Examples of hatred in the Bible

         Hatred is a destructive force that appears repeatedly throughout the Bible, often leading to division, violence, betrayal, and judgment. While the Bible promotes love as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–39), it also records many instances where hatred played a role in human relationships and decisions. These examples not only illustrate the consequences of hatred but also reveal the contrast between human emotions and God’s divine standard of love.

        Below are several powerful examples of hatred in the Bible, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments.

1. Cain Hated Abel (Genesis 4:1–8)

        The earliest recorded act of hatred in the Bible is found in the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain became angry and jealous because God accepted Abel’s offering but rejected his.

    “And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass… that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” — Genesis 4:8 (KJV)

        Cain’s hatred led to the first murder in human history. God warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door (Genesis 4:7), but Cain allowed his anger and hatred to consume him.

2. Esau Hated Jacob (Genesis 27:41)

        After Jacob deceived their father Isaac and stole Esau’s blessing, Esau burned with hatred toward his brother.

    “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob.” — Genesis 27:41 (KJV)

        This hatred caused years of separation between the brothers. However, in a turn of grace, Esau later forgave Jacob (Genesis 33), showing that hatred can be overcome with time and humility.

3. Joseph’s Brothers Hated Him (Genesis 37:3–28)

        Joseph was favored by his father Jacob, and he had dreams that suggested his family would bow down to him. This stirred deep jealousy and hatred in his brothers.

    “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more… they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.” — Genesis 37:4 (KJV)

        Eventually, their hatred drove them to sell Joseph into slavery. Though God used the situation to fulfill His purposes (Genesis 50:20), the story stands as a striking example of how envy and hatred within families can lead to betrayal.

4. Saul Hated David (1 Samuel 18:6–29)

        King Saul grew increasingly jealous and hostile toward David after he defeated Goliath and gained popularity among the people of Israel.

    “And Saul eyed David from that day and forward… And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually.” — 1 Samuel 18:9, 29 (KJV)

        Saul’s hatred led him to attempt murder on multiple occasions, hurling spears and sending men to pursue David. David, however, consistently chose mercy over revenge.

5. Amnon Hated Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1–22)

        Amnon, one of King David’s sons, developed an unhealthy lust for his half-sister Tamar and ultimately raped her. After committing this vile act, his emotions quickly turned into hatred.

    “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her.” — 2 Samuel 13:15 (KJV)

        This passage portrays the perverse nature of lust and how it can devolve into intense hatred. The incident led to a cycle of revenge, culminating in Amnon’s murder by Tamar’s brother Absalom.

6. The Hatred Toward Jeremiah (Jeremiah 38:1–6)

        The prophet Jeremiah faced intense hatred from the leaders and people of Judah because he delivered unpopular messages of judgment from God.

    “Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon… and in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.” — Jeremiah 38:6 (KJV)

        Jeremiah’s faithfulness to God's word made him a target of hatred. His persecution mirrors that of many other prophets who suffered for speaking the truth.

7. The Pharisees’ Hatred for Jesus (Matthew 12:14; John 15:24–25)

        Throughout the Gospels, the religious leaders hated Jesus because He exposed their hypocrisy and challenged their authority.

    “Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.” — Matthew 12:14 (KJV)

    “They hated me without a cause.” — John 15:25 (KJV)

        Their hatred reached its climax when they conspired to have Jesus arrested and crucified. Ironically, their actions fulfilled the very prophecies they professed to uphold.

8. Hatred Among Nations (Ezekiel 25:15; Obadiah 1:10–12)

        The Bible also records examples of hatred between nations. For instance, the Philistines and Edomites expressed deep-seated animosity toward Israel.

    “Because thou hast had a perpetual hatred, and hast shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword…” — Ezekiel 35:5 (KJV)

    “For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off forever.” — Obadiah 1:10 (KJV)

        Such national hatred often resulted in judgment, as God held nations accountable for their cruelty and betrayal.

9. The Hatred of the World Toward Believers (John 15:18–19)

        Jesus warned His followers that they would be hated by the world because they followed Him.

    “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” — John 15:18 (KJV)

        Hatred toward God's people is not only an ancient reality but an enduring spiritual truth. Believers are called to stand firm in love, even when surrounded by hostility.

10. Paul's Former Hatred of Christians (Acts 8:1–3; 1 Timothy 1:13)

        Before his conversion, the Apostle Paul (then called Saul) hated Christians and persecuted them with fervor.

    “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” — Acts 8:3 (KJV)

    “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy…” — 1 Timothy 1:13 (KJV)

         Paul’s story is a powerful testament to how even the most intense hatred can be transformed by the mercy and grace of God.

11. Hatred in the End Times (Matthew 24:9–10)

        Jesus foretold that in the last days, hatred would increase, even among believers.

     “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” — Matthew 24:9 (KJV)

    “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” — Matthew 24:10 (KJV)

        This prophecy emphasizes the need for believers to remain steadfast in love, even when hatred becomes widespread.

12. Hatred in the Psalms and Proverbs

        The Psalms and Proverbs reflect on the destructive nature of hatred and its consequences:

     “Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt.” — Psalm 35:4 (KJV)

    “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” — Proverbs 10:12 (KJV)

        These verses serve as divine commentary on the dangers of harboring hatred and the superiority of love.

        Hatred, as illustrated throughout Scripture, is a powerful and dangerous emotion that leads to conflict, betrayal, and destruction. From Cain and Abel to the religious leaders who condemned Jesus, the Bible reveals the tragic outcomes of unchecked hatred. Yet, amidst the darkness of hatred, Scripture also shines a light on redemption, forgiveness, and the power of love to overcome evil.

        While hatred may be present in the world, God calls His people to a higher standard: to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44), to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21), and to walk in the light of Christ, where hatred has no place (1 John 2:9–11).