Job 15:35 – “They conceive trouble and give birth to evil; their womb fashions deceit.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Job 15:35, Eliphaz concludes his speech by describing the nature of the wicked. He uses the metaphor of childbirth to illustrate how deeply ingrained sin is in the lives of the ungodly. Eliphaz says that the wicked “conceive trouble” and “give birth to evil,” meaning that their lives are full of wrongdoing, and they actively produce more harm and sin. The phrase “their womb fashions deceit” suggests that deceit and lies are not only something the wicked practice occasionally but are part of their very nature, like a child being formed in the womb.
Eliphaz is making the point that the wicked cannot help but produce evil, much like a woman naturally gives birth after conceiving a child. He is implying that Job’s suffering must be tied to hidden sin, assuming that Job has “given birth” to deceit or evil in his life.
Historical Context
In ancient Hebrew culture, the metaphor of childbirth was often used to describe the process of producing something, whether good or bad. To say that someone “conceives” and “gives birth” to evil would have been understood as a way of saying that wickedness and deceit are the natural outcomes of that person’s life. Eliphaz is drawing on this familiar imagery to describe the inevitable consequences of living in rebellion against God.
At the time, people believed that sin and suffering were directly connected, with wrongdoing leading to punishment. Eliphaz assumes that Job must have “conceived trouble” and brought evil into the world through his actions, resulting in the suffering he now endures. However, we know from the larger narrative that Job’s suffering is not due to personal sin, but part of a test allowed by God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Job 15:35 speaks to the reality that sin has consequences. Eliphaz’s description of the wicked producing evil highlights the biblical principle that living apart from God’s will leads to corruption and deceit. When people turn away from God, their lives become marked by sin, and that sin often grows and multiplies, affecting not only themselves but those around them.
While this principle is generally true, Eliphaz’s mistake lies in applying it to Job’s specific situation. Job’s suffering is not the result of his own sin, but a test of his faith. This teaches us that while sin does lead to destruction, not all suffering is caused by personal wrongdoing. God’s purposes in allowing hardship often go beyond human understanding, and we should be careful not to judge others too quickly based on their circumstances.
Literary Analysis
Job 15:35 uses the imagery of childbirth to convey the idea that sin and deceit are deeply rooted in the lives of the wicked. The verbs “conceive” and “give birth” emphasize the idea that evil is not accidental but is a natural result of the choices and character of those who reject God’s ways. The metaphor of a womb “fashioning deceit” suggests that deceit is something that grows and develops within the wicked, eventually coming into full expression.
Eliphaz’s use of this imagery is powerful and paints a vivid picture of the destructive nature of sin. However, his assumption that Job is guilty of such wickedness is flawed. The reader knows that Job’s suffering is not due to sin but is part of a divine test, which highlights the limitations of Eliphaz’s understanding.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 7:14: “Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.” This verse parallels Job 15:35, using the metaphor of pregnancy to describe how evil leads to further sin and destruction.
- James 1:15: “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” This New Testament verse reflects the idea that sin starts with wrong desires and eventually leads to death, much like the process Eliphaz describes.
- Isaiah 59:4: “No one calls for justice; no one pleads a case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments, they utter lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil.” This passage echoes Eliphaz’s point that those who live in deceit and injustice ultimately produce more evil.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Job 15:35 serves as a reminder of the dangers of sin and deceit. When we allow sin to take root in our lives, it often grows and multiplies, leading to more trouble and harm. Eliphaz’s description of the wicked “conceiving” and “giving birth” to evil warns us that sin is not something to be taken lightly. It starts small but can quickly grow into something that brings destruction, both to ourselves and those around us.
At the same time, this verse challenges us to be cautious about assuming that suffering is always a result of sin. Eliphaz wrongly believed that Job’s suffering must be due to hidden evil, but the broader story shows that Job was innocent. As believers, we are called to trust God’s wisdom and purposes, even when we don’t fully understand why suffering occurs.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
While Job 15:35 focuses on the destructive nature of sin, it also points to the love of God, who desires to free us from the cycle of sin and deceit. God’s love is seen in His desire to redeem us from the trouble and evil that sin produces. Even though sin brings consequences, God offers forgiveness and transformation to those who turn to Him.
God’s love is also evident in His patience and willingness to restore. Even when people have “conceived trouble” and produced evil in their lives, God offers a way out through repentance and faith in Him. His love reaches beyond the destruction of sin and offers new life and hope.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Job 15:35 connects to Jesus Christ because Jesus is the one who breaks the power of sin and deceit in our lives. While Eliphaz describes how the wicked give birth to evil, Jesus offers a new beginning for those who put their trust in Him. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus takes away the consequences of our sin and offers us the chance to be born again into a life of righteousness.
In John 3:6, Jesus says, “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” Through faith in Jesus, we are no longer bound to the destructive cycle of sin that Eliphaz describes. Instead, we are given new life in the Spirit, producing the fruit of righteousness and truth rather than the fruit of evil and deceit.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge us to think about the destructive nature of sin and its consequences in our lives?
- What can we learn from Eliphaz’s mistake of assuming that Job’s suffering was the result of hidden sin?
- How does Jesus offer freedom from the cycle of sin and deceit that Eliphaz describes?
- In what ways can we stay vigilant against allowing sin to take root and grow in our lives?
- How does God’s love provide hope and restoration, even when we have experienced the consequences of sin?