</a>, 36). <a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>a.</I>) Incapable of producing offspring; producing no young; sterile; -- said of women and female animals.<p>2. (<I>a.</I>) Not producing vegetation, or useful vegetation; /rile.<p>3. (<I>a.</I>) Unproductive; fruitless; unprofitable; empty.<p>4. (<I>a.</I>) Mentally dull; stupid.<p>5. (<I>n.</I>) A tract of barren land.<p>6. (<I>n.</I>) Elevated lands or plains on which grow small trees, but not timber; as, pine barrens; oak barrens. They are not necessarily sterile, and are often fertile.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">BARREN; BARRENNESS</span><p>bar'-en, (bar'-en-nes tsiyah; melehah; shakhol; `aqar; steiros; argos):<br><br>(1) Of land that bears no crop, either<br><br>(a) because it is naturally poor and sterile: tsiyah "dry" (<a href="/joel/2-20.htm">Joel 2:20</a>), melechah, "salt" (<a href="/job/39-6.htm">Job 39:6</a> the King James Version), shakhol, "miscarrying" (<a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">2 Kings 2:19, 21</a>), or<br><br>(b) because it is, under God's curse, turned into a melechah or salt desert, for the wickedness of the people that dwell therein (<a href="/psalms/107-34.htm">Psalm 107:34</a> the King James Version; compare <a href="/genesis/3-17.htm">Genesis 3:17, 18</a>).<br><br>(2) Of females that bear no issue: `aqar: Sarah (<a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Genesis 11:30</a>); Rebekah (<a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a>); Rachel (<a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a>); Manoah's wife (<a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Judges 13:2, 3</a>); Hannah (<a href="/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5</a>); steiros: Elisabeth (<a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7, 36</a>).<br><br>In Israel and among oriental peoples generally barrenness was a woman's and a family's greatest misfortune. The highest sanctions of religion and patriotism blessed the fruitful woman, because children were necessary for the perpetuation of the tribe and its religion. It is significant that the mothers of the Hebrew race, Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel, were by nature sterile, and therefore God's special intervention shows His particular favor to Israel. Fruitfulness was God's special blessing to His people (<a href="/exodus/23-26.htm">Exodus 23:26</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-14.htm">Deuteronomy 7:14</a> <a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalm 113:9</a>). A complete family is an emblem of beauty (<a href="/songs/4-2.htm">Songs 4:2</a>; <a href="/songs/6-6.htm">Songs 6:6</a>). Metaphorically, Israel, in her days of adversity, when her children were exiled, was barren, but in her restoration she shall rejoice in many children (<a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a> <a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Galatians 4:27</a>). The utter despair and terror of the destruction of Jerusalem could go no farther than that the barren should be called blessed (<a href="/luke/23-29.htm">Luke 23:29</a>).<br><br>(3) Argos is translated in the King James Version "barren," but in the Revised Version (British and American) more accurately "idle" (<a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">2 Peter 1:8</a>).<br><br>T. Rees<p><a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/4723.htm"><span class="l">4723. steira -- <b>barren</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> steira. 4724 . <b>barren</b>. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: steira<br> Phonetic Spelling: (sti'-ros) Short Definition: <b>barren</b> Definition: <b>barren</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4723.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/175.htm"><span class="l">175. akarpos -- unfruitful</span></a> <br><b>...</b> unfruitful. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: akarpos Phonetic Spelling:<br> (ak'-ar-pos) Short Definition: unfruitful, <b>barren</b> Definition: unfruitful <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/175.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 7k</font><p><a href="/greek/692.htm"><span class="l">692. argos -- inactive, idle</span></a> <br><b>...</b> <b>barren</b>, idle, slow. From a (as a negative particle) and ergon; inactive, ie Unemployed;<br> (by implication) lazy, useless -- <b>barren</b>, idle, slow. see GREEK a. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/692.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/2050.htm"><span class="l">2050. eremosis -- a making desolate</span></a> <br><b>...</b> devastation. 2050 (from 2049 , "lay waste, make destitute, <b>barren</b>") --<br> (desecration) that results from being cut off (isolated). Word <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2050.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/2048.htm"><span class="l">2048. eremos -- solitary, desolate</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 2048 -- properly, an , place; a (deserted) area; (figuratively) a <b>barren</b>, solitary<br> place that also provides (freedom from disturbance). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2048.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 8k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6135.htm"><span class="l">6135. aqar -- <b>barren</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> 6134, 6135. aqar. 6136 . <b>barren</b>. Transliteration: aqar Phonetic Spelling:<br> (aw-kawr') Short Definition: <b>barren</b>. Word Origin from <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6135.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1565.htm"><span class="l">1565. galmud -- hard, <b>barren</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> 1564, 1565. galmud. 1566 . hard, <b>barren</b>. Transliteration: galmud Phonetic<br> Spelling: (gal-mood') Short Definition: <b>barren</b>. Word Origin <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1565.