Genesis 11:30

But Sarai was barren; she [had] no child.

But Sarai {H8297} was barren {H6135}; she had no child {H2056}.

Sarai was barren โ€” she had no child.

But Sarai was barren; she had no children.

And Sarai was barren; she had no child.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 11:30 concludes the genealogy of Terah, the father of Abram (later Abraham). This seemingly simple statement, "But Sarai was barren; she had no child," serves as a crucial theological and narrative pivot. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a woman's inability to bear children, especially sons, was often considered a significant misfortune or even a reproach. Fertility was highly valued, seen as a divine blessing and essential for perpetuating the family line and inheritance. This verse immediately precedes God's call to Abram in Genesis 12:1, setting up a profound challenge to the divine promise of numerous descendants.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Limitation and Divine Promise: The verse starkly highlights Sarai's barrenness as a formidable human obstacle. This natural inability to conceive provides a dramatic backdrop for God's subsequent, seemingly impossible promise to make Abram a great nation. It underscores that God's plan transcends human limitations and often begins where human ability ends.
  • Preparation for Faith: Sarai's barrenness was not an oversight but a deliberate part of God's plan to magnify His power and faithfulness. It compelled Abram and Sarai to rely entirely on God for the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, making the eventual birth of Isaac a clear miracle.
  • Foreshadowing God's Sovereignty: This verse introduces a recurring theme in the Bible: God often chooses to work through those who are naturally disadvantaged or seemingly unable, demonstrating His sovereign power. Other prominent biblical women, such as Rebekah, Rachel, and Hannah, also experienced barrenness before miraculously conceiving.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "barren" used here is aqarah (ืขึฒืงึธืจึธื”). It consistently denotes a woman who is physically incapable of bearing children. The phrase "she had no child" (ืึตื™ืŸ ืœึธื”ึผ ื•ึธืœึธื“ - ein lah valad) explicitly reinforces the severity and finality of her condition from a human perspective, emphasizing that there was no offspring whatsoever, thus no heir.

Practical Application

Genesis 11:30 offers timeless encouragement: God's plans are not thwarted by our human limitations or what seems impossible. When faced with significant challenges or apparent dead ends in life, this verse reminds us to look beyond our own capabilities and trust in God's supernatural power and perfect timing. Our weaknesses can become the very platforms upon which God demonstrates His strength and faithfulness, leading to outcomes far grander than we could imagine, much like the miraculous birth of Isaac.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 1:2 (2 votes)

    And he had two wives; the name of the one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

  • Genesis 21:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

  • Genesis 21:2 (2 votes)

    For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

  • Luke 1:36 (2 votes)

    And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

  • Genesis 29:31 (2 votes)

    ยถ And when the LORD saw that Leah [was] hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel [was] barren.

  • Genesis 15:2 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus?

  • Genesis 15:3 (2 votes)

    And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.