Bible Dictionary
Barren
Barrenness refers especially to a woman’s inability to bear children, which was regarded in biblical society as a serious affliction. Several important biblical births occurred after a period of barrenness.
Definition
Barren describes a woman unable to bear children. In biblical society, barrenness was regarded as a severe affliction and, in some cases, as a punishment.
Biblical Usage
Scripture records barrenness in the families of several important figures and also records births following such barrenness. The supplied references include the mothers of Isaac, Jacob’s children, Samson, and John the Baptist.
Historical Background
The biblical references show that barrenness affected family life and social standing. The supplied material gives no further cultural explanation beyond its description as a serious affliction.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
For a woman to be barren was accounted a severe punishment among the Jews (Gen. 16:2; 30:1-23; 1 Sam. 1:6, 27; Isa. 47:9; 49:21; Luke 1:25). Instances of barrenness are noticed (Gen. 11:30; 25:21; 29:31; Judg. 13:2, 3; Luke 1:7, 36).