Being barren was Eve’s most difficult life challenge ever. On the one hand she had never felt more aware of God’s love for her, and on the other she had never felt more alone in this world. But what does the Bible say about barrenness? And how did Mary respond to it? Here are details on her experience as well as my own personal story on what I found with my own struggles with being barren.
There are few passages in the bible that cause as much pain to the woman of God as the ones that deal with barrenness and childlessness. There are many women that have suffered miscarriages, pre-mature births and continual inability to have a child when they desire them. This is an area few want to talk about and only the bravest are willing to address it.
In Luke 1:21-23, the Bible explains that Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah and soon to be mother of John the Baptist, was barren. God answered her prayers and her son’s household was blessed. In Luke 1:41-45, Elizabeth greeted Mary and gave thanks to God because He had granted her a child.
Bible Study On Barrenness
In this bible study on barrenness, we will learn to identify the causes of barrenness and different forms of it, as often times when a woman is barren, there are deeper spiritual issues to address. We will also consider several ways that a woman can overcome and break free from sexual denial in order to receive God’s will for her womb.
The Bible often uses barrenness as a metaphor for sin and wickedness. In Jeremiah 2:20-21, the prophet says that Israel had become like an unfruitful tree that cannot bear fruit. He says that the people of Israel “are like an oak whose leaf fades. In the end it will perish.”
The prophet Ezekiel uses the same imagery when he speaks about Jerusalem: “Her leaders have been like decayed branches in the vineyard of God; they have not produced any fruit at all but have only been taken away” (Ezekiel 19:10).
In Romans 1:24-25, Paul also speaks about barrenness as a metaphor for sin: “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies might be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.”
The Bible teaches that barrenness is a curse from God. This curse can be reversed, but only by the Lord.
The Bible says in Genesis 3:16 that men will have to work for their bread. This means that men must work hard to earn their living and support their families. The Bible also teaches in Proverbs 13:23 that those who love money will never be satisfied with what they have because they will always want more.
We live in a materialistic world where money is seen as a measure of success and worth. However, the Bible clearly teaches that we should not place our trust in money (Matthew 6:24) or our possessions (1 Timothy 6:7-8). Instead we should trust in God alone for our needs and security (Psalm 62:11).
The Bible teaches us that it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). When we give out of love for God, then He will provide for our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
The Bible is full of stories of barrenness. The first time I read through the Bible, I was surprised at how many times barrenness is mentioned. In fact, there are eight women in the Bible who were barren and had no children.
The first is Sarah, Abraham’s wife. After years of waiting for God to bless them with a child, she gave up hope and told her husband to take her handmaiden as a wife so that she could bear children for him. When Sarah finally did give birth to Isaac, it was after her servant Hagar bore Ishmael for Abraham.
Then there’s Rebekah, who became pregnant by Isaac after she gave birth to twins Esau and Jacob (who were fraternal twins). Later in life, when Rebekah was past menopause and still not pregnant again with any more children, she gave birth to twins again (Judah and Zarah), but this time they weren’t twins at all; they were fraternal twins!
After that came Rachel. Rachel was promised by Jacob that she would be the mother of many nations (Genesis 30:23), but she couldn’t conceive until after Leah had given birth to four sons — Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah —
Bible Study on barrenness
The Bible is full of stories about barren women, and there are many reasons why God’s people were childless. There are also many examples of how God works in the lives of those who have experienced infertility.
Here are some examples from the Bible:
Sarah was a barren woman until she gave birth to Isaac when she was 90 years old (Genesis 21:1-7).
Abraham and Sarah could not have children together until he took Hagar as his concubine (Genesis 16:1-2). Hagar had Ishmael, but their relationship was not good, so God told Abraham to send her away (Genesis 21:9).
Rebekah had twins by Jacob, but they were born prematurely (Genesis 25:22). The boys struggled to be born because Rebekah was so old at the time of conception that she couldn’t carry them full term (25:23). The babies were named Esau and Jacob. Esau became known as Edom because he was red faced like an Edomite (25:25). Esau grew up to be a hunter who sold his birthright for a bowl of soup (25
The Bible is full of examples of barren women. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Hannah are just a few.
