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H8130 · Hebrew · Old Testament
שָׂנֵא
sane
Verb
to hate, be hostile to

Definition

The opposite of love — active hatred or rejection. Used of human enmity and of God's 'hating' evil and evildoers (Ps 5:5; 11:5). The prophets condemn those who 'hate good and love evil' (Mic 3:2).

Usage & Theological Significance

Biblical hate is not just feeling but orientation — turning away from, rejecting, treating as an enemy. 'Jacob I loved, Esau I hated' (Mal 1:2-3; Rom 9:13) uses election language, not merely emotion.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 5:5 You hate [sane] all evildoers.
Malachi 1:3 I have hated [sane] Esau.
Proverbs 6:16 There are six things the LORD hates [sane]...

Word Study

The 'seven abominations' of Proverbs 6 clarify what God hates: pride, lies, murder, evil schemes, eagerness to sin, false witness, strife. Hatred of evil is inseparable from love of good in biblical ethics.

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External Resources

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