Experiencing infertility can be a really tough and emotional journey for numerous couples. Trying to conceive can lead to feelings of letdown, sadness, and bewilderment. However, amidst the distress, there is hope.
Turning to sources of guidance and comfort, such as the Bible, can be fruitful. The Bible is brimming with wisdom and encouragement that can help those who are experiencing infertility.
Today, we will delve into some Bible verses that offer support to those struggling with infertility. These verses have the power to restore a feeling of tranquility during a stressful period and serve as a reminder that we are never alone in our difficulties.
Bible Verses About Infertility
Genesis 11:30
“Now Sarai was childless because she was not able to conceive.”
Sarai’s barrenness, which is highlighted in this verse, is a theme seen throughout the Bible. The struggle and pain of infertility are not overlooked, but rather form a significant part of various biblical narratives. In Sarai’s case, her barrenness set the stage for a divine intervention, reminding us that sometimes, the challenges we face are opportunities for a greater manifestation of God’s power.
Genesis 21:1-2
“The LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.”
This verse reveals the fulfillment of God’s promise to Sarah and Abraham. Despite their advanced age and Sarah’s previous inability to conceive, God’s promise prevailed. This scripture serves as a reassurance that God’s promises are unshakeable, even when faced with seemingly impossible obstacles such as infertility.
Genesis 25:21
“Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.”
Isaac’s prayer for his wife Rebekah in their struggle with infertility illustrates the power of intercessory prayer. It’s a reminder that turning to God in moments of hardship can bring about miracles, in this case, Rebekah’s pregnancy.
Exodus 23:26
“No woman in your land will miscarry or be barren. I will give you a full life span.”
This verse from Exodus is part of God’s promises to the Israelites if they obey His commands. It is a powerful verse for those struggling with infertility, as it speaks directly to the promise of fruitfulness and longevity as blessings from obedience to God.
1 Samuel 1:5-6
“But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.”
The story of Hannah is another biblical account of a woman facing the heartbreak of infertility. Hannah’s struggle is not only physical but also emotional, as she endures provocation from her rival. This verse underscores the depth of emotional pain that can accompany infertility.
Also Read: 21 Bible Verses About Kings (With Commentary)
1 Samuel 1:27
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.”
This verse follows Hannah’s vow to God, and the subsequent granting of her heart’s desire – a son, Samuel. Her story serves as a testament to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.
Psalm 113:9
“He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.”
Psalm 113:9 offers hope and encouragement to those facing infertility. It acknowledges the joy and fulfillment that children bring into a home, and it reaffirms the belief that God can transform any situation, turning sorrow into joy.
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.”
This verse from the Psalms acknowledges children as a blessing from God. While it might seem difficult for those struggling with infertility, it serves as a reminder of the precious gift that children are, and provides hope that God, the giver of all good gifts, hears the desires of their hearts.
Isaiah 54:1
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD.”
This verse serves as a prophecy of hope and restoration to those who have experienced the pain of infertility. It speaks to God’s ability to reverse situations, promising that the barren will have more children than those who were naturally fertile. It encourages those struggling with infertility to maintain a posture of joy and expectancy.
Isaiah 66:9
“Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God.”
Isaiah 66:9 is a rhetorical question from God, emphasizing His power and faithfulness. For couples grappling with infertility, this verse can be a source of comfort and encouragement, reminding them that God, who starts the process of conception, is more than capable of bringing it to fruition.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
This verse speaks to God’s omniscience and predestination. It provides comfort by emphasizing that each life has purpose and significance, chosen by God even before conception. For those dealing with infertility, it can be a reminder that God has a unique plan for every individual.
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
While this verse does not directly address infertility, it underscores the value and significance that Jesus places on children. For those yearning for a child, it can be a comforting reminder of the deep love that God has for all children, including their future offspring.
Luke 1:7
“But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.”
Elizabeth’s story is one of hope for those struggling with infertility. Despite her advanced age and barrenness, God enabled her to conceive John the Baptist. This narrative emphasizes that with God, nothing is impossible.
