12 Bible Verses About Hatred

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about hatred

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about hatred:

1. Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
2. 1 John 2:9 – “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.”
3. Leviticus 19:17 – “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.”
4. Romans 12:9 – “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
5. Proverbs 6:16-19 – “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”
6. Ephesians 4:31 – “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

7. 1 John 3:15 – “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”
8. Proverbs 15:17 – “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
9. Matthew 5:43-44 – “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
10. Colossians 3:8 – “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
11. Psalm 97:10 – “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.”
12. Galatians 5:20-21 – “Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”

What does the bible say about hatred?

The Bible teaches that hatred is a destructive emotion that goes against the principles of love and forgiveness.

It warns against harboring hatred in one’s heart, as it can lead to sinful actions and damage relationships.

Instead, the Bible encourages believers to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and seek reconciliation with others.

Hatred is seen as a barrier to experiencing God’s love and grace, and is ultimately counterproductive to living a life of faith and obedience to God.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about hatred?

1. Psalm 109 – This chapter addresses the concept of hatred and betrayal, as the psalmist cries out to God for deliverance from enemies who have shown him hatred and ill will.

2. Matthew 5 – In this chapter, Jesus teaches about the importance of loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. This is relevant to the topic of hatred as it encourages believers to respond to hatred with love and forgiveness.

3. Romans 12 – This chapter discusses the importance of overcoming evil with good and not repaying evil for evil. It emphasizes the need to live at peace with everyone, even those who may show hatred towards us.

4. 1 John 4 – This chapter focuses on the theme of love and how perfect love drives out fear and hatred. It teaches that if we claim to love God but hate our brother, we are liars, as God commands us to love one another.

Studying these chapters can provide insight into the nature of hatred and how to respond to it in a way that aligns with biblical teachings on love and forgiveness.

Ideas and concepts related to hatred that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Anger: The Bible often discusses anger as a natural human emotion that can lead to hatred if not properly managed. Ephesians 4:26-27 advises, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” This verse suggests that harboring anger can lead to sinful actions, including hatred.

2. Bitterness: Bitterness is another concept related to hatred that is addressed in the Bible. Hebrews 12:15 warns against allowing bitterness to take root in one’s heart, as it can lead to trouble and defile many. Bitterness can fester and grow into hatred if not addressed and resolved.

3. Unforgiveness: Unforgiveness is closely tied to hatred in the Bible, as harboring unforgiveness towards others can lead to bitterness and resentment. Matthew 6:14-15 teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Unforgiveness can ultimately lead to hatred towards others.

4. Pride: Pride is another concept related to hatred in the Bible, as it can lead to a sense of superiority and contempt towards others. Proverbs 13:10 warns, “Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.” Pride can fuel feelings of hatred towards those who are perceived as inferior or different.

Overall, the Bible teaches that negative emotions such as anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and pride can all contribute to the development of hatred towards others. By addressing and managing these emotions in a healthy and godly manner, individuals can prevent the growth of hatred in their hearts.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.