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/6115.htm"><span class="l">6115. otser -- restraint, coercion</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from atsar Definition restraint, coercion NASB Word Usage <b>barren</b><br> (1), oppression (2). <b>barren</b>, oppression, prison. From <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6115.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/7909.htm"><span class="l">7909. shakkuwl -- childless</span></a><br><b>...</b> shakkuwl. 7909a . childless. Transliteration: shakkuwl Phonetic Spelling:<br> (shak-kool') Short Definition: <b>barren</b>. <b>barren</b>, bereaved robbed of children whelps <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7909.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/6723.htm"><span class="l">6723. tsiyyah -- dryness, drought</span></a><br><b>...</b> <b>barren</b>, drought, dry land, place, solitary place, wilderness. From an unused<br> root meaning to parch; aridity; concretely, a desert <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6723.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/4420.htm"><span class="l">4420. melechah -- saltiness, barrenness</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from the same as melach Definition saltiness, barrenness NASB Word Usage<br> salt (1), salt land (1), salt waste (1). <b>barren</b> land, salt land. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/4420.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/7921.htm"><span class="l">7921. shakol -- to be bereaved</span></a><br><b>...</b> bereave of children, <b>barren</b>, cast calf fruit, make childless, deprive, destroy.<br> A primitive root; properly, to miscarry, ie Suffer <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7921.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/anonymous/mother_stories_from_the_new_testament/the_barren_fig-tree.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> THE <b>BARREN</b> FIG-TREE. In the morning, when Jesus had left Bethany and was coming<br> towards Jerusalem, He was hungry. <b>...</b> [Illustration: THE <b>BARREN</b> FIG-TREE.]. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the barren fig-tree.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/the_barren_fig-tree.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree;</span></a> <br><b>...</b> THE <b>BARREN</b> FIG-TREE; OR, THE <b>...</b> Christ. In this vineyard stood a fig-tree"by<br> nature remarkable for fruitfulness"but it is <b>barren</b>. No <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm</font><p><a href="/library/arnot/the_parables_of_our_lord/xx_the_barren_fig-tree.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> THE <b>BARREN</b> FIG-TREE. <b>...</b> When the tree had reached maturity the owner expected that it<br> should bear fruit; but that year, the next, and a third it continued <b>barren</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xx the barren fig-tree.htm</font><p><a href="/library/unknown/the_second_epistle_of_clement/chap_ii_the_church_formerly_barren.htm"><span class="l">The Church, Formerly <b>Barren</b>, is Now Fruitful.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Homily. Chap. ii."the church, formerly <b>barren</b>, is now fruitful. "Rejoice,<br> thou <b>barren</b> that bearest not; break forth and cry <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../unknown/the second epistle of clement/chap ii the church formerly barren.htm</font><p><a href="/library/keith/the_epistles_of_clement/chapter_ii_the_church_formerly_barren.htm"><span class="l">The Church, Formerly <b>Barren</b>, is Now Fruitful.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Second Epistle of Clement. Chapter II."The Church, Formerly <b>Barren</b>,<br> is Now Fruitful. "Rejoice, thou <b>barren</b> that bearest not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter ii the church formerly barren.htm</font><p><a href="/library/newton/olney_hymns/hymn_103_the_barren_fig-tree.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree. Lk 13:6-9</span></a> <br><b>...</b> LUKE Hymn 103 The <b>Barren</b> fig-tree. Lk 13:6-9. John Newton 6,6,6,6,8,8. The <b>Barren</b><br> fig-tree. Lk 13:6-9. The church a garden is. In which believers stand,. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 103 the barren fig-tree.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chadwick/the_gospel_of_st_mark/chapter_11_12-14_20-25_the_barren.htm"><span class="l">The <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Strong Meat for Hungry Souls: The Gospel of St. Mark CHAPTER 11:12-14,<br> 20-25 THE <b>BARREN</b> FIG-TREE. "And on the morrow, when they were <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 11 12-14 20-25 the barren.htm</font><p><a href="/library/severus/life_and_writings_of_sulpitius_severus_/chapter_viii_now_rebecca_having.htm"><span class="l">Now, Rebecca, Having Long Been <b>Barren</b>, at Length, through the <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Book I. Chapter VIII. Now, Rebecca, having long been <b>barren</b>, at length,<br> through the unceasing prayers of her husband? Now, Rebecca <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter viii now rebecca having.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/the_four-fold_gospel/liii_repentance_enjoined_parable_of.htm"><span class="l">Liii. Repentance Enjoined. Parable of the <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Part Fifth. From Second Passover Until Third.(Time: One Year.) LIII. Repentance<br> Enjoined. Parable of the <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree. ^C Luke 13:1-9. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/liii repentance enjoined parable of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/the_four-fold_gospel/cvi_barren_fig-tree_temple_cleansed.htm"><span class="l"><b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Part Seventh. Last Week of Our Lord's Ministry, the Fourth Passover, the Crucifixion.