Topical Encyclopedia Childlessness, the state of being without offspring, is a condition that appears in various narratives throughout the Bible. It is often depicted as a source of deep personal anguish and social stigma, particularly in the cultural context of ancient Israel, where children were seen as a blessing from God and a means of continuing one's lineage.Biblical Narratives of Childlessness Several prominent biblical figures experienced childlessness, which serves as a backdrop for divine intervention and the unfolding of God's promises. One of the most notable examples is Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Despite God's promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations, Sarah remained barren for many years. Genesis 11:30 states, "Now Sarai was barren; she had no child." Her eventual conception of Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 21:1-2, is portrayed as a miraculous fulfillment of God's promise: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." Similarly, Rebekah, Isaac's wife, also experienced a period of barrenness. Genesis 25:21 recounts, "Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant." This narrative highlights the power of prayer and God's responsiveness to the faithful. Another significant account is that of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Her deep distress over her childlessness is poignantly described in 1 Samuel 1:10: "In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly." Her fervent prayer and vow to dedicate her child to the Lord resulted in the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. Theological Implications In the biblical worldview, childlessness is often seen as a trial or test of faith. It is sometimes interpreted as a temporary state that God uses to demonstrate His power and faithfulness. The eventual granting of children to previously barren women underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises despite human limitations. The Bible also presents childlessness as an opportunity for individuals to experience God's grace and intervention. The narratives of Sarah, Rebekah, and Hannah illustrate that God is attentive to the cries of the childless and is capable of transforming their circumstances in accordance with His divine plan. Cultural and Social Context In ancient Israelite society, childlessness carried significant social implications. Children were considered a sign of divine favor and a means of securing one's legacy. The absence of children could lead to social ostracism and personal despair. This cultural backdrop amplifies the miraculous nature of the births that follow periods of barrenness in the biblical accounts. New Testament Perspective The New Testament does not focus extensively on the theme of childlessness, but it does affirm the value of all individuals, regardless of their parental status. In 1 Corinthians 7:7-8, the Apostle Paul speaks to the virtues of singleness and celibacy, suggesting that a life without children can also be a life of devotion and service to God. Overall, the biblical treatment of childlessness reflects a complex interplay of cultural expectations, personal faith, and divine intervention, offering a rich tapestry of narratives that highlight God's compassion and sovereignty. Topical Bible Verses Revelation 21:4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Topicalbible.org Job 2:10 Hosea 9:14 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 Psalm 127:3-5 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The state of being childless.Strong's Hebrew 7923. shikkulim -- bereavement, childlessness... 7922, 7923. shikkulim. 7924 . bereavement, childlessness. Transliteration: shikkulim Phonetic Spelling: (shik-koo-leem') Short Definition: bereaved. ... /hebrew/7923.htm - 6k Library The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25 Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren. The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ... The General Service to Two or Many Martyrs. The Service Common to Two or Many Hierarchs. The General Service to a Hiero-Confessor or Monk-Confessor. Yet He Added, "But Such Shall have Tribulation of the Flesh... God's Covenant with Abram Aaron, his Office no Palliation of his Sin, 61. Electress Louisa Thesaurus Childlessness (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The state of being childless. Multi-Version Concordance Childlessness (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 47:9 ... /c/childlessness.htm - 6k Childless (25 Occurrences) Virginity (12 Occurrences) Naphtali (51 Occurrences) Fasting (34 Occurrences) Relationships (1 Occurrence) Bitter (203 Occurrences) Bitterness (37 Occurrences) Childlike (3 Occurrences) Charms (10 Occurrences) Resources How should a Christian deal with infertility? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Elkanah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Protoevangelium of James? | GotQuestions.org Childlessness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Childlessness (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 47:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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