from עָקַר; sterile (as if extirpated in the generative organs); ([idiom] male or female) barren (woman).
Transliteration:ʻâqâr
Pronunciation:aw-kawr'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עָקָר (ʻâqâr, `{{H6135}}`) describes a state of sterility or barrenness. It is derived from the verbal root עָקַר (ʻâqar, `{{H6131}}`), which means "to pluck up," "to root out," or "to extirpate." This etymological connection is crucial, as it suggests that barrenness is understood as a condition where the capacity for procreation has been, as it were, "rooted out" or "cut off" from the generative organs. The term applies to both males and females, though its usage in the biblical text predominantly refers to women. It signifies an inability to bear children, representing a profound lack of fruitfulness in the most fundamental sense of perpetuating life.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The concept of עָקָר is a recurring and highly significant theme throughout the Old Testament, often serving as a backdrop for divine intervention and the demonstration of God's sovereignty.
* **Patriarchal Narratives:** The barrenness of key matriarchs is central to the unfolding of God's covenant.
* Sarah, Abraham's wife, is explicitly called עָקָר in [[Genesis 11:30]]. Her barrenness, alongside Abraham's old age, magnifies the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth, fulfilling God's promise to make Abraham a father of many nations ([[Genesis 18:10-14]], [[Genesis 21:1-2]]).
* Rebekah, Isaac's wife, is barren until Isaac prays to the Lord, and she conceives twins ([[Genesis 25:21]]).
* Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, is also עָקָר ([[Genesis 29:31]], [[Genesis 30:1-2]]). Her fervent desire for children and God's eventual "remembering" of her lead to the birth of Joseph, a pivotal figure in Israel's history.
* **Judges and Samuel:**
* Manoah's wife, the mother of Samson, is described as עָקָר ([[Judges 13:2-3]]). An angel of the Lord announces that she will conceive, highlighting Samson's divine calling.
* Hannah, Elkanah's wife, is עָקָר ([[1 Samuel 1:2]], [[1 Samuel 1:5-6]]). Her deep sorrow and persistent prayer at Shiloh lead to the birth of Samuel, a prophet and judge who would anoint Israel's first kings.
* **Other Contexts:**
* [[Deuteronomy 7:14]] promises that if Israel obeys the Lord, "there shall not be male or female barren among you," linking fertility directly to covenant faithfulness and divine blessing.
* [[2 Kings 4:14]] references the Shunammite woman, who is initially childless, before Elisha prophesies the birth of her son.
* [[Psalm 113:9]] celebrates God's power to "make the barren woman (עֲקֶרֶת הַבַּיִת) dwell in her house as a joyful mother of children," a poignant expression of divine transformation and blessing.
In each instance, barrenness is presented not as a final state, but as a condition that God is uniquely able to reverse, often to demonstrate His power, fulfill His purposes, or answer earnest prayer.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root עָקַר (ʻâqar, `{{H6131}}`), from which עָקָר (ʻâqâr) is derived. This root's meaning of "to uproot" or "to extirpate" provides the conceptual basis for barrenness as a state of being "cut off" from the natural process of procreation.
Concepts closely associated with עָקָר include:
* **Fertility/Fruitfulness:** Often expressed by words like פָּרָה (pārāh, `{{H6509}}`, "to be fruitful") and רָבָה (rābāh, `{{H7235}}`, "to multiply"). The state of עָקָר stands in stark contrast to these terms, representing an absence of the blessing of offspring.
* **Offspring/Seed:** זֶרַע (zeraʿ, `{{H2233}}`). The lack of זֶרַע is the defining characteristic of one who is עָקָר.
* **Divine Blessing and Curse:** In ancient Israelite society, fertility was profoundly associated with divine favor and blessing, while barrenness could be perceived as a curse or a sign of divine disfavor. However, the biblical narratives of עָקָר women consistently subvert this simplistic understanding, showing God's power to transform perceived curse into ultimate blessing.
* **Covenant:** The ability to bear children was paramount for the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, promising a numerous offspring and a great nation. The overcoming of עָקָר was thus essential for the continuity of the covenant lineage.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עָקָר is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty over Life:** The repeated motif of barren women conceiving through divine intervention powerfully asserts that life is a gift from God alone. Human will, physical capacity, or natural processes are insufficient; God alone "opens the womb." This theme underscores God's ultimate control over life, challenging human assumptions of self-sufficiency.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** In the patriarchal narratives, the overcoming of barrenness (Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel) is not merely a personal blessing but a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It ensures the continuation of the promised lineage through which the Abrahamic covenant would be fulfilled, ultimately leading to the Messiah.
* **Preparation for Special Purpose:** The births of figures like Isaac, Samson, and Samuel to previously barren women often precede their calling to significant, divinely appointed roles in Israel's history. These births are portrayed as extraordinary acts of divine providence, signaling a special purpose for the child.
* **God's Compassion and Power:** The narratives vividly portray the deep emotional distress and societal shame associated with barrenness (e.g., Hannah's anguish, Rachel's despair). God's response to their fervent prayers demonstrates His compassion for human suffering and His omnipotent power to transform seemingly impossible situations into joyous realities.
* **Hope in Hopelessness:** The consistent biblical pattern of God intervening to reverse barrenness offers a powerful message of hope. It assures believers that even in circumstances that appear humanly impossible or hopeless, God is able to act, bringing life and fruitfulness where none seemed possible. This principle extends beyond physical procreation to spiritual fruitfulness and renewal.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָקָר (ʻâqâr, `{{H6135}}`) denotes sterility or barrenness, drawing its meaning from the root עָקַר (`{{H6131}}`), "to uproot" or "to extirpate," thereby signifying a profound inability to procreate. While applicable to both genders, its prominence in the Old Testament lies in its description of women who cannot bear children. Biblical narratives featuring עָקָר women—such as Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Manoah's wife, and Hannah—are not merely accounts of personal struggle but profound theological statements. They consistently highlight God's absolute sovereignty over life and fertility, demonstrating His power to intervene miraculously and open the womb. These divine interventions are often pivotal for the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, particularly concerning the lineage of Abraham, and for the raising up of individuals for special divine purposes. Thus, עָקָר serves as a powerful testament to God's compassion, His ability to act beyond human limitations, and His ultimate control in transforming situations of perceived barrenness into abundant blessing and fruitfulness, offering enduring hope to all who trust in Him.
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