The Bible warns that hatred toward other people damages the heart and can break fellowship with God. Yet Scripture also says God hates evil, injustice, and pride. He calls His people to hate what is wicked while loving others, even their enemies. These 27 Bible verses about hate help us understand both truths clearly.
Hate can grow quietly in a hurt heart. Maybe someone wronged you, or maybe you feel the sting of being hated yourself. The Bible speaks to both sides with honesty and care. Below, the 27 Bible verses about hate move from what God hates, to what hatred does, to the love that heals. Take them slowly, and let Scripture guide your heart.
What God Himself Hates
God is holy, and Scripture repeatedly shows His opposition to sin, injustice, and everything that harms others. His hatred of evil is not the same as human bitterness or a desire for revenge. These first verses show what grieves Him and help us understand the difference between rejecting evil and mistreating people.
1. There Are Six Things the Lord Hates, Seven That Are Detestable to Him
“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him.” — Proverbs 6:16 (NIV)
The list that follows includes pride, lies, violence, and people who stir up trouble among family members. God names these sins plainly. You can read the full passage on BibleGateway.
2. The Lord Detests Lying Lips but Delights in Trustworthy People
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” — Proverbs 12:22 (NIV)
God cares about honest speech. Lies break trust, and broken trust can feed resentment and hatred. Notice the second half, though. God does not only reject lies. He also takes joy in people who tell the truth.
3. I Hate Robbery and Wrongdoing
“For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing.” — Isaiah 61:8 (NIV)
God’s hatred of wrongdoing comes from His love of justice. He sees the person who gets robbed, cheated, or ignored. His opposition to injustice protects the vulnerable and calls people to treat others fairly.
4. I Hate; I Despise Your Religious Festivals
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me.” — Amos 5:21 (NIV)
These are strong words. God spoke them to people who worshiped publicly but treated others unfairly. Songs and services mean little when hearts remain hard and injustice continues. Real worship and real justice belong together.
5. Hate Evil, Love Good, Maintain Justice in the Courts
“Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts.” — Amos 5:15 (NIV)
Here, Scripture shows us a healthy kind of hatred: rejecting evil and injustice. We hate evil because it harms people, and we love good because it protects and helps them. The verse calls us to oppose wrongdoing rather than use hatred as an excuse to mistreat others.
Faithful God, You hate what harms Your children, and I want to share Your heart. Show me where I excuse sin and where I act unfairly myself. Make me honest in my words and fair in my dealings. Teach me to hate what is evil without hating the people trapped in it. Amen.
Hate Between People: What Scripture Says
Scripture speaks directly about hatred toward other people. It does not treat bitterness as a small flaw. It presents hatred as a spiritual warning sign that deserves honest attention. These verses, especially those from the letters of John, help us examine our hearts. For more context, read 1 John 4 on BibleGateway.
6. Everyone Who Hates His Brother Is a Murderer
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer.” — 1 John 3:15 (NIV)
John uses strong language to show how seriously God takes hatred. Hatred can involve wishing harm on someone or refusing to care about their well-being. It is not the same as every experience of anger or hurt, but it can reveal a heart moving away from love. That is why God calls us to examine it honestly.
7. Whoever Claims to Love God Yet Hates a Brother or Sister Is a Liar
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.” — 1 John 4:20 (NIV)
Love for God should show up in how we treat people. John challenges those who claim to love God while continuing to hate others. This verse invites honest self-examination and a willingness to change, rather than despair over past mistakes.
8. Anyone Who Hates a Brother or Sister Is in the Darkness
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness.” — 1 John 2:11 (NIV)
Darkness is a picture of spiritual blindness. When hatred rules our hearts, we can struggle to see people clearly and respond with wisdom. We may misjudge others or overlook God’s call to love. The way forward is to seek the light of Christ and allow His teaching to shape our actions.
9. Do Not Hate a Fellow Israelite in Your Heart
“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart.” — Leviticus 19:17 (NIV)
God cares about what happens in the heart, not only outward actions. Leviticus warns against hidden hatred and continues by telling people to correct their neighbors honestly rather than participate in their wrongdoing. The same chapter commands people to love their neighbors as themselves. This teaching connects with the broader biblical call to love others sincerely.
10. Whoever Says He Is in the Light and Hates His Brother Is Still in Darkness
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” — 1 John 2:9 (NIV)
Words alone do not prove that our hearts have changed. A person may say all the right things about faith, but persistent hatred reveals an area that needs God’s healing. John presents this teaching as a call to walk in the light and grow in genuine love.
Search my heart, Lord, and show me any hidden hatred. I do not want to hide it from You. Bring to mind the people I have refused to forgive. Turn my pride into humility and my coldness into care. Lead me out of the darkness and into Your light today. Amen.
Where Hate Leads
Hatred can grow and pull other harmful attitudes along with it. Scripture shows this from the first family in Genesis to the letters of the New Testament. These verses are warnings, but they also offer an opportunity to change direction and seek God’s help.
