The term "loatheth" is derived from the verb "loathe," which means to feel intense dislike or disgust for something. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to God's or an individual's strong aversion to sin, idolatry, or disobedience. The concept of loathing is significant in understanding the nature of sin and the holiness of God, as well as the appropriate response of believers to sin and unrighteousness.

Biblical Usage

1. Divine Loathing of Sin and Idolatry: Throughout the Scriptures, God expresses His loathing for sin and idolatry, which are seen as abominations in His sight. In Leviticus 26:30, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of their idolatry, stating, "I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and heap your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and My soul will loathe you." This passage highlights God's intense aversion to idolatry and the spiritual infidelity of His people.

2. Human Loathing of Sin: Believers are called to share in God's perspective on sin, developing a similar loathing for unrighteousness. In Ezekiel 36:31, God promises a transformation of the heart for His people, saying, "Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations." This self-loathing is not meant to lead to despair but to genuine repentance and a turning away from sin.

3. Loathing as a Response to Judgment: The Bible also describes loathing as a response to divine judgment. In Ezekiel 20:43, the prophet speaks of a future time when the people of Israel will recognize their sins and loathe themselves for their past actions: "There you will remember your ways and all your deeds by which you have defiled yourselves, and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for all the evils you have done."

Theological Implications

The concept of loathing in the Bible underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the appropriate response of His people. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the call for believers to pursue righteousness. The loathing of sin is not merely an emotional response but a reflection of a transformed heart that aligns with God's values and desires.

Practical Application

For Christians, the biblical teaching on loathing encourages a vigilant attitude towards sin in one's life and community. It calls for a deep-seated aversion to anything that contradicts God's holiness and commands. This perspective fosters a lifestyle of repentance, humility, and a continual striving for holiness, as believers seek to honor God in all aspects of their lives.

Spiritual Appetite
... Tabernacle, Newington. "The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the
hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.""Proverbs 27:7. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/spiritual appetite.htm

The Poison and the Antidote
... for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light
bread.6. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the poison and the antidote.htm

The Brazen Serpent.
... For there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this
light bread." They meant the manna which God gave them daily. ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/the brazen serpent.htm

Unbelieving Belief
... 'Give us the leeks and garlics of Egypt,' said the Hebrews in the wilderness; 'our
soul loatheth this light bread.' So it is with many of us; we do not want God ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/unbelieving belief.htm

Faith of Sinners in Prayer
... die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water;
and our soul loatheth this light bread.". The thing so ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/xi faith of sinners in.htm

Religion --A Reality
... from head to foot, and whose withdrawal makes him feel himself less than man, for
he is filled with sin and drenched with iniquity, till he loatheth his own ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/religiona reality.htm

'Fit, Though Few'
... Such self-restraint gives double sweetness to enjoyments, which, when partaken of
more freely, pall on the jaded palate. 'The full soul loatheth a honeycomb ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

Letter Liv. Replies to Questions of Januarius.
... same place, that this peculiarity of the manna must have been enjoyed only by the
pious in Israel, not by the murmurers who said, "Our soul loatheth this light ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter liv replies to questions.htm

A Persuasive to Steadfastness
... once were glad enough to come and feast on broken crusts from the Master's table,
become connoisseurs of their Master's food; their soul "loatheth this light ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a persuasive to steadfastness.htm

The Water of Life;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Loatheth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Loatheth (3 Occurrences). ... for there is no bread, neither
is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. (KJV JPS ASV). ...
/l/loatheth.htm - 7k

Loathing (6 Occurrences)

/l/loathing.htm - 8k

Loathest (1 Occurrence)

/l/loathest.htm - 6k

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