What does the Bible teach about hate?

I. Definition and Overview

The Bible addresses “hate” in a variety of contexts—both as a destructive force among people and as a righteous stance against evil. While the term “hate” typically carries negative connotations, Scripture presents a balanced view: believers are called to abhor sin and injustice, yet commanded to love even their enemies (Luke 6:27). Throughout biblical history, instructions on this topic emphasize guarding one’s heart from hatred while understanding that certain forms of hate—namely hate toward wickedness—reflect God’s own holiness and justice (Psalm 97:10).

II. The Old Testament Context

1. Hatred Among Individuals

In the earliest narratives of Genesis, hatred arises as a destructive emotion within families (e.g., Cain and Abel, Genesis 4:5–8). God warns that allowing hatred to fester leads to sin. This theme of relational breakdown caused by hatred continues in the stories of Jacob’s family when Joseph’s brothers hate him out of jealousy (Genesis 37:4).

2. God’s Commands Against Hate

The Law given through Moses emphasizes the imperative to love one’s neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). This is not merely a positive suggestion but the antidote to hatred. The historical narratives and wisdom literature also illustrate the destructive power of hate (Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.”).

3. Hatred of Evil

The Old Testament further commands believers to “hate evil” as an act of reverence for God (Proverbs 8:13; Psalm 97:10). This is distinct from hating individuals. Rather, it is a moral stance, championing justice and righteousness while rejecting wickedness.

III. The Teaching of Jesus

1. The Command to Love

Jesus powerfully addresses the destructive roots of hate in His Sermon on the Mount: “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment…” (Matthew 5:22). Here, Jesus connects hateful anger to the same moral plane as murder in God’s eyes, emphasizing how seriously believers should guard their hearts against it.

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus responds with love: “You shall love the Lord your God … and … You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37–39). This teaching undercuts any justification for hateful thoughts or actions toward others.

2. Loving Enemies

In one of His most challenging commands, Jesus instructs believers to love even their enemies (Matthew 5:44). This radical ethic sets Christianity apart from mere social niceness, requiring a supernatural capacity to see those who hate us as individuals still bearing the image of God.

IV. Apostolic Writings and the Early Church

1. Hatred as Evidence of Spiritual Darkness

The apostle John makes a strong statement: “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer” (1 John 3:15). Consistent with Jesus' teaching, John insists that harboring hatred contradicts the core message of the gospel.

2. Exhortation to Love

The early church authors consistently teach that love is the defining mark of a believer: “Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness…” (1 John 2:10–11). Such verses stress that allowing hatred to persist confines one to spiritual darkness.

3. Communal Harmony

The letters to the churches (for example, Ephesians and Colossians) highlight the importance of unity and love among believers. This unity testifies to the transforming power of Christ. Paul writes, “Do not let the sun set upon your anger” (Ephesians 4:26), urging believers to resolve interpersonal conflicts swiftly rather than letting bitterness metastasize into hatred.

V. Proper and Improper Expressions of Hate

1. Hating Sin, Not People

Scripture underscores that hatred is rightly directed against wrongdoing, not God’s image-bearers. Throughout the Bible, believers are exhorted to hate deception, idolatry, and oppression (Psalm 119:128). This stance flows from a heart aligned with God’s character, which is gracious and just.

2. When God “Hates”

The Bible mentions God “hating” certain things, such as evil, idolatrous practices, or injustice (Proverbs 6:16–19; Amos 5:21). Each instance highlights God’s holiness and moral purity. Notably, God’s “hate” calls out wicked behaviors rather than vindictively annihilating individuals who repent. Indeed, Scripture consistently affirms God’s willingness to forgive (Deuteronomy 4:29–31; Jonah 3).

VI. Overcoming Hate Through Love and Forgiveness

1. Christ’s Model of Forgiveness

Jesus models ultimate love on the cross, praying for those who crucify Him (Luke 23:34). This demonstration teaches that love, not hate, holds transformative power. Jesus’ resurrection affirms the victory of life and love over sin and death.

2. Practical Instructions

The New Testament offers practical steps to overcome hatred:

• Repent of hateful thoughts and actions (Acts 3:19).

• Seek reconciliation and peace whenever possible (Romans 12:18).

• Follow Jesus’ command to actively love and do good (Luke 6:27).

VII. Behavioral Insights and Application

Modern psychological studies observe that entrenched hatred corrodes personal well-being, fueling conflict and aggression. Scripture’s emphasis on the renewing of one’s mind (Romans 12:2) aligns with findings that practices of empathy, forgiveness, and perspective-taking reduce hostile attitudes. By “taking every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5), believers consciously manage impulses toward animosity and cultivate hearts of compassion.

Additionally, archaeological and historical records (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls) confirm that Jewish communities highly valued the Law’s command to “love your neighbor.” Early Christian documents, such as various epistles and extra-biblical writings (e.g., didactic texts circulated in the second century), reinforce that love and unity within the Christian community were essential hallmarks of genuine faith.

VIII. Conclusion

The Bible consistently teaches that while believers are called to hate sin, injustice, and evil, they are never licensed to hate others. Hatred toward people stands in opposition to the core virtues of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation that Christ champions. The biblical record—from Genesis to Revelation—underlines the relational damage caused by hatred and the spiritual liberation found in choosing love.

Practically, Scripture’s message invites believers to examine their hearts, turn from destructive sentiments, and embrace a love that mirrors God’s own character. Hate in its sinful form leads to discord, but holy opposition to evil promotes righteousness. The believer’s lifelong pursuit is to grow in godly love, reflecting Christ’s nature and testifying to the transformative power of the gospel for all who receive it.