11. Cain Rose Up Against His Brother Abel and Killed Him
“Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.” — Genesis 4:8 (ESV)
The first murder recorded in the Bible involved Cain and his brother Abel. Before the killing, God warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door and that he needed to master it. Cain’s story shows how unchecked anger, jealousy, and resentment can lead to terrible consequences. God warns us so that we can turn away from sin before it causes further harm.
12. Hatred Stirs Up Conflict but Love Covers Over All Wrongs
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” — Proverbs 10:12 (NIV)
Hatred can keep a fire burning in homes, churches, and friendships. Love offers another path. It does not mean pretending that serious wrongdoing never happened. Instead, it encourages mercy, patience, and a willingness to stop using past offenses as weapons against others.
13. A Time to Love and a Time to Hate
“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” — Ecclesiastes 3:8 (KJV)
Ecclesiastes describes the different seasons and experiences of human life. This verse acknowledges that people encounter both love and hatred in a broken world. It should not be read as permission to hate or harm others. Instead, when considered alongside the Bible’s wider teachings, it reminds us to recognize evil while seeking justice, peace, and love.
14. Out of the Heart Come Evil Thoughts, Murder, Adultery
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” — Matthew 15:19 (NIV)
Jesus points to the heart as a source of sinful actions. Hatred, dishonesty, and cruelty are not solved simply by changing our outward appearance. We also need God to transform our inner attitudes. Through repentance and faith, we can seek His help in developing a heart that reflects His goodness.
15. See to It That No Bitter Root Grows Up to Cause Trouble and Defile Many
“See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” — Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
Bitterness can spread like a root beneath the soil. It may begin with one painful experience and eventually affect other relationships. Prayer, honest conversations, wise boundaries, and forgiveness can help us address bitterness rather than allow it to control our lives. You can also read these Bible verses about forgiveness for further encouragement.
Gentle Father, I confess the bitter roots I have let grow. Some started with real pain, and You know every detail. Help me face that hurt honestly. Heal the wounds underneath so they stop feeding anger. Plant love in that same ground. Give me wisdom to forgive while maintaining healthy boundaries where needed. I trust You to help me heal. Amen.
The World Will Hate You
Jesus never promised His followers an easy road. He told them that some people would hate them because of their connection to Him. These verses do not ask Christians to feel proud of rejection or become bitter toward others. They encourage faithfulness, patience, and trust in Christ.
16. If the World Hates You, Keep in Mind That It Hated Me First
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” — John 15:18 (NIV)
Jesus offers comfort to those who face rejection because of their faith. When people oppose us for following Him, we can remember that Jesus understands rejection. His words encourage believers to remain faithful without responding with hatred or revenge.
17. You Will Be Hated by All Nations Because of My Name
“You will be hated by all nations because of me.” — Matthew 24:9 (NIV)
Jesus spoke about the persecution His followers would face. Following Him can come with real difficulties, including rejection and hostility. This warning prepared His disciples for hardship and reminded them to remain faithful. It does not mean that every disagreement or criticism is persecution because of faith.
18. Blessed Are You When People Hate You and Exclude You and Insult You
“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you.” — Luke 6:22 (NIV)
Jesus offers encouragement to those who suffer rejection because of their relationship with Him. He does not say that hatred feels good or that every negative response is justified. Instead, He reminds His followers that human rejection does not determine their worth before God.
19. Do Not Be Surprised, My Brothers and Sisters, If the World Hates You
“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” — 1 John 3:13 (NIV)
John tells believers not to be shocked when they encounter hostility. Rejection for faith has been part of the Christian story from the beginning. Yet this warning appears in a broader discussion about love, reminding Christians to respond to others with kindness rather than revenge.
Lord Jesus, You know what rejection feels like. When others mock my faith, keep my heart soft. Guard me from pride and revenge. Give me courage to stay faithful and grace to stay kind. Remind me that You understand every difficult moment and that Your approval matters more than human acceptance. Amen.
God’s Response: Love Where Hate Would Be Natural
The Bible does not tell us to answer hatred with more hatred. Instead, Jesus calls His followers to love their enemies and do good to those who mistreat them. This is one of Scripture’s most challenging teachings, but it is also one of its most powerful. These verses offer practical ways to respond with love.
20. Love Your Enemies, Do Good to Those Who Hate You
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” — Luke 6:27 (NIV)
Jesus calls us to do good even when other people treat us badly. This does not mean we must immediately feel affection for someone who has hurt us. It means we can choose actions that reflect kindness and goodness rather than revenge. With time and God’s help, our hearts may also begin to heal.
21. Bless Those Who Curse You, Pray for Those Who Mistreat You
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” — Luke 6:28 (NIV)
Prayer can help us release the desire for revenge and place difficult situations before God. Asking Him to work in the life of someone who hurt us can also change the way we approach that person. Healing may not happen immediately, but we can keep seeking God’s wisdom and peace.