In the first book of Samuel, we read about Hannah’s barrenness and how she prayed for a child: “I will give him all my love. He will be my son.” After many years had passed without a child, Hannah was able to give birth to Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11).
Hannah prays for her child, Samuel
When the time came for her husband Elkanah to return home from his long journey, Hannah went to meet him at the place where he worshipped God. She took with her two mugs of beer, which were probably made from barley or wheat since they were used in times of celebration like weddings or births (1 Samuel 1:15). She poured out one mug as a gift to God in thanksgiving for his goodness towards her and then poured out the second mug as a drink offering before the Lord. This was done because it was customary to drink beer while eating bread in those days (1 Samuel 1:15).
Hannah washed herself and put on perfume before going into the shrine where her husband worshipped God—a sign that she may have
Discover Bible Study Method
Discover Bible Study Method
Discover is an inductive study method that works well with the NIV, NRSV, ESV and other translations. This method is a great way to begin your study of the Bible and it will help you gain a better grasp of God’s Word. The Discover Bible Study Method has four steps:
- Observation – Read the passage and look for any words that stand out to you
- Interpretation – Ask yourself what does this mean? What does it reveal about God? What does it reveal about me? What does it reveal about my relationship with God? 4. Application – How can I apply this truth in my life today?
This method helps us see how we can use what we read in Scripture so that it becomes more than just words on a page but becomes something that transforms our hearts and our lives!
Discover Bible Study Method
The Discover Bible Study Method is a simple, easy to use and effective way to study the Bible. It is based on the principle that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It uses the tools of observation, interpretation and application to help us understand what God has said in His Word.
The Discover Bible Study Method consists of three steps:
1) Observe: read the passage carefully, noting all details that stand out
2) Interpret: consider what the passage means by asking questions like “What does this mean?” and “What does it teach me about God?”
3) Apply: apply what you have learned from God’s Word by asking further questions like “How does this apply to my life?”
Discover Bible Study Method
The Discover Bible Study Method is a study method that combines several different approaches to help you discover God’s Word. It is based on the idea that there is more than one way to understand and interpret scripture. It encourages you to use different methods such as literal, historical, and personal interpretations.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of how the Discover Bible Study Method works. We will also discuss some of the best resources available for using this method in your daily life.
How Does It Work?
The Discover Bible Study Method suggests that God’s Word is not only meant to be read but also experienced firsthand. It encourages people to open up their hearts and minds while reading scripture so they can better grasp its meaning and significance in their lives.
To do this, you must first understand what the passage says (literal understanding). Then ask yourself what it means to you personally (personal interpretation). Finally, consider how it fits into history and culture (historical perspective).
Discover Bible Study Method is a way of studying the Bible that leads to personal transformation. It’s not a curriculum or a program, but rather a way of looking at the Bible so that it will speak to you personally.
The Discover Bible Study Method is based on the idea that everyone has an “inner voice” which God has placed within them. This inner voice speaks to us throughout our lives – sometimes it’s loud and clear, other times it’s barely audible. But it’s always there, calling us to be more than what we are.
In this study we’ll be learning how to hear God’s voice as we read His word, and how to respond appropriately by applying what we learn in our daily lives.
Discover Bible Study Method
What are some of the most popular methods of Bible study? How can we apply them in our daily lives?
Scripture Reading Plan
The first step in any study of the Bible is to read it! This is best done by reading through the entire Bible once per year or at least once every few years. Some people prefer to do this in 90-day cycles (reading all the Old Testament, then all the New Testament). Others prefer to read it straight through from Genesis through Revelation, which is also a good idea.
When you read your Bible, it’s important that you do so with an attitude of prayer and worship. As you read each verse, pray for wisdom and understanding from God as you go. This will help you better understand what you are reading and why it was written by God.
The Bible has a lot to say about barrenness. In fact, it mentions barrenness more than any other topic in the Bible. This fact alone tells us that the writers of scripture saw it as an important issue. We can assume that, as humans seeking to lead God’s people in a way that honors Him and His Word, we should also see barrenness as an important issue to address.
