The term "hatest" is an archaic form of the verb "hate," found in older English translations of the Bible. It is used to describe a strong aversion or intense dislike, often in a moral or spiritual context. In the Berean Standard Bible , the term is not directly used, but the concept of hatred is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both human emotions and divine judgment.

Biblical Context

Hatred in the Bible is often depicted as a negative emotion that can lead to sin and separation from God. It is contrasted with love, which is the fulfillment of God's law. The Bible warns against harboring hatred in one's heart, as it can lead to destructive behaviors and attitudes.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, hatred is frequently mentioned in the context of interpersonal relationships and divine commandments. For example, in Leviticus 19:17 , it is written: "You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him." This verse emphasizes the importance of addressing grievances directly rather than allowing hatred to fester.

The Psalms also speak of hatred, often in the context of enemies and divine justice. Psalm 139:21-22 states: "Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies." Here, the psalmist expresses a righteous indignation against those who oppose God, reflecting a zeal for divine honor.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ and the apostles teach about the dangers of hatred and the necessity of love. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, addresses the issue of hatred and anger, equating them with murder in the heart. Matthew 5:21-22 records Jesus' words: "You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder,’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment."

The apostle John further elaborates on the incompatibility of hatred with the Christian life. In 1 John 2:9 , he writes: "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness." This underscores the belief that true followers of Christ must walk in love, as hatred is antithetical to the light of the Gospel.

Divine Hatred

While human hatred is often condemned, the Bible also speaks of God's hatred, particularly towards sin and wickedness. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the LORD hates, including "a lying tongue" and "hands that shed innocent blood." This divine hatred is not capricious but is rooted in God's holy nature and His desire for justice and righteousness.

Practical Implications

For believers, the biblical teaching on hatred calls for self-examination and a commitment to love and forgiveness. Christians are encouraged to follow the example of Christ, who taught love for enemies and prayer for persecutors (Matthew 5:44). The transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome hatred and live in harmony with others, reflecting the love of God in their lives.

From the Second Chapter.
... 6. "This thou hast also, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes."] But because
thou thyself hatest those who hold the doctrines of the Nicolaitanes ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the second chapter.htm

But if no Authority for Lying Can be Alleged...
... For first they teach, that a lie is iniquity, by many proofs of holy writ, especially
by that which is written, "Thou, Lord, hatest all workers of iniquity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 9 but if no.htm

Moreover what is Written "Thou Wilt Destroy all that Speak Leasing ...
... to be thought just, and succumb not to the medicine of confession: as the very
distinction of the words may seem to intimate no other, "Thou hatest all that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 35 moreover what is.htm

Righteous Hatred
... When thou hatest the man's sins, thou art not to hate him, but to love the sinner,
even as Christ loved sinners and came to seek and save them. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Psalm XXXI.
... 7. "Thou hatest them that hold to vanity uselessly" (ver.6). Thou hatest them that
hold to the false happiness of the world. "But I have trusted in the Lord.". ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxi.htm

Whether God Loves all Things
... 4. Again, it is said in Ps.5:5: "thou hatest all workers of iniquity." But hate
has nothing in common with love. Hence God does not love all things. ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether god loves.htm

Whether we were Reconciled to God through Christ's Passion?
... But God always loved us, according to Wis.11:25: "Thou lovest all the things that
are, and hatest none of the things which Thou hast made." Therefore Christ's ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether we were reconciled to.htm

On the Words of the Gospel of John vii. 6, Etc. , Where Jesus Said ...
... For to be deceived is the portion of infirmity, to lie of iniquity. "Thou hatest,
O Lord," saith he, "all them that work iniquity." [3971] And immediately after ...
/.../sermon lxxxiii on the words.htm

The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows
... "Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath
anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the gladness of the man.htm

Hatred Without Cause
... comes to chapel, and I cannot bear that." Ah! sinner, is that why thou hatest
Christ? Wouldst thou have hated Christ if he had snatched ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/hatred without cause.htm

Hatest (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hatest (8 Occurrences). Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast,
that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. ...
/h/hatest.htm - 8k

Lovest (13 Occurrences)
... tell it thee? (KJV JPS ASV WBS). 2 Samuel 19:6 In that thou lovest thine
enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared ...
/l/lovest.htm - 10k

Hateth (38 Occurrences)

/h/hateth.htm - 16k

Nicolaitanes (2 Occurrences)
... Nicolaitanes (2 Occurrences). Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest
the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. (KJV DBY). ...
/n/nicolaitanes.htm - 7k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... men : (See NIV). Psalms 5:5 Insolent fools shall not stand before thine
eyes; thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (DBY). Psalms 54 ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Fools (53 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS). Psalms 5:5 Insolent fools shall not stand before
thine eyes; thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (DBY). ...
/f/fools.htm - 20k

Regardest (4 Occurrences)
... Caesar, or not? (KJV ASV DBY WBS). 2 Samuel 19:6 In that thou lovest thine
enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared ...
/r/regardest.htm - 7k

Boasters (6 Occurrences)
... can gain. (See RSV). Psalms 5:5 The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight:
Thou hatest all workers of iniquity. (See JPS). Isaiah ...
/b/boasters.htm - 8k

Castest (6 Occurrences)
... prayer before God. (KJV WBS). Psalms 50:17 Seeing thou hatest instruction,
And castest my words behind thee? (ASV JPS WBS). Psalms 73 ...
/c/castest.htm - 7k

Hates (37 Occurrences)

/h/hates.htm - 16k

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