In the biblical narrative, the concept of the "wicked" is frequently juxtaposed with the "righteous," highlighting a moral and spiritual dichotomy that runs throughout Scripture. The wicked are often characterized by their opposition to God's ways and their animosity towards those who seek to live righteously.

Biblical Definition and Characteristics

The term "wicked" in the Bible refers to individuals who live in rebellion against God, rejecting His commandments and pursuing their own sinful desires. This rebellion is not merely a passive state but is often active in its opposition to the righteous. The wicked are described as those who "plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them" (Psalm 37:12). Their hatred is rooted in a fundamental opposition to the values and principles that the righteous uphold.

Hatred Towards the Righteous

The animosity of the wicked towards the righteous is a recurring theme in Scripture. This hatred is not only a personal vendetta but is often indicative of a deeper spiritual conflict. Proverbs 29:27 states, "An unjust man is detestable to the righteous, and one whose way is upright is detestable to the wicked" . This mutual detestation underscores the inherent conflict between those who follow God's ways and those who reject them.

The wicked's hatred for the righteous can manifest in various forms, including persecution, slander, and violence. In the New Testament, Jesus warns His followers of this reality, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). This statement highlights the continuity of this conflict from the Old Testament into the New Testament era.

Examples in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the wicked's hatred for the righteous. Cain's murder of Abel is one of the earliest examples, where Cain's jealousy and anger towards his brother's righteous offering led to violence (Genesis 4:3-8). Similarly, the prophets of Israel often faced hostility and persecution from wicked rulers and people who rejected their messages of repentance and righteousness.

In the New Testament, the Pharisees and religious leaders' animosity towards Jesus and His followers further illustrates this theme. Their opposition was not merely a disagreement over religious practices but was rooted in a deeper rejection of the righteousness that Jesus embodied and taught.

Spiritual Implications

The hatred of the wicked towards the righteous is not only a social or moral issue but also a spiritual one. It reflects the broader cosmic struggle between good and evil, light and darkness. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" .

Response of the Righteous

In response to the hatred and persecution from the wicked, the righteous are called to maintain their integrity and trust in God. Romans 12:21 exhorts believers, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" . This call to respond with love and righteousness, even in the face of hatred, is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Ultimately, the Bible assures that the wicked will not prevail. Psalm 37:17 declares, "For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous" . This promise provides hope and encouragement for the righteous to persevere, knowing that God's justice will ultimately triumph.Matthew 5:11,12
Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Nave's Topical Index

Luke 6:22,23
Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
Nave's Topical Index

Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ...
... Why should not all be equally wicked, rapacious, unchaste ... men, since for the same
cause the people who were ... little to kill those whom they hate, unless cruelty ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap ix of the crimes of.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... prophet, "He turned their hearts to hate his people ... a hypocritical nation, and against
the people of my ... 10:6); not that he intends to teach wicked and obstinate ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

Psalm CXXIX.
... of the saints endured the wicked Jews, the people of Israel. ... word of God, that speaketh
to thee, is not wicked. ... will at Sion" (ver.5). They who hate Sion, hate ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxix.htm

Righteous Hatred
... made it "deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." Oh ... only cannot endure
it, but that you positively hate it ... Don't let people say, "Well, I don't think ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

Epistle Lv. To the People of Thibaris, Exhorting to Martyrdom.
... He also warns us, saying, "If the world hate you, remember ... to be crowned in the sight
of the people, and in ... quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one; and ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lv to the people.htm

The Hard-Heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians Pray.
... Why do you wrong my people, and put to shame the ... who justify the wicked for a reward,
and take away justice ... of it; but so far from that, ye hate and murder us ...
/.../chapter cxxxiii the hard-heartedness of the.htm

Samech.
... I loved;" to show, that he did not hate human nature ... of the Body of Christ, "Away
from me, ye wicked! ... of that law which God gave to His people Israel through ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/samech.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... discountenance, and oppose them, as David, "I hate them that hate thee," and ...
Ver.15, 17 show the lamentable condition of a people under wicked rulers. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Further Exposure of the Wicked and Blasphemous Doctrines of the ...
... His disciples] not only not to hate men, but ... away from evil deeds, but even from
[wicked] words and ... this way] deceitfully to lead foolish people astray, since ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii further exposure of the.htm

Psalm CXXV.
... From what wicked men? From those who hate Jerusalem, who hate peace, who wish to
tear unity ... believe not peace, who preach a false peace to the people, and have ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxv.htm

Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.org

What is retribution theology? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org

Wicked: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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