### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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