Psalms 7:14

KJV

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, he travaileth {H2254} with iniquity {H205}, and hath conceived {H2029} mischief {H5999}, and brought forth {H3205} falsehood {H8267}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look how the wicked is pregnant with evil; he conceives trouble, gives birth to lies.

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood.

American Standard Version

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity; Yea, he hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 7:14 offers a profound and vivid metaphor for the genesis and progression of wickedness, likening it to a biological process of conception, gestation, and birth. The verse reveals how evil intentions are not accidental but are internally nurtured with intense effort, leading to the inevitable manifestation of deception and falsehood. It underscores the biblical truth that sin originates in the heart and mind, developing through a deliberate, often painful, internal process before culminating in outward actions that are inherently contrary to truth and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 7 is uniquely designated as a "Shiggaion," a term suggesting a wild, wandering, or passionate lament, often associated with intense emotional expression and perhaps a musical instruction. It is attributed to David "concerning Cush, a Benjamite," a figure whose identity remains debated among scholars but who represents a malicious adversary. This psalm is a fervent appeal for divine justice and vindication against false accusations, slander, and persecution. Situated within the first book of the Psalter (Psalms 1-41), which largely comprises individual laments and prayers for deliverance, Psalm 7:14 falls within a distinct section (verses 11-16) that details the character and ultimate fate of the wicked. This verse serves as a powerful metaphorical description of the internal, insidious process of evil, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that describe the wicked's self-destruction through their own schemes, a theme vividly portrayed in [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15-16 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked's Self-Destruction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical context of "Cush the Benjamite" is obscure, the psalm resonates deeply with the recurring experiences of David's life, marked by unjust persecution, betrayal, and slander from various enemies, often from within his own people or court (e.g., Saul, Absalom, Doeg the Edomite). The imagery of conception, gestation, and birth was universally understood in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where agricultural and human procreation cycles were central to daily life and served as powerful metaphorical expressions for growth, development, and inevitable outcomes. The concept of divine justice and retribution was also a cornerstone of Israelite theology, often expressed through the lex talionis (law of retaliation) and the principle that one's actions would inevitably return upon them. This idea, that the wicked would fall into their own traps, is a pervasive theme throughout the wisdom literature and prophetic books, reflecting a foundational belief in God's moral governance of the world.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 7:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the deliberate and internal nature of sin**, emphasizing that wickedness is not a spontaneous act but a cultivated process. It begins with an internal desire or thought, which is then "conceived" and "travailed" over before being "brought forth" into action. This progression from internal thought to external manifestation is a recurring biblical theme, notably echoed in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin") and [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Comes from the Heart Defiles"). Secondly, the verse underscores **the destructive fruit of evil intentions**, revealing that the outcome of such labor is "falsehood"—deception, lies, and empty promises that ultimately lead to harm and emptiness. This stands in stark contrast to the fruit of righteousness, which is truth, justice, and life. Finally, while not explicitly stated, the detailed description of the wicked's internal processes implicitly points to **divine observation and impending justice**, as God, the righteous judge, is fully aware of their schemes and will ultimately intervene, ensuring that the wicked's efforts lead to their own undoing, a truth further elaborated in [Psalm 7:11-13](/psalms/7-11-13 "Psalm 7:11-13 - God's Righteous Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **travaileth (Hebrew, _châbal'_):** This verb (H2254) is a primitive root meaning "to wind tightly (as a rope)," "to bind," or figuratively, "to pervert, destroy." Crucially, it also means "to writhe in pain (especially of parturition)." In Psalm 7:14, it vividly conveys the strenuous, agonizing, and often painful effort the wicked put into nurturing their evil plans. It suggests a deliberate, sustained, and even agonizing commitment to their destructive intentions, much like a woman in labor exerts immense effort to bring forth a child. This implies a deep, internal struggle and intense dedication to the process of producing evil.
* **conceived (Hebrew, _hârâh'_):** This word (H2029) literally means "to be (or become) pregnant" or "to conceive." In this powerful metaphor, it describes the initial internal formation of evil intentions. It signifies that wickedness is not external or accidental, but originates within the mind and heart, taking root and beginning to develop in a hidden, internal process before it is outwardly manifested. The "mischief" (H5999, _ʻâmâl'_) is not merely thought but is "incubated" and nurtured, growing within the individual's inner being.
* **falsehood (Hebrew, _sheqer'_):** This noun (H8267) refers to an untruth, by implication, a sham, deceit, or a lie. It is the ultimate "birth" or fruit of the wicked's internal process. Despite all the intense "labor" and "conception" of "iniquity" (H205, _ʼâven'_) and "mischief" (H5999, _ʻâmâl'_), the end product is something inherently empty, deceptive, and contrary to truth. This highlights the futility and destructive nature of evil, as its ultimate output is always something that distorts reality, brings harm, and lacks substance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, he travaileth with iniquity":** This opening clause immediately draws attention ("Behold!") to the intense, laborious effort exerted by the wicked individual ("he") in the pursuit and development of "iniquity" (Hebrew, _ʼâven'_). The term "iniquity" (H205) encompasses trouble, wickedness, and vanity, suggesting a focus on destructive or empty endeavors. The imagery of "travailing" (H2254, _châbal'_) conveys a painful, arduous process, indicating that the wicked are deeply committed and exert significant energy in their sinful endeavors, not casually but with a focused, almost agonizing determination, as if giving birth to their evil plans.
* **"and hath conceived mischief":** Following the "travailing," this clause describes the internal incubation of evil. The wicked individual has "conceived" (H2029, _hârâh'_) or become pregnant with "mischief" (H5999, _ʻâmâl'_), which denotes toil, trouble, pain, or wickedness. This emphasizes the internal, formative stage of sin, where harmful intentions are not just fleeting thoughts but are nurtured and developed within the heart and mind, taking root and growing in preparation for their eventual manifestation. It speaks to the deliberate nature of cultivating evil.
* **"and brought forth falsehood":** This final clause completes the powerful birth metaphor, stating that the culmination of the "travail" and "conception" is the "bringing forth" (H3205, _yâlad'_) or "giving birth" to "falsehood" (H8267, _sheqer'_). This signifies that the ultimate fruit or manifestation of the wicked's internal processes is deception, lies, and untruth. It underscores the deceptive, empty, and destructive nature of sin, which, despite all the intense effort invested, yields nothing of lasting value or truth, but only emptiness, harm, and ultimately, self-destruction.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 7:14 is profoundly enriched by its central **Metaphor**, employing an extended birth metaphor to describe the genesis and development of sin. The progression from "travailing" (labor pains) to "conceived" (pregnancy) to "brought forth" (birth) vividly illustrates how evil originates internally, develops over time, and culminates in outward manifestation. This central metaphor lends profound depth to the understanding of sin as an organic, developing process rather than a sudden, isolated act. Additionally, there is an element of **Personification**, as "iniquity" and "mischief" are treated as entities capable of being "travailed with" and "conceived," giving them an almost living, growing quality within the wicked individual, highlighting their internal cultivation. The verse also exhibits a clear **Climax** or progression, moving from the initial effort (travailing) to the internal formation (conception) and finally to the external, inevitable outcome (birth of falsehood), building intensity and demonstrating the destructive consequence of nurtured evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 7:14 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of sin, revealing it as a deliberate, internal, and progressive process that culminates in deception and harm. It underscores the biblical truth that sin is not merely an external act but begins in the heart and mind, where intentions are conceived and nurtured. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of unrighteous thoughts and desires when allowed to mature. It implicitly highlights God's omniscience, as He sees the hidden processes of the heart, setting the stage for His righteous judgment against those who cultivate wickedness. The ultimate "falsehood" produced by the wicked stands in stark contrast to God's inherent truth and faithfulness, reinforcing the chasm between divine character and human depravity. It speaks to the moral order of the universe, where evil, though seemingly productive for a time, ultimately yields only emptiness and destruction.

* [James 1:15](/james/1-15 "James 1:15 - The Progression of Sin and Death")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Trap of the Wicked")
* [Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 7:14 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to introspectively examine the hidden chambers of our own hearts and minds. It challenges us to recognize that sin is often a process, not merely an event, beginning with the thoughts and desires we allow to take root and fester. Are we, like the "he" in this verse, "travailing with iniquity" or "conceiving mischief" in our inner lives? This verse calls us to a radical honesty about our internal world, prompting us to identify and confront the nascent stages of unrighteousness before they "bring forth falsehood" into our words, actions, and relationships. It reminds us that what we cultivate internally will inevitably manifest externally, impacting our character, our witness, and ultimately, our destiny. Therefore, cultivating a heart aligned with truth, righteousness, and love is not a passive endeavor but an active, daily discipline, requiring vigilance over our thoughts and intentions, trusting in God's power to transform us from the inside out and to help us bear fruit that is true and life-giving.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "seeds" of thought or desire am I currently allowing to be "conceived" in my heart, and what might they "bring forth"?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be "travailing" or exerting effort towards something that will ultimately "bring forth falsehood" or harm, rather than truth and good?**
* **How can I proactively guard my heart and mind against the inception of "iniquity" and "mischief," aligning my inner life with God's truth?**
* **How does understanding the internal, progressive nature of sin's development change my approach to personal holiness, spiritual discipline, and seeking God's transformative grace?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" referred to in Psalm 7:14?**

Answer: The "he" in Psalm 7:14 refers to the wicked individual, the adversary of David, specifically mentioned in the superscription as "Cush the Benjamite," though this figure remains historically obscure. More broadly, "he" represents any person who deliberately cultivates and manifests wickedness. The psalm contrasts this "he" with the righteous individual (David, in this case), who appeals to God for justice and vindication. This "he" embodies the characteristics of those who oppose God and His people, demonstrating a consistent pattern of malicious intent and deceptive actions, as further described in [Psalm 7:15-16](/psalms/7-15-16 "Psalm 7:15-16 - The Wicked's Self-Destruction").

**What is the significance of the birth imagery in this verse?**

Answer: The birth imagery (travailing, conceiving, bringing forth) is highly significant because it portrays sin not as a random or accidental occurrence but as a deliberate, organic, and progressive process. It emphasizes that wickedness originates internally, is nurtured over time, and culminates in a tangible, destructive outcome. Just as a physical birth is the culmination of a period of gestation and labor, so too are sinful actions the "offspring" of evil thoughts and intentions that have been "conceived" and "labored over" in the heart. This powerful metaphor underscores the profound responsibility individuals have for their inner lives and the inevitable consequences of what they allow to take root and grow, a concept powerfully echoed in [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14-15 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 7:14, with its stark portrayal of sin's conception and birth, finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the verse describes the wicked "travailing with iniquity" and "bringing forth falsehood," Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), was utterly without sin. He never "conceived mischief" or "brought forth falsehood" because He was the embodiment of truth and righteousness, the very [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The devil, the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Father of Lies")), works to conceive and bring forth deceit and destruction, but Jesus declared Himself to be [the Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Where humanity, by nature, is prone to conceive and birth sin, Christ was "made to be sin for us, who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection not only expose the futility of sin's labor but also provide the means for believers to be delivered from the power of conceived iniquity, enabling them to "put off the old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22-24 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting on the New Self")). Thus, Christ reverses the tragic birth of falsehood, bringing forth life, truth, and genuine transformation to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 15:35

They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Isaiah 33:11

Ye shall conceive chaff, ye shall bring forth stubble: your breath, [as] fire, shall devour you.

Isaiah 59:4

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Isaiah 59:5

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.

Job 15:20

The wicked man travaileth with pain all [his] days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.