In this article, we will explain to you what does the Bible say about hate and also share some of the most important KJV Bible verses related to hate.
What Does The Bible Say About Hate?
The Bible has much to say about hate and its consequences. In fact, Jesus himself taught about the importance of love and forgiveness, even towards one’s enemies. In the book of Matthew, Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).
The apostle John also wrote about the dangers of hate in his first epistle, saying, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble” (1 John 2:9-10).
Hate is often linked to anger and unforgiveness, which can lead to bitterness and resentment. The book of Proverbs warns against harboring hate in one’s heart, stating, “Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart” (Proverbs 26:24-25).
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that hate is a destructive force that can separate us from God and others. Instead, we are called to love one another and forgive those who wrong us. As it says in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
In conclusion, the Bible is clear that hate has no place in the life of a believer. We are called to love and forgive others, just as God has loved and forgiven us. By following the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, we can overcome hate and live in harmony with one another.
KJV Bible Verses on hate
Here are the top 10 KJV Bible Verses on hate:
1. Romans 12:9 – “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”
2. Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
3. 1 John 4:20 – “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
4. 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.”
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. 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.”
7. Proverbs 15:17 – “Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.”
8. Ephesians 4:31 – “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”
9. 1 John 2:9 – “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.”
10. 1 John 3:15 – “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”