Female infertility in the Hebrew Bible:

in light of Rachel’s narrative

Abstract

In the Hebrew Bible, barrenness places women in a vulnerable position, as it hinders their ability to fulfill the divine command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Gen 1:28). This condition is often understood as a curse or a form of divine retribution, and it has frequently been analyzed in a reductive manner within traditional interpretative frameworks. In light of this, the present study examines the biblical narrative alongside the historical and cultural contexts related to Rachel's actions in confronting her barrenness: the act of "giving birth on the knees" (Gen 30:3), the use of mandrakes (Gen 30:14), and the theft of the teraphim (Gen 31:19). Preliminary findings indicate that these actions reflect the cultural stigmas associated with infertility in the ancient Near East. Nevertheless, the matriarch displays remarkable resolve in addressing her condition, without attributing it solely to divine intervention.