### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâqâr**, represented by `{{H6135}}`, defines a state of being **sterile** or **barren**. It appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning to extirpate or root out, the term is applied to both males and females, signifying an inability to produce offspring, a condition of great significance in biblical narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6135}}` frequently highlights the personal struggles of key matriarchs. Sarai is introduced as **barren** with no child [[Genesis 11:30]], setting the stage for a test of faith. Similarly, both Rebekah [[Genesis 25:21]] and Rachel [[Genesis 29:31]] are described as **barren** before conceiving through divine intervention. The condition is not only a personal trial but also a national concern, as God promises Israel that if they are obedient, there will be no male or female **barren** among them or their cattle [[Deuteronomy 7:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and consequences of being `{{H6135}}` barren:
* `{{H3205}}` **yâlad** (to bear young): This action stands in direct contrast to the state of being barren. The narrative of Manoah's wife highlights this, stating she was **barren** and "bare not" [[Judges 13:2]], a condition later reversed by a divine promise to **bear** a son [[Judges 13:3]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This represents the longed-for blessing that is denied to the barren. The ultimate reversal of this state is when God makes the barren woman a "joyful mother of **children**" [[Psalms 113:9]].
* `{{H7358}}` **rechem** (the womb): This is the specific physical source of fertility. In the story of Jacob's wives, the Lord saw that Leah was hated and "opened her **womb**," while her sister Rachel remained barren [[Genesis 29:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6135}}` is significant, often serving as a backdrop for divine action.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The condition of barrenness is consistently resolved not by human effort but by God's direct intervention. The LORD opens the womb [[Genesis 29:31]], is intreated through prayer [[Genesis 25:21]], and sends an angel to announce a miraculous birth [[Judges 13:3]], demonstrating His authority over life.
* **Reversal of Fortune:** Barrenness is used to illustrate God's power to elevate the lowly and reverse circumstances. Hannah's song declares that "the **barren** hath born seven" while the one with many children "is waxed feeble" [[1 Samuel 2:5]], showing that God can change human fortunes completely.
* **Metaphor for Spiritual Restoration:** The term is used metaphorically to describe a state of desolation that God will transform into fruitfulness. Isaiah commands the **barren** to sing, prophesying that the desolate will have more children than the married wife, a promise of future restoration and abundant blessing for God's people [[Isaiah 54:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6135}}` signifies more than a physical inability to have children. It is a powerful biblical motif representing human helplessness, sorrow, and reproach. Theologically, it becomes the canvas upon which God demonstrates His sovereignty over life, His compassion for the afflicted, and His power to bring about miraculous reversals, transforming a state of desolation into a symbol of abundant joy and spiritual fruitfulness.
TRV