<br> CVI. <b>Barren</b> Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed. (Road from Bethany and Jerusalem. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cvi barren fig-tree temple cleansed.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/b/barren.htm"><span class="l"><b>Barren</b> (44 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> For a woman to be <b>barren</b> was accounted a severe punishment among the Jews (Genesis<br> 16:2; 30:1-23; 1 Samuel 1:6, 27; Isaiah 47:9; 49:21; Luke 1:25). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/barren.htm - 23k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/barrenness.htm"><span class="l">Barrenness (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The condition of being <b>barren</b>; sterility;<br> unproductiveness. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>BARREN</b>; BARRENNESS. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/barrenness.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm"><span class="l">Wilderness (304 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) Hebrews midhbar, denoting not a <b>barren</b> desert but<br> a district or region suitable for pasturing sheep and cattle (Psalm 65:12 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wilderness.htm - 43k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sterile.htm"><span class="l">Sterile (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (a.) Producing little or no crop; <b>barren</b>; unfruitful; unproductive; not<br> fertile; as, sterile land; a sterile desert; a sterile year. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sterile.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/figtree.htm"><span class="l">Figtree</span></a><br><b>...</b> Wild fig-trees-usually rather shrubs than trees-occur also everywhere; they are<br> usually <b>barren</b> and are described by the fellahin as "male" trees; it is <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/figtree.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fig-tree.htm"><span class="l">Fig-tree (33 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Wild fig-trees-usually rather shrubs than trees-occur also everywhere; they are<br> usually <b>barren</b> and are described by the fellahin as "male" trees; it is <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fig-tree.htm - 26k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/joyful.htm"><span class="l">Joyful (83 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEY). Galatians 4:27 For it is written, "Rejoice, thou <b>barren</b> woman that bearest<br> not, break forth into a joyful cry, thou that dost not travail with child. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/joyful.htm - 29k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/conceived.htm"><span class="l">Conceived (66 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Luke 1:36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old<br> age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called <b>barren</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/conceived.htm - 26k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fig.htm"><span class="l">Fig (45 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Wild fig-trees-usually rather shrubs than trees-occur also everywhere; they are<br> usually <b>barren</b> and are described by the fellahin as "male" trees; it is <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fig.htm - 33k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gilboa.htm"><span class="l">Gilboa (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> three sons were slain, and he himself died by his own hand (1 Samuel 28:4;<br> 31:1-8; 2 Samuel 1:6-21; 21:12; 1 Chronicles 10:1, 8). It was a low <b>barren</b> range <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gilboa.htm - 12k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/curse-fig-tree.html">Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Hannahs-prayer.html">What is the significance of Hannah's prayer? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Sarah.html">Who was Sarah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/barren.htm">Barren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Barren (44 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/1-7.htm">Luke 1:7</a></span><br />But they had no child, because Elizabeth was <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, and they both were well advanced in years.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/1-36.htm">Luke 1:36</a></span><br />Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called <span class="boldtext">barren</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/luke/23-29.htm">Luke 23:29</a></span><br />For behold, the days are coming in which they will say,'Blessed are the <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.'<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-14.htm">1 Corinthians 14:14</a></span><br />For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is <span class="boldtext">barren</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/galatians/4-27.htm">Galatians 4:27</a></span><br />For it is written, "Rejoice, you <span class="boldtext">barren</span> who don't bear. Break forth and shout, you that don't travail. For more are the children of the desolate than of her who has a husband."<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Hebrews 11:11</a></span><br />By faith also Sarah herself did receive power to conceive seed, and she bare after the time of life, seeing she did judge Him faithful who did promise;<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20</a></span><br />But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is <span class="boldtext">barren</span>?