στείρος
steíros
G4723 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primarily denotes 'barren, unable to bear offspring'. In extended contexts, it can refer to any female who is unable to conceive or produce children, whether due to age, physical condition, or social circumstance. The word is mostly applied to women but may be extended metaphorically to anything unproductive or infertile.
Semantic Range
barren, sterile (applied to women), unfruitful, unable to bear children, figuratively unproductive or infertile
Root / Etymology
Derived from στερεός (stereós, 'firm, hard, solid'), with possible influence from the idea of 'hardness' or 'rigidity' associated with inability to conceive. The connection is likely metaphorical rather than strictly morphological.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The adjective στεῖρος is rare in Greek literature, with its main attestation in Koine and later Greek. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it appears in reference to the condition of a woman who is unable to bear children (cf. Luke 1:7, 36 referring to Elizabeth). The term carries a physical or social nuance, sometimes highlighting a condition seen as shameful or pitiable in ancient society. The standard English 'barren' may capture the basic sense, but does not always convey the weight or social implications this term carried for ancient audiences, where childlessness could be a significant stigma. The root relation to στερεός ('hard, solid') underscores a perceived 'inflexibility' or inability for change or growth. In Classical Greek, related but different terms like ἄτεκνος ('childless') were more common. The metaphorical extension to anything unfruitful is attested but uncommon in Koine.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a contraction from στερεός (as stiff and unnatural); "sterile":--barren.
Root Family
στεῖρος (steiros) — hard, rigid, barren, sterile, unfruitful
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4723-01 |
στεῖρα | steira | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
barren | barren woman | barren woman | 3 |
G4723-02 |
στεῖραι | steirai | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
barren | barren women | barren | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4723-01 |
Luke 1:7 | στεῖρα | steira | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
barren | barren woman | barren |
G4723-01 |
Luke 1:36 | στείρᾳ | steira | ADJ.P DAT F SG |
barren | barren woman | barren woman |
G4723-02 |
Luke 23:29 | στεῖραι | steirai | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
barren | barren women | barren |
G4723-01 |
Galatians 4:27 | στεῖρα | steira | ADJ.S VOC F SG |
barren woman | barren woman | barren woman |