They conceive trouble and give birth to evil, and their womb prepares deceit.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse uses the imagery of pregnancy and childbirth to show that the wicked's plans for evil aren't just abstract thoughts, but deeply ingrained, internalized habits that are constantly gestating and being prepared within them. This deep-seated nature means their "birth" of trouble and deceit is not accidental, but a foregone conclusion from their very being.
They conceive trouble and give birth to evil, and their womb prepares deceit.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this section, Eliphaz is concluding his argument, painting a grim picture of the wicked. He argues that their wicked actions inevitably lead to their own downfall and suffering, framing their misdeeds as a destructive internal process. The verses immediately before this describe their fear and insecurity, and the verses after will continue this condemnation of the wicked, reinforcing Eliphaz's belief that Job's suffering is a sign of his hidden sin.
Have you ever seen something start out with promise, only to end in disaster? This verse uses vivid imagery to describe how evil plans don't just appear, they 'grow' to fruition.
The Conception of Evil
Eliphaz describes the wicked as those who 'conceive mischief.' This isn't just about having a bad thought; it's a deep, internal process of plotting and devising harm. It's like a hidden seed taking root.
The Painful Delivery
This 'conception' leads to a 'birth.' But instead of something good, they 'give birth to evil' or, as some translations put it, 'iniquity' or 'affliction.' It's a painful, troubled process, showing that sin is a struggle and rarely brings lasting satisfaction.
The Womb of Deceit
The final phrase, 'their womb prepares deceit,' emphasizes that their entire being is geared towards deception. Their inner workings, their very 'belly' or core, are constantly crafting falsehoods. It's not an accident; it's their nature.
Why does the Bible spend so much time talking about the 'plans' and 'schemes' of the wicked? This verse reveals that their efforts are ultimately self-defeating.
A Bitter Irony
Eliphaz's words carry a sharp irony. The wicked labor intensely, 'conceiving' and 'preparing' their schemes, but the 'birth' they produce is 'vanity' – something empty, worthless, and ultimately ruinous.
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Misdirected Effort
Their internal 'womb' is busy preparing deceit, but this labor doesn't yield true fulfillment or success. The plans designed to gain advantage or harm others often backfire, bringing destruction upon themselves. It's like a pregnant woman whose conception proves to be an illusion.
The Inevitable Outcome
This imagery highlights a fundamental principle: actions rooted in mischief and deceit don't lead to lasting good. The energy and thought poured into wickedness are ultimately wasted, producing a harvest of sorrow rather than satisfaction.
Understand the original words
amal · Hebrew Noun
Commonly used in Scripture to represent sin, suffering, distress, or turmoil. It often highlights the internal and external consequences of a life lived apart from God, where one's efforts result in chaos rather than peace.
aven · Hebrew Noun
A moral and spiritual term describing that which is contrary to God’s nature and will. It encompasses both wickedness of heart and the harmful actions that proceed from that corruption.
mirmah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to falsehood, treachery, or craftiness. It is the antithesis of truth and represents the deceptive nature of the human heart that seeks to manipulate reality rather than submit to God.
This passage echoes the imagery of conception and birth, directly linking lust, sin, and ultimately death, mirroring the wicked's conception of mischief leading to destructive 'births'.
Psalm 7:14This verse speaks of those who 'conceive evil and, having become pregnant with trouble, give birth to deceit,' painting a very similar picture of the wicked's inner workings and their destructive outcomes.
Isaiah 33:11The prophet describes wicked individuals as conceiving 'chaff' and bringing forth 'straw,' a powerful image of the futility and destructive nature of their evil plans, much like the 'vanity' and 'deceit' born from mischief in Job.
Matthew 12:35Jesus’ words, 'The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil,' highlight the internal source of both good and evil actions, akin to the 'belly' or inner being preparing deceit in Job.
jfbJob 15:35: "They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit."
- Bitter irony, illustrating the "unfruitfulness" (Job 15:34) of the wicked. Their conceptions and birthgivings consist solely in mischief, &c. (Isa 33:11).prepareth—hatcheth.
clarkeJob 15:35: "They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit."
They conceive mischief - The figure here is both elegant and impressive. The wicked conceive mischief, from the seed which Satan sows in their hearts; in producing which they travail with many pangs, (for sin is a sore labor), and at last their womb produces fraud or deception. This is an accursed birth, from an iniquitous conception. St. James gives the figure at full length, most beautifully touched…
The verse uses the imagery of pregnancy and childbirth to show that the wicked's plans for evil aren't just abstract thoughts, but deeply ingrained, internalized habits that are constantly gestating and being prepared within them. This deep-seated nature means their "birth" of trouble and deceit is not accidental, but a foregone conclusion from their very being.
In this section, Eliphaz is concluding his argument, painting a grim picture of the wicked. He argues that their wicked actions inevitably lead to their own downfall and suffering, framing their misdeeds as a destructive internal process. The verses immediately before this describe their fear and insecurity, and the verses after will continue this condemnation of the wicked, reinforcing Eliphaz's belief that Job's suffering is a sign of his hidden sin.
In this section, Eliphaz is concluding his argument, painting a grim picture of the wicked. He argues that their wicked actions inevitably lead to their own downfall and suffering, framing their misdeeds as a destructive internal process. The verses immediately before this describe their fear and insecurity, and the verses after will continue this condemnation of the wicked, reinforcing Eliphaz's belief that Job's suffering is a sign of his hidden sin.
"They conceive trouble and give birth to evil, and their womb prepares deceit.”" — The verse uses the imagery of pregnancy and childbirth to show that the wicked's plans for evil aren't just abstract thoughts, but deeply ingrained, internalized habits that are constantly gestatin…
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Last reviewed October 2026