<br /><span class="source">(ASV RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">2 Peter 1:8</a></span><br />For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be <span class="boldtext">barren</span> nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jude/1-12.htm">Jude 1:12</a></span><br />These men--sunken rocks! --are those who share the pleasure of your love-feasts, unrestrained by fear while caring only for themselves; clouds without water, driven away by the winds; trees that cast their fruit, <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, doubly dead, uprooted;<br /><span class="source">(WEY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/11-30.htm">Genesis 11:30</a></span><br />Sarai was <span class="boldtext">barren</span>. She had no child. <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/20-18.htm">Genesis 20:18</a></span><br />For the LORD had made <span class="boldtext">barren</span> all the females of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.<br /><span class="source">(WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/25-21.htm">Genesis 25:21</a></span><br />Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife, because she was <span class="boldtext">barren</span>. Yahweh was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/29-31.htm">Genesis 29:31</a></span><br />Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was <span class="boldtext">barren</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/exodus/23-26.htm">Exodus 23:26</a></span><br />No one will miscarry or be <span class="boldtext">barren</span> in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days. <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/13-20.htm">Numbers 13:20</a></span><br />And what the land is, whether it is fertile or <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, whether there is wood in it, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes.<br /><span class="source">(WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/23-3.htm">Numbers 23:3</a></span><br />And Balaam said unto Balak: 'Stand by thy burnt-offering, and I will go; peradventure the LORD will come to meet me; and whatsoever He showeth me I will tell thee.' And he went to a bare height.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-14.htm">Deuteronomy 7:14</a></span><br />You shall be blessed above all peoples: there shall not be male or female <span class="boldtext">barren</span> among you, or among your livestock.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in the waste howling wilderness. He surrounded him. He cared for him. He kept him as the apple of his eye.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/13-2.htm">Judges 13:2</a></span><br />There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, and didn't bear.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/13-3.htm">Judges 13:3</a></span><br />The angel of Yahweh appeared to the woman, and said to her, "See now, you are <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, and don't bear; but you shall conceive, and bear a son.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/1-5.htm">1 Samuel 1:5</a></span><br />But to Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah; but the LORD had rendered her <span class="boldtext">barren</span>. <br /><span class="source">(WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6</a></span><br />And her adversary also provoked her greatly, to make her fret, because the LORD had made her <span class="boldtext">barren</span>.<br /><span class="source">(WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_samuel/2-5.htm">1 Samuel 2:5</a></span><br />Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread. Those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. Yes, the <span class="boldtext">barren</span> has borne seven. She who has many children languishes.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">2 Kings 2:19</a></span><br />And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground <span class="boldtext">barren</span>.<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_kings/2-21.htm">2 Kings 2:21</a></span><br />And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or <span class="boldtext">barren</span> land.<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/3-7.htm">Job 3:7</a></span><br />Behold, let that night be <span class="boldtext">barren</span>. Let no joyful voice come therein.<br /><span class="source">(WEB ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/15-34.htm">Job 15:34</a></span><br />For the company of the godless shall be <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.<br /><span class="source">(WEB ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/24-21.htm">Job 24:21</a></span><br />He devours the <span class="boldtext">barren</span> who don't bear. He shows no kindness to the widow. <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/39-6.htm">Job 39:6</a></span><br />Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the <span class="boldtext">barren</span> land his dwellings.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/107-34.htm">Psalms 107:34</a></span><br />A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.<br /><span class="source">(Root in KJV WBS YLT)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/psalms/113-9.htm">Psalms 113:9</a></span><br />He settles the <span class="boldtext">barren</span> woman in her home, as a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah!<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/30-16.htm">Proverbs 30:16</a></span><br />Sheol, the <span class="boldtext">barren</span> womb; the earth that is not satisfied with water; and the fire that doesn't say,'Enough.'<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/songs/4-2.htm">Song of Songs 4:2</a></span><br />Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep that are even shorn, which came up from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is <span class="boldtext">barren</span> among them.<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/songs/6-6.htm">Song of Songs 6:6</a></span><br />Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep which go up from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one <span class="boldtext">barren</span> among them.