Proverbs 6:16

KJV

These six [things] doth the LORD hate: yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:

KJV (with Strong's)

These six {H8337} things doth the LORD {H3068} hate {H8130}: yea, seven {H7651} are an abomination {H8441} unto him {H5315}:

Complete Jewish Bible

There are six things ADONAI hates, seven which he detests:

Berean Standard Bible

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him:

American Standard Version

There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination unto him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 6:16 serves as a stark and foundational declaration of God's absolute moral standards, introducing a precise enumeration of behaviors and attitudes that are not merely disliked but are utterly detestable to the Lord. This verse acts as a solemn preamble to the subsequent list, signaling the gravity and comprehensive nature of the sins that provoke divine revulsion, thereby guiding the reader towards a life aligned with divine wisdom and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 6:16 functions as a pivotal introduction within a larger section of wisdom literature attributed to Solomon, specifically setting the stage for the detailed list of seven abominations in [Proverbs 6:17-19](/proverbs/6-17 "Proverbs 6:17-19 - The Seven Abominations"). Preceding this declaration, the chapter provides practical admonitions against various destructive behaviors, such as the dangers of foolish financial pledges or surety for another ([Proverbs 6:1-5](/proverbs/6-1 "Proverbs 6:1-5 - Warning Against Surety")) and the spiritual peril of slothfulness, contrasting it with the diligent ant ([Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Sluggard and the Ant")). Following the list of abominations, the chapter continues with warnings against the "worthless person" ([Proverbs 6:12-15](/proverbs/6-12 "Proverbs 6:12-15 - The Worthless Person")) and the destructive nature of adultery ([Proverbs 6:20-35](/proverbs/6-20 "Proverbs 6:20-35 - Warning Against Adultery")). Thus, verse 16 anchors the subsequent specific warnings in the immutable moral character of God Himself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs originates from ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in a covenant relationship with Yahweh. Wisdom literature, like Proverbs, aimed to instruct individuals in practical righteousness and ethical living within this covenant framework. The concept of "abomination" (Hebrew: *tôwʻêbah*) was deeply ingrained in Israelite thought, often referring to practices that were ritually impure, morally repugnant, or directly opposed to the holiness of God and the principles of the Mosaic Law. These included idolatry