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What does the Bible say about barren women?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible speaks tenderly of the sorrow of barrenness, affirms children as God’s gift, and shows that the Lord is sovereign, compassionate, and faithful to his people in every circumstance. Scripture records the anguish of women such as Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth, while Genesis 25:21 and Luke 1:7 show faithful couples bringing their need before God. Psalm 113:9 praises God for giving the barren woman a home and children, yet believers should not treat this as a guarantee that every longing will be fulfilled in this life. Isaiah 54:1-17 uses barrenness as an image of God’s redeeming grace toward his restored people. In Christ, every believer belongs to God’s fruitful covenant family and may trust his wise care.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Isaiah 54:1-17

    [1] Sing, barren, 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. [2] Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations; don't spare: lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes. [3] For you shall spread aboard on the right hand and on the left; and your seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. [4] Don't be afraid; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be confounded; for you shall not be disappointed: for you shall forget the shame of your youth; and the reproach of your widowhood shall you remember no more. [5] For your Maker is your husband; Yahweh of Hosts is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall he be called. [6] For Yahweh has called you as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off, says your God. [7] For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you. [8] In overflowing wrath I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting loving kindness will I have mercy on you, says Yahweh your Redeemer. [9] For this is [as] the waters of Noah to me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. [10] For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh who has mercy on you. [11] you afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires. [12] I will make your pinnacles of rubies, and your gates of emeralds, and all your border of precious stones. [13] All your children shall be taught of Yahweh; and great shall be the peace of your children. [14] In righteousness shall you be established: you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not be afraid; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. [15] Behold, they may gather together, but not by me: whoever shall gather together against you shall fall because of you. [16] Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and brings forth a weapon for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy. [17] No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh, and their righteousness which is of me, says Yahweh.

  • Psalms 113:9

    He settles the barren woman in her home, As a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah!

  • Luke 23:29

    For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.'

  • Genesis 25:21

    Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife, because she was barren. Yahweh was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

  • Hebrews 11:11

    By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.

  • Psalms 127:3-5

    [3] Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. [5] Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

  • Psalms 128:3-6

    [3] Your wife will be as a fruitful vine, In the innermost parts of your house; Your children like olive plants, Around your table. [4] Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh. [5] May Yahweh bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. [6] Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

  • Luke 1:7

    But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

  • Exodus 23:26

    No one will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days.

  • Genesis 29:31

    Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.

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