To begin our study, let’s start with the meaning of the word “barren.” A person or thing is said to be barren when they do not produce fruit or offspring. In this sense, barrenness can refer to both natural and spiritual aspects of life. For example: if someone plants a seed in his garden but does not water or fertilize it, then there will be no fruit produced from that seed—it will be considered barren. Likewise, if someone does not cultivate their spiritual gifts or take care of their relationship with God, then these things are also considered barren.
What does God have to say about these two forms of barrenness? What does He want for us—both individually and collectively? Let’s take a closer look at how the Bible answers these questions through several passages from Scripture…
The Bible is full of examples of barrenness.
In Genesis chapter 16, God instructs Abraham to take his wife, Sarah, as his concubine. She is 90 years old and has never been able to bear children. God tells Abraham that he will have a son by her, but she will be barren.
In Genesis chapter 18, after the LORD had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham bargains with Him for the lives of Lot’s family members who still live in those cities. He wants to save them from the destruction that is about to fall on the cities. The LORD agrees and promises Abraham he will return all the people who escape from the city before it is destroyed so that they can be saved from judgment (Genesis 18:23). Then He tells Abraham that if he tries to help any survivors who come out after him, then it will be considered as if he were helping them himself (Genesis 18:24).
Abraham then stands up early in the morning and goes out to see whether or not there are any survivors coming out of Sodom. He sees only four men coming out together; two were angels sent by God while two were men who were not
Chapter 1: The Problem of Barrenness
The first symptom of barrenness is the inability to conceive. This can be caused by many factors, including a woman’s age and health, but it is most often caused by sin. God does not want us to be infertile; rather, He wants us to have children and raise them in His name. When we do not have children or cannot conceive, we may feel like God has abandoned us or that He has decided not to bless us with a family. But nothing could be further from the truth!
1 Samuel 2:5 says, “The Lord will watch over you as long as you live; he will fulfill all your needs” (NIV). When we don’t get what we want or expect out of life, it’s easy to think that God has failed us or abandoned us. But this isn’t true at all—He wants us to know that He is still there for us no matter what happens in our lives! We just need to ask Him for help and guidance when things seem hopeless; then He will show up in miraculous ways!
In Genesis, we meet a couple who are childless. The Bible says that they have no children and that they “cannot bear children.” This is an interesting thing to note, since the word “bear” refers to giving birth. So what does it mean that they cannot “bear”?
We see that the word “barren” (or barrenness) is used in other verses to describe land that cannot be cultivated. It’s not until much later in the Bible—in the book of Isaiah—that we see barrenness being used as a metaphor for people who don’t have children.
This is a useful metaphor because it helps us understand why some people don’t have children: sometimes it’s because of something outside of their control (like infertility), and sometimes it’s because of something inside of their control (like choosing not to have children).
Why does God allow some people to remain childless? Some theologians say it’s because He wants us to focus on things more important than our own families: serving others, loving our neighbors, etc. Others believe God allows some people to remain childless so that they can serve Him more fully by caring for those who need help. Whatever the reason may be, God sees all our tears
- What does the Bible say about God’s creation of human beings?
- What does the Bible say about God’s creation of male and female?
- How can we understand God’s plan for marriage to be fruitful and multiply?
- Why did God give us the commandment not to commit adultery, and what does this commandment teach us about our sexuality?
- What does it mean to be fruitful and multiply?
Barren Women In The Bible
There are six barren women in the Bible: three of the four matriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel) in Genesis; Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1-2); the anonymous wife of Manoah, mother of Samson (Judges 13); and the “great woman of Shunem,” also called the Shunammite, an acolyte of the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-44). In some cases, the presence of a fertile, though less beloved, co-wife exacerbates the barren woman’s distress. In each of the stories, the son is ultimately dedicated back to God—in service or even in sacrifice. The paradigm of the Barren Woman in the Hebrew Bible supports the Rabbinic adage that God holds the keys to birth and death (M. Taanit 3:8)—what God gives, God may take back.