Luke 1:36
“Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.”
This verse presents Elizabeth’s pregnancy as a testament to God’s power to perform miracles. It emphasizes the potential for joy and fulfillment, even in situations that seem hopeless, providing reassurance for those dealing with infertility.
Luke 1:37
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
This verse affirms the infallibility of God’s word. It’s a powerful reminder for those struggling with infertility that God’s promises are trustworthy and true. Even when circumstances seem grim, God’s word stands firm.
Romans 4:18
“Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
This verse narrates how Abraham clung to hope and faith despite his and Sarah’s old age and infertility. It offers encouragement for those experiencing similar struggles, reminding them that hope and faith can lead to fulfillment of God’s promises.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
This verse, while not specifically addressing infertility, provides comfort in the midst of any struggle, including infertility. It reminds us that God has a purpose for all experiences, even those that are painful, and works everything together for the good of those who love Him.
Romans 9:9
“For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”
This verse recalls the divine promise given to Abraham about Sarah conceiving a son. It reiterates God’s ability to fulfill His promises against all odds, offering hope to those wrestling with infertility that God can bring about miraculous breakthroughs.
Galatians 4:23
“His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.”
This verse differentiates between the births of Ishmael and Isaac, sons of Abraham. Isaac’s birth was a result of a divine promise, despite Sarah’s infertility. This serves as a reminder that God can intervene in seemingly impossible situations to fulfill His promises.
Hebrews 11:11
“And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.”
This verse in Hebrews hones in on the faith of Sarah, acknowledging that it was her faith in the faithfulness of God that enabled her to conceive despite being past childbearing age. For those struggling with infertility, it underscores the importance of faith and the belief in the reliability of God’s promises.
1 John 5:14
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
This verse can be a source of encouragement to those facing infertility, as it emphasizes that God hears our prayers. It fosters confidence in approaching God with our deepest desires, including the yearning for a child, assured that if it aligns with His will, He hears us.
Also Read: 21 Bible Verses About Positive Attitude (With Commentary)
What does the Bible say About Infertility?
Infertility is a topic that the Bible addresses indirectly rather than explicitly. While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention infertility, it does contain stories of individuals and couples who struggled with fertility issues. These stories can provide insights and comfort to those dealing with infertility:
- Sarah and Abraham: Sarah, the wife of Abraham, was unable to conceive for many years. However, in her old age, she miraculously gave birth to Isaac. This story illustrates that with faith and patience, fertility challenges can be overcome through divine intervention.
- Hannah: The story of Hannah in the book of 1 Samuel is another example. She fervently prayed for a child and was eventually blessed with Samuel after years of infertility. This narrative emphasizes the power of prayer and faith during times of difficulty.
- Elizabeth and Zechariah: In the New Testament, Elizabeth and Zechariah, John the Baptist’s parents, faced infertility until God answered their prayers by allowing Elizabeth to conceive in her old age. This story highlights the belief that God has a plan, even in seemingly impossible situations.
- Barrenness as a Metaphor: Throughout the Bible, barrenness is sometimes used metaphorically to symbolize spiritual emptiness or a lack of fruitfulness in various aspects of life. It’s important to note that these passages should be interpreted in their specific contexts.
While the Bible provides examples of individuals overcoming infertility through divine intervention, it’s essential to approach these narratives with sensitivity. Infertility can be emotionally and physically challenging, and the Bible’s stories serve to offer hope and encouragement rather than a strict guide on how to address medical or emotional aspects of infertility. Many individuals and couples dealing with infertility seek medical and emotional support alongside their faith.
Final Thoughts
The Bible provides encouragement and optimism for people who are experiencing infertility. There are several examples of women in the Bible who were initially unable to conceive but were eventually able to have children.
The Bible also teaches us to put our trust in God and look for His guidance and wisdom. With prayer, faith, and persistence, people struggling with infertility can find comfort in God’s promises and in the support of those around them.
The Bible assures us that God is loving and trustworthy and is with us through every hardship we encounter in life.