The Greek word most commonly translated as "barren" in the Bible is
στεῖρος (steiros). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
* Primary Meaning: Literally, στεῖρος (steiros) means "barren," "infertile," "childless" (said of a woman or female animal). It refers to the inability to conceive and bear offspring.
* Figurative Use: While primarily literal, it can sometimes be used figuratively to represent:
* Lack of Fruitfulness: A lack of productivity, whether in a literal or spiritual sense. For example, a land could be described as barren (though usually there is a different word used for infertile land, such as eremos).
* Spiritual Emptiness: A state of being spiritually desolate or unproductive.
* Disappointment: A feeling of emptiness when one's hopes and expectations have not been met.
* Instances in the New Testament:
* Luke 1:7: Describes Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, as "barren" (στεῖρα - steira). This is a key example.
* Luke 1:36: The angel tells Mary that her relative Elizabeth, "who is called barren" (στεῖρα - steira), is pregnant.
* Galatians 4:27: Quoting Isaiah 54:1, Paul uses the concept of the "barren woman" who will have more children than the one who has a husband as an allegory for the freedom and multiplication of believers in the new covenant compared to the law. (Note: In this instance, the Greek translation of Isaiah (the Septuagint) uses a form of στεῖρα.)
* Significance: In the Old Testament (and echoed in the New), barrenness was often seen as a sign of divine disfavor or a curse. The overcoming of barrenness through divine intervention is a recurring theme, often associated with God's promise and blessing, and the miraculous birth of important figures in salvation history (like Isaac, Samuel, and John the Baptist).
Therefore, when you encounter the word "barren" in a biblical context, especially concerning women, it's essential to consider the meaning of στεῖρος (steiros) and the cultural and theological significance of childlessness in that time. It is not merely a biological state, but also a symbol with profound implications.