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What the Bible Says About Hatred

Overview

The Bible addresses hatred across 29 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Daniel, John and Proverbs. Closely related themes include Persecution, Diplomacy, Malice and Persia. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel and Darius.

Key Bible verses about hatred

Old Testament

Daniel

Daniel 6:4

Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.

Daniel 6:5

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

Daniel 6:6

Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. assembled: or, came tumultuously

Daniel 6:7

All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. decree: or, interdict

Daniel 6:8

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. altereth not: Cald. passeth not

Daniel 6:9

Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

Daniel 6:11

Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.

Daniel 6:12

Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.

Daniel 6:13

Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.

Daniel 6:14

Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

Daniel 6:15

Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.

New Testament

People in the Bible and hatred

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying hatred for yourself

  • Begin with Psalms 139:21, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Daniel, John and Proverbs each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Daniel and Darius and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Persecution, Diplomacy, Malice and Persia.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about hatred?

The Bible addresses hatred across 29 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Daniel, John and Proverbs. Closely related themes include Persecution, Diplomacy, Malice and Persia. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Daniel and Darius.

How many Bible verses are about hatred?

The Bible references hatred in 29 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention hatred?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Psalms 139:21: “Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?”

Which people in the Bible are associated with hatred?

Daniel and Darius.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on hatred.

Preach a series on Hatred