Hatred
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Hatred in the Bible?
In the Pauline epistles, hatred is listed among the works of the flesh, representing interpersonal hostility that stands in direct opposition to the spiritual virtues of love and unity.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this classification clarifies the early Christian emphasis on internal moral transformation over external ritual compliance, showing how interpersonal relationships were central to community identity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Hatred. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Hatred in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Hatred clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Hatred." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/hatred/