<br /><span class="source">(KJV DBY WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/41-18.htm">Isaiah 41:18</a></span><br />I will make rivers on the dry mountain-tops, and fountains in the valleys: I will make the waste land a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/49-9.htm">Isaiah 49:9</a></span><br />Saying to those who are in chains, Go free; to those who are in the dark, Come out into the light. They will get food by the way wherever they go, and have grass-lands on all the dry mountain-tops.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/49-21.htm">Isaiah 49:21</a></span><br />Then you will say in your heart, Who has given me all these children? when my children had been taken from me, and I was no longer able to have others, who took care of these? when I was by myself, where then were these?<br /><span class="source">(See NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/54-1.htm">Isaiah 54:1</a></span><br />"Sing, <span class="boldtext">barren</span>, you who didn't bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife," says Yahweh.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/2-6.htm">Jeremiah 2:6</a></span><br />And they never said, Where is the Lord, who took us up out of the land of Egypt; who was our guide through the waste of sand, through an unplanted land full of deep holes, through a dry land of deep shade, which no one went through and where no man was living?<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/3-21.htm">Jeremiah 3:21</a></span><br />A voice is sounding on the open hilltops, the weeping and the prayers of the children of Israel; because their way is twisted, they have not kept the Lord their God in mind.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/4-11.htm">Jeremiah 4:11</a></span><br />At that time it will be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A burning wind from the open hilltops in the waste land is blowing on the daughter of my people, not for separating or cleaning the grain;<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/7-29.htm">Jeremiah 7:29</a></span><br />Let your hair be cut off, O Jerusalem, and let it go, and let a song of grief go up on the open hilltops; for the Lord is turned away from the generation of his wrath and has given them up.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/14-6.htm">Jeremiah 14:6</a></span><br />The wild donkeys stand on the bare heights, they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail, because there is no herbage.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/joel/2-20.htm">Joel 2:20</a></span><br />But I will remove the northern army far away from you, and will drive it into a <span class="boldtext">barren</span> and desolate land, its front into the eastern sea, and its back into the western sea; and its stench will come up, and its bad smell will rise." Surely he has done great things.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/barren.htm">Barren</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/i/infertility.htm">Infertility</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/i/infertility_treatment.htm">Infertility Treatment</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barren.htm">Barren (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barricade.htm">Barricade (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/vital.htm">Vital (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nearly.htm">Nearly (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/growing.htm">Growing (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/ishmael.htm">Ishmael (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tribe.htm">Tribe (250 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/decayed.htm">Decayed (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dan.htm">Dan (71 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/powers.htm">Powers (43 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/partridge.htm">Partridge (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baldness.htm">Baldness (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birth.htm">Birth (357 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bear.htm">Bear (425 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/contemplate.htm">Contemplate (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abana.htm">Abana (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech (63 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/source.htm">Source (16 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sarai.htm">Sarai (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sarah.htm">Sarah (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hor.htm">Hor (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/iron.htm">Iron (104 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/desert.htm">Desert (322 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/salt.htm">Salt (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jericho.htm">Jericho (59 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nero.htm">Nero</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/marriage.htm">Marriage (74 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/botany.htm">Botany</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (361 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mount.htm">Mount (311 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/b/barrels.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Barrels"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Barrels" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/b/barren_and_childless_woman.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Barren and Childless Woman"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Barren and Childless Woman" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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