22. Do Not Repay Evil for Evil but Overcome Evil With Good
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21 (NIV)
Paul teaches Christians not to answer wrongdoing with more wrongdoing. Revenge allows harmful behavior to continue through another person. Responding with goodness takes courage and self-control. It does not mean ignoring injustice; it means refusing to let someone else’s evil determine our own behavior.
23. If Your Enemy Is Hungry, Feed Him
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” — Romans 12:20 (NIV)
Love becomes practical in this verse. Paul encourages believers to meet genuine needs, even when the person in need has treated them as an enemy. Small acts of kindness can demonstrate Christian love more clearly than arguments. However, kindness should be practiced with wisdom when a situation involves danger or abuse.
24. Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind, It Keeps No Record of Wrongs
“Love is patient, love is kind… it keeps no record of wrongs.” — 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 (NIV)
Hatred keeps bringing old offenses back into the present. Biblical love encourages patience, kindness, and a willingness to release resentment. This does not mean ignoring abuse, denying injustice, or avoiding healthy boundaries. Instead, it means refusing to let bitterness control our hearts. For more encouragement, read these Bible verses about communication in relationships.
Teach me to love like You do, Lord, especially when it feels unfair. I will give you my list of wrongs, one by one. Help me pray for those who hurt me. Show me one small act of kindness I can offer today. Give me wisdom to protect myself from further harm while keeping bitterness from taking root. Let Your patience guide my words, and let Your mercy soften my heart. Amen.
Hating What God Hates and Loving What He Loves
Not all uses of the word hate in Scripture refer to hatred toward people. The Bible calls believers to reject evil because evil destroys lives and leads people away from God’s ways. The important distinction is between opposing wrongdoing and treating people with cruelty. These final verses show how love and opposition to evil can exist together.
25. Let Love Be Genuine, Abhor What Is Evil, Hold Fast to What Is Good
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” — Romans 12:9 (ESV)
Paul places genuine love at the center of Christian conduct and then calls believers to reject evil. Real love cares about people enough to oppose actions that harm them. We can sincerely love others while standing against cruelty, corruption, dishonesty, and injustice.
26. The Fear of the Lord Is Hatred of Evil
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil.” — Proverbs 8:13 (NIV)
Respect for God shapes what we love and what we reject. A heart that honors Him learns to oppose pride, deceit, and violence. This kind of hatred is directed toward evil, not used as an excuse to mistreat people. It calls us to live with integrity and humility.
27. You Have Loved Righteousness and Hated Wickedness, Therefore God Has Anointed You
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.” — Hebrews 1:9 (ESV)
This verse describes the Son in the context of Hebrews 1. Jesus loves righteousness and rejects wickedness perfectly. He is the model for Christians who want to live faithfully. In His example, love for what is good goes hand in hand with opposition to what is wrong.
Holy God, shape my loves and my hates to match Yours. Make me gentle with people and firm against evil. Keep me from calling cruelty righteousness. Give me courage to stand for what is right and humility to admit when I am wrong. Let my life look more like Jesus each day. Amen.
Hate Punishes the Person Carrying It More Than the Person It Is Aimed At
Hate can feel powerful, but holding on to it can damage the person carrying it. The person who hurt you may have moved on, while you continue to lose sleep, peace, and joy. Bitterness can take up emotional space that might otherwise be used for healing and healthy relationships.
Paul gives a clear call: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31, NIV).
Letting go does not mean what happened was acceptable. It does not require you to deny your pain or allow someone to hurt you again. Instead, it means bringing your pain before God, seeking appropriate help when needed, and choosing not to let resentment control your future. You can pursue justice, maintain boundaries, and still work toward a heart that is free from hatred.
FAQ,S
What did Jesus say about hate and love?
Jesus taught us to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who mistreat us (Luke 6:27–28). He calls us to respond to hatred with love rather than revenge.
What does Proverbs 27:17 say?
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (NIV). It teaches that positive relationships help us grow in wisdom, character, and faith.
What are the seven things God detests?
Proverbs 6:16–19 lists seven things God detests: pride, lying, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that rush into evil, a false witness, and someone who stirs up conflict among others.
What Bible verses talk about spreading love and not hate?
Romans 12:10 encourages believers to love one another, while Ephesians 4:31–32 teaches us to put away bitterness and anger and to show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
What does the Bible say about spreading hatred?
The Bible warns against hatred because it creates conflict and harms relationships. Proverbs 10:12 teaches that hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Final thoughts
These 27 Bible verses about hate teach one steady message. God opposes evil and the damage it causes. Scripture warns that hatred can blind the heart and damage relationships. At the same time, God calls us to love, even when love is difficult. Healing may take time, but we can seek His help at every step.
Lord, You see the hate I carry, and I bring it to You honestly. You know the hurt, the anger, and the names I would rather not say. Replace my bitterness with Your mercy. Teach me to love as Jesus loved. Heal what is broken in me, and make my heart gentle, strong, and free. Give me wisdom to seek justice and maintain healthy boundaries without becoming consumed by hatred. Amen.
