Overview
The Bible addresses barrenness across 17 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel and Genesis. Closely related themes include Hannah, Satire, Samuel and Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Abimelech, Sarah and Rachel.
Key Bible verses about barrenness
Old Testament
Genesis
So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.
For the LORD had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah Abraham's wife.
And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach:
1 Samuel
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. provoked: Heb. angered
And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. when: or, from the time that she, etc: Heb. from her going up
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. arrogancy: Heb. hard
The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.
People in the Bible and barrenness
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying barrenness for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 20:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how 1 Samuel and Genesis each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Abraham, Abimelech and Sarah and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Hannah, Satire, Samuel and Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about barrenness?
The Bible addresses barrenness across 17 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 1 Samuel and Genesis. Closely related themes include Hannah, Satire, Samuel and Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Abraham, Abimelech, Sarah and Rachel.
How many Bible verses are about barrenness?
The Bible references barrenness in 17 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention barrenness?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 20:17: “So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.”
Which people in the Bible are associated with barrenness?
Abraham, Abimelech, Sarah, Rachel and Hannah.
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