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What does the Bible say about hate?

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Hate is a strong emotion that can be directed toward people, actions, and even God. The Bible speaks extensively about hate, both the righteous hatred of evil and the sinful hatred that leads to destruction. Understanding what Scripture teaches about hate is crucial for believers seeking to align their hearts with God’s will.

This study will explore the biblical definitions of hate, examples of hate in Scripture, God’s hatred of sin, the dangers of sinful hate, and how Christians should respond to hate.

The Definition of Hate in the Bible

The word “hate” in the Bible comes from the Hebrew word śānē’ and the Greek word miseō. It means to detest, abhor, or reject something or someone. However, the Bible uses the word “hate” in different ways:

  1. Righteous hatred – The hatred of sin and evil (Psalm 97:10).
  2. Personal hatred – Hatred directed toward another person, which is condemned (1 John 3:15).
  3. Comparative hatred – When “hate” is used to mean “love less” (Luke 14:26).
  4. God’s hatred – God hates sin and unrighteousness (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify what kind of hate is sinful and what kind is righteous.

God’s Hatred of Sin and Evil

The Bible teaches that God is love (1 John 4:8), yet He also hates sin because it is opposed to His holy nature.

God Hates Sin

  • Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)
    “These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.”
  • Significance:

 • God does not hate people but hates their sinful actions.

 • The passage lists specific sins that God detests.

  • Psalm 5:5 (NKJV)
    “The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.”
  • Significance:

 • God’s hatred is directed toward the wicked who persist in sin.

 • This does not contradict His love but shows that His holiness cannot tolerate wickedness.

God Commands Us to Hate Evil

  • Psalm 97:10 (NKJV)
    “You who love the Lord, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.”
  • Significance:

 • Loving God means hating sin and not tolerating wickedness in our own lives.

 • Hatred of evil is righteous when it aligns with God’s holiness.

  • Significance:

 • Christians must reject and detest sin while pursuing righteousness.

Sinful Hatred Condemned in the Bible

While God hates sin, the Bible warns against sinful hatred, which leads to destruction.

Hatred in the Heart Is Murder

  • 1 John 3:15 (NKJV)
    “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”
  • Significance:

 • Hate in the heart is as serious as murder in God’s eyes.

 • It shows the dangerous progression from hatred to violence.

  • Matthew 5:21-22 (NKJV)
    “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.”
  • Significance:

 • Jesus equates hatred and anger with murder in the heart.

 • God calls for a pure heart that loves rather than hates.

Hatred and Enmity Are Works of the Flesh

  • Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
    “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like.”
  • Significance:

 • Hatred is listed among the sins of the flesh, showing its sinful nature.

 • Those who practice hatred will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The Dangers of Hatred

Hatred is destructive both spiritually and emotionally.

Hatred Leads to Division and Violence

  • Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV)
    “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.”
  • Significance:

 • Hatred brings conflict and division.

 • Love brings reconciliation and healing.

  • Titus 3:3 (NKJV)
    “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.”
  • Significance:

 • Hatred is part of the old sinful nature that Christ redeems us from.

Hatred Leads to Judgment

  • Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)
    “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
  • Significance:

 • Unforgiveness and hatred hinder God’s forgiveness.

How Should Christians Respond to Hate?

Jesus teaches us to overcome hate with love.

Love Your Enemies

  • Matthew 5:44 (NKJV)
    “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
  • Significance:

 • Jesus commands love in response to hate.

 • This reflects God’s grace and mercy.

Return Good for Evil

  • Romans 12:20-21 (NKJV)
    “Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
  • Significance:

 • Christians should counter hatred with kindness.

Love One Another

  • John 13:34-35 (NKJV)
    “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
  • Significance:

 • Love is the mark of a true disciple of Christ.

Conclusion

The Bible speaks both positively and negatively about hate. God hates sin and commands His people to hate evil, but sinful hatred is condemned as destructive and harmful. Christians are called to replace hate with love, following Christ’s example.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that love, not hate, should define a believer’s life. While we are to hate evil, we must never hate people. Instead, we are called to forgive, love, and pray for those who oppose us, reflecting God’s mercy and grace in the world.

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BibleAsk Team

The BibleAsk Team is a group of dedicated contributors committed to providing clear, accurate, Bible-based answers. Articles published by the team are developed from questions and answers across BibleAsk, then reviewed, expanded, and refined over time by multiple contributors. Our goal is to present trustworthy biblical information, encourage personal study of Scripture, and help readers grow in their understanding of God’s Word and their relationship with Christ.

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