The Greek word steíros, represented by G4723, means "sterile" or barren. It is derived from a word suggesting something stiff and unnatural. This term appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, describing a state of being unable to bear children.
The word G4723 is used both literally and prophetically. It literally describes the condition of Elisabeth G1665, who was barren and had no child, and was well stricken in years Luke 1:7. Her identity was so tied to this condition that she was "called barren" G4723 before conceiving a son in her old age Luke 1:36. In a prophetic context, days are foretold when the barren G4723 will be called blessed G3107, spared from seeing their children face judgment Luke 23:29. It is also used allegorically, where the barren G4723 is called to rejoice G2165 because the desolate will have more children than one with a husband Galatians 4:27.
Several related words provide context to the concept of being barren:
- G1080 gennáō (to procreate): This describes the act of bearing a child, the direct opposite of being barren. It is used in the phrase "wombs that never bare" G1080 Luke 23:29.
- G1665 Elisábet (Elisabeth, an Israelitess): She is the central biblical figure described as barren G4723, whose miraculous conception is a key narrative event Luke 1:7.
- G5088 tíktō (to produce (from seed, as a mother...)): Similar to gennáō, this refers to bearing children and is used to contrast the barren state in the command to "Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not" Galatians 4:27.
- G1094 gēras (senility): This word for old age is directly linked to Elisabeth's condition, as she conceived a son in her old age G1094 after having been called barren Luke 1:36.
The theological weight of G4723 is significant in its symbolic usage.
- Reversal of Natural Order: The most direct theological point is God's power to overcome human inability. The narrative of Elisabeth G1665, who was barren G4723 and in her old age G1094, conceiving a son serves as a powerful testament to divine intervention Luke 1:36.
- Promise and Fulfillment: In Galatians, the barren G4723 woman who is told to rejoice symbolizes a spiritual reality. It illustrates that God's covenant of promise can bring forth more "children" than what is possible through natural or fleshly means Galatians 4:27.
- Paradoxical Blessing: The statement "Blessed are the barren" G4723 presents a stark reversal of fortune. In a time of immense future suffering, the absence of children is portrayed not as a curse, but as a form of mercy, sparing a mother from witnessing her child's agony Luke 23:29.
In summary, G4723 moves beyond a simple definition of physical infertility. While it literally describes the condition of figures like Elisabeth, its greater significance lies in its metaphorical power. The word steíros becomes a vehicle to illustrate God's ability to bring life from barrenness, the superiority of spiritual promise, and the profound sorrow of a world where childlessness could be considered a blessing.
TRV