There are six stories of barren women in the Hebrew Bible: three of the four matriarchs, Sarah (Genesis 11:30), Rebekah (25:21), and Rachel (29:31); Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1-2); the anonymous wife of Manoah, mother of Samson (Judges 13); and the “great woman of Shunem,” also called the Shunammite, an acolyte of the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-44). One might also include “Daughter Zion [Bat Tzion],” where Second Isaiah personifies Jerusalem as a “barren woman, who has borne no child…who has never been in labor…” (Isaiah 54:1; see Pesikta deRab Kahana 18:3). Just as central female figures in the Bible were deemed barren and then granted progeny through divine intervention, Daughter Zion (Jerusalem) would once again be blessed with children following the return from exile (circa 5th-4th c. BCE). Why were so many prominent women in the Hebrew Bible barren? Further, what does the “barren woman” as a literary paradigm tell us about the relationship between God and God’s chosen people?
Roots of Barrenness
In agrarian societies during the biblical period (1200-600 BCE), bearing children was highly valued and women’s primary role was that of mother. Birthing and raising children, however, were fraught, given the high rate of maternal death in childbirth and of infant mortality; only half of all children born survived to the age of five. In the biblical stories of barren women, maternity is further complicated in order to heighten the drama of the arrival of the promised son, emphasizing the divine role in conception and birth. In the case of the patriarchal stories in Genesis, the matriarchs’ barrenness emphasizes that it is God who disrupts continuity, in the transition from one generation to the next, and then selects the true heir to the covenant.
In the Bible and until quite recently, the problem of infertility was attributed physiologically to women, though ultimately it was God who was seen as holding the keys to opening and closing the womb (Mishnah Taanit 3:8). Only female figures are identified by the descriptor “barren [‘aqarah]” (Genesis 11:30, 25:21, 29:31; Judges 13:2, 3; 1 Samuel 2:5; Psalms 113:9; Job 24:21), derived from the Hebrew root ‘qr, meaning “to uproot or pluck up,” the opposite of “to plant” [nt‘] (Ecclesiastes 3:2). A woman’s infertility might also be marked by the phrase “she had no progeny” (as in Genesis 11:30, Judges 13:2, 2 Kings 4:14). Often these biblical women suffered deep shame as a consequence, their barrenness attributed to some hidden wrong, sin, or flaw. Sarai confronts Abram, when she is slighted in Hagar’s eyes: “May the wrong done to me be on you!” (Genesis 16:5). When Rachel pleads with Jacob, “Give me children or else I die” (30:1), her husband answers: “Am I in the place of God who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” (v. 2); when the matriarch finally conceives, she names her son Joseph [Yosef], “for God has taken away my reproach” (v. 23). Peninah, mother of Elkanah’s children, made Hannah miserable, taunting her because “God had closed her womb” (1 Samuel 1:6).
Overcoming Barrenness
In a polygynous society, the barren woman was often compelled to share her husband with a more fertile rival (though often less beloved) wife. In some cases, this was at the initiative of the barren woman herself, who would use her handmaid to bear children for her in a kind of proto-surrogacy: Sarai uses Hagar (Genesis 16), Rachel uses Bilhah (30:3-8), and Leah uses Zilpah (30:10-13). Other strategies include the use of herbal concoctions, as in Rachel’s use of mandrakes (31:14-16), or of intercessory prayer: Isaac prays for Rebekah (25:21); Abraham prays for the women in Abimelech’s household (20:17-18); and Hannah prays for herself and utters a vow that, if she were to give birth to a son, she would dedicate him as a Nazirite to the service of God (1 Samuel 1:11). In the story of the wife of Manoah, the angel designates the promised son, Samson, as a Nazirite from the womb (Judges 13:4-5).
In many of the narratives, the barren woman is promised the much-desired son by an angel of God or an emissary in an “Annunciation Scene” that heralds the birth of the beloved son. While Sarah is sequestered in her tent, three men/angels appear to Abraham to announce the birth of a son to them in their old age (Genesis 18:10, 14). Similarly, Rebekah is privy to an oracle about the destiny of her twins, Jacob and Esau, who become the progenitors for the nations Israel and Edom (25:21-23); God hears Rachel and remembers her (30:22); the wife of Manoah is promised a child who will save the Israelites from the Philistines (Judges 13:3-5); Eli, the priest, promises Hannah that she will be granted what she asked for (1 Samuel 1:17); and the Shunammite is promised a child, though she never asked for one (2 Kings. 4:13, 16). The resolution to the woman’s barrenness is often marked by the phrase: “And God remembered/took note of [pqd/zkhr] Sarah” (or Rachel or Hannah) (Genesis 21:1, 30:22, 1 Sam. 2:21). Sometimes the power of closing and opening the womb is attributed to the divine, even for the fertile woman (Genesis 30:17). In the psalms of praise, God is the source of fertility and conception (Psalms 113:9, 1 Samuel 2:5).
Progeny of Barren Women
The motif of barrenness highlights the unique destiny of the promised son. As Susan Ackerman has pointed out, in each of these stories the life of the life of the son is somehow threatened and/or dedicated to God. Isaac, for example, is bound on the altar (Genesis 22:10-12), while Jacob flees for his life from his murderous brother and wrestles with a divine being upon his return, before facing Esau again (27:41, 32:23-25). Joseph is nearly killed by his brothers and sold into slavery (37:18-24, 28); Samson is dedicated as a Nazirite to God, which gives him the strength (through his uncut hair) to wage a one-man battle against the Philistines, ultimately dying a martyr’s death in the Temple of Dagon (Judges 13:5, 16:17, 30); Samuel is given over, as a young boy, to divine service in the sanctuary at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:27-28); and the Shunammite’s son actually dies but is brought back to life by Elisha (2 Kings 4:32-35). These narratives suggest that God, who opens the womb, has the right to demand the life that emerges from it.
There Shall Be No Barren In The Land
God’s word to His people Israel that is still relevant to us today, hinges on hope and encouragement. He reminded His people, as they entered the land that they should behave themselves and serve Him the Lord only and through this, His promise for them shall come to pass. For He says: “no one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfil the number of your days.” The word, “barren” means (of land) too poor to produce much or any vegetation. It can also mean showing no results or achievements, unproductive (like of a woman). It can further mean (of a place or building) bleak and lifeless. However, we can deduce that barrenness, whether of land or person or building or a thing, would attract concern and, therefore, needs God’s intervention.
God’s love for humanity is limitless. Hence, in respect to barrenness, He says: “there shall be no barren in the land.” His Words are to be taken for what it is, for He can never lie. “Has He said a thing and it did not come to pass?” (Isaiah 46:8-11). Therefore, the Bible is replete with passages of reassurance of God dealing with barrenness, (Genesis 4:27, 25:21, 30:1-22, Deuteronomy 7:14, Judges 13:2-3, Psalm 113:9, Isaiah 54:1). To the child of God, this should be reassuring and worthy of thanksgiving unto Him. Notice, our fruitfulness and abundance are His concern.
Consequently, we may have tempting or challenging situations, yet, I announce by the authority of God that somebody’s season of barrenness is over. Barrenness, whether in academics or business or marital life, name them, is over. Just claim it by faith and it will be yours in Jesus name. Amen! Did we not read from the Bible of God’s intervention on behalf of Sarah, “now the Lord was gracious to Sarah, as He had said and the Lord did for Sarah what He had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age; at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him,” (Gen. 21:1-3). Also, for Elizabeth, “when it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy and they shared her joy,” (Jn. 1:57-58). The same God is at work on your behalf even now. Yes, the word of God says in Isaiah: “do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old,” (Isaiah 43:18), behold I make everything new,” (Revelation 21:5).
People of God, may I sincerely advise at this point that we should not lose hope, for God is still at work and in-charge. Therefore, as we go through this month and this year, let us be reassured of His visitation in our lives and situations. Certainly, His visitation will usher in restoration, as such will lead to unbridled fruitfulness, abundance and overflow from the Throne of Grace. May the Holy Spirit be our guide! Amen.