Hatred is a heavy burden that darkens the soul and divides relationships.
It corrodes the heart and keeps us from living in the freedom and love that God desires for us.
Whether it stems from hurt, anger, or misunderstanding, hatred disrupts the peace God calls us to pursue.
The Bible speaks directly and powerfully about hatred, urging us to release it and instead embrace love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
These 35 Bible verses confront the destructive nature of hatred and guide us toward the healing path of love and unity.
As you read through them, let God’s Word transform your heart, freeing you from bitterness and filling you with His peace.
Remember, the cure for hatred is found in God’s love—a love so pure and powerful that it conquers even the deepest wounds.
Bible Verses About Hatred Towards Others
1. 1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
This verse connects love for God with love for others, exposing the hypocrisy of harboring hatred.
Hatred towards others creates a barrier between us and God. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts, reminding us that genuine love for God must overflow into love for those around us.
2. Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse highlights the destructive nature of hatred and the redemptive power of love.
Hatred fuels discord and division, but love brings healing and restoration. This verse calls us to choose love, which can overcome the pain and misunderstandings that breed hatred.
3. Matthew 5:43-44
“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.”
Jesus’ words overturn conventional wisdom, calling us to love even those who oppose us.
Hatred may seem justified, but Jesus teaches a higher standard. This verse challenges us to extend grace and love to those who hurt us, trusting that prayer can transform hearts and relationships.
4. Leviticus 19:17-18
“Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
This verse urges confrontation and forgiveness instead of hatred and grudges.
God commands us to address wrongs openly and forgive instead of harboring hatred. This verse reminds us that love for others reflects obedience to Him.
5. Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This verse teaches us to leave judgment and vengeance to God.
Hatred often stems from a desire for revenge, but this verse reminds us to trust God’s justice. Letting go of hatred allows Him to work in ways that bring true resolution and peace.
6. Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
This verse warns against letting anger fester into sin and hatred.
Anger can quickly turn into hatred if left unchecked. This verse calls us to address conflicts promptly, preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts.
7. Colossians 3:8
“But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
This verse encourages us to let go of destructive attitudes and behaviors.
Hatred manifests in harmful actions and words, but this verse challenges us to replace them with kindness and grace. It reminds us that a renewed heart leads to transformed relationships.
8. 1 John 3:15
“Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.”
This verse equates hatred with murder, underscoring its seriousness.
Harboring hatred is spiritually destructive. This verse reminds us that love and forgiveness are essential for a life aligned with God’s will and purpose.
9. Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
This verse ties forgiveness to our relationship with God.
Hatred often stems from unforgiveness, but this verse reminds us that forgiving others opens the door to experiencing God’s forgiveness. It calls us to let go of resentment and embrace grace.
10. Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the power of words to diffuse or escalate conflict.
Hatred can grow through heated words, but this verse challenges us to respond with gentleness. Choosing our words wisely can break cycles of anger and pave the way for reconciliation.
11. James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This verse advises patience and restraint, highlighting the harm caused by unchecked anger.
Hatred often stems from anger that hasn’t been processed in a godly way. This verse reminds us that listening and slowing down our reactions can prevent anger from escalating into hatred, aligning our hearts with God’s righteousness.
12. 1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse underscores the transformative power of love to overcome sin and division.
Hatred divides and destroys, but love unites and heals. This verse calls us to love deeply, demonstrating how forgiveness and compassion can dissolve hatred and build stronger bonds.
13. Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse lists hatred as a destructive work of the flesh that separates us from God.
Hatred is a sign of living according to the flesh rather than the Spirit. This verse challenges us to pursue a Spirit-filled life that reflects God’s love and grace, rejecting the behaviors that hinder our relationship with Him.
14. Luke 6:27-28
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus’ words redefine how we respond to hatred, calling us to love and bless our enemies.
This radical teaching challenges us to rise above hatred by showing love and kindness to those who oppose us. It demonstrates that God’s way of love can transform even the most hostile relationships.
15. Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the importance of letting go of offenses to maintain harmony.
Hatred often grows when we dwell on past wrongs. This verse reminds us that fostering love through forgiveness preserves relationships, while holding onto grievances breeds division.
16. Romans 12:17-18
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages peace and avoidance of retaliation, even in the face of wrongdoing.
Hatred often seeks revenge, but this verse calls us to pursue peace instead. It challenges us to take responsibility for fostering harmony, reflecting God’s love in our interactions.
17. Titus 3:2-3
“To slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.”
This verse reflects on the transformation that comes with God’s grace, moving us from hatred to gentleness.
Hatred once defined our lives apart from God, but His grace calls us to a higher standard of love and gentleness. This verse reminds us that our past need not define us and that His Spirit empowers us to live differently.
18. John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This verse identifies love as the defining mark of a follower of Christ.
Hatred cannot coexist with true discipleship. This verse challenges us to model Christ’s sacrificial love, showing the world the transformative power of God’s grace through our relationships.
19. Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse calls for replacing hatred and malice with kindness and forgiveness.
God’s forgiveness inspires us to let go of hatred and embrace compassion. This verse encourages us to follow Christ’s example, fostering relationships rooted in grace and understanding.
20. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“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.”
This verse describes the selfless and forgiving nature of true love.
Hatred thrives on keeping records of wrongs, but love releases them. This verse challenges us to cultivate a love that is patient, kind, and free from bitterness, reflecting God’s perfect love.
21. Matthew 5:22
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
This verse highlights the seriousness of anger and its progression toward hatred.
Unchecked anger can quickly escalate into hatred, leading to judgment. This verse warns us of the spiritual consequences of harboring ill feelings and urges us to pursue reconciliation and peace.
22. Proverbs 14:21
“It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse contrasts the sin of hatred with the blessing of kindness.
Despising others leads us away from God’s will, while kindness draws us closer to His heart. This verse reminds us that choosing compassion over hatred brings blessings and fosters harmony.
23. 1 John 2:9
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”
This verse equates hatred with spiritual darkness, incompatible with walking in God’s light.
Hatred blinds us to God’s truth and love. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts, ensuring that our actions reflect the light of Christ rather than the darkness of animosity.
24. Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness over judgment and condemnation.
Hatred often stems from a judgmental spirit, but this verse calls us to release others from condemnation. It reminds us that forgiveness mirrors God’s mercy and brings freedom to our own hearts.
25. Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse identifies love as the antidote to harm and hatred.
Harming others violates God’s law of love, while loving them fulfills it. This verse inspires us to choose actions that build up rather than tear down, reflecting God’s command to love our neighbors.
26. Zechariah 8:17
“Do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.”
This verse reveals God’s disdain for hatred and deceitful actions.
God calls us to live with integrity and love, avoiding the harmful plotting that stems from hatred. This verse reminds us that He values unity and truth in our relationships.
27. John 15:18-19
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
This verse acknowledges the reality of being hated for following Christ but offers comfort.
Being hated for righteousness is a mark of belonging to Christ. This verse encourages us to respond with love and grace, trusting that God’s approval matters more than worldly acceptance.
28. Psalm 97:10
“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
This verse redirects hatred toward sin rather than people.
God calls us to hate evil while loving others. This verse reminds us that opposing sin aligns us with His righteousness, while loving others reflects His character.
29. Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
This verse illustrates how God can redeem hatred and harm for His purposes.
Even when others act out of hatred, God can bring good from the situation. This verse encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and respond with forgiveness and faith.
30. Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
This verse connects forgiveness with unhindered communication with God.
Holding onto hatred disrupts our relationship with God. This verse challenges us to forgive others, clearing the path for genuine prayer and spiritual growth.
31. Proverbs 20:22
“Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.”
This verse teaches patience and trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge.
Hatred often fuels the desire for vengeance, but this verse calls us to trust God’s perfect justice. It reminds us that releasing hatred allows Him to work on our behalf.
32. Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse calls for active efforts toward peace and goodness.
Hatred thrives on division, but this verse challenges us to actively seek and pursue peace. It inspires us to align our actions with God’s desire for reconciliation and harmony.
33. Matthew 22:37-39
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse places love for God and others at the heart of Christian living.
Hatred cannot coexist with God’s greatest commandments. This verse reminds us that loving God naturally leads to loving others, fulfilling His will in our relationships.
34. Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
This verse challenges us to respond to hatred with goodness.
Hatred loses its power when met with love and goodness. This verse encourages us to rise above evil, choosing actions that reflect God’s transformative love.
35. 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
This verse serves as a guiding principle for all actions and relationships.
Love leaves no room for hatred. This verse challenges us to let love guide every word and deed, ensuring that our lives reflect the character of Christ.
Our Thoughts on What the Bible Says About Hatred
Hatred is a destructive force that distances us from God, others, and even ourselves.
It blinds us to God’s love and the beauty of relationships He designed for unity and peace.
These 35 verses make it clear that God calls us to a higher standard of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
By releasing hatred and choosing love, we reflect God’s grace and transform our relationships.
This doesn’t mean we ignore wrongs or avoid confronting sin, but we approach everything with a heart of compassion and a desire for peace.
As you meditate on these Scriptures, may they guide you toward a life free from hatred and full of the love that only God can inspire.