Old Testament

Job 18:15

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

"It shall dwell in his tent, because it is none of his; brimstone shall be scattered upon his dwelling."

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

It shall dwell in his tabernacle, because it is none of his: brimstone shall be scattered upon his habitation.

What Job 18:15 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Job's friend Bildad is describing the fate of the wicked. He suggests that calamity and destruction will invade the life of a person who is not righteous. The imagery of brimstone, often associated with divine judgment, indicates that such a person will face severe consequences. The phrase 'it shall dwell in his tent' implies that misfortune will take up residence in the life of the wicked, affecting not just them but their entire household. The use of 'none of his' suggests that the wicked will not have true security or peace, as their possessions and life are tainted by their wrongdoing. This verse serves as a warning about the inevitable repercussions of living a life contrary to God's ways, emphasizing that one's actions have consequences that can lead to destruction and despair.

How to apply Job 18:15 to your life

This verse reminds us to reflect on our actions and their consequences. Living a life aligned with righteousness brings peace and security, while straying from God's ways can lead to turmoil. We should strive to make choices that honor God and avoid paths that lead to destruction.

Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Lamech holding his newborn son Noah outside a tent, with a plow and tools lying on the ground nearby

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Noah

An old color photograph of Nablus in a green valley below Mount Gerizim, with people resting on rocks in front.

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Shechem

Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Job 18:15

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Job 18:15

At a Glance — the Book of Job

Author
Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
Written
Date debated
Genre
Wisdom literature
Original Audience
All who suffer or question God

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Job 18:15 mean?

Job 18:15 describes the fate of the wicked, indicating that calamity will invade their lives. It suggests that misfortune will take up residence in their households, highlighting the severe consequences of living unrighteously.

What is the meaning of 'brimstone' in Job 18:15?

In Job 18:15, 'brimstone' symbolizes divine judgment and destruction. Its mention indicates that the wicked will face severe consequences for their actions, reinforcing the idea of inevitable punishment.

How does Job 18:15 relate to the theme of consequences of sin?

Job 18:15 illustrates the theme of consequences of sin by showing that the wicked will experience calamity and destruction. It serves as a warning that one's actions have repercussions that can lead to turmoil and despair.

What does 'none of his' mean in Job 18:15?

The phrase 'none of his' in Job 18:15 suggests that the wicked will not have true security or peace. It implies that their possessions and life are tainted by wrongdoing, leaving them vulnerable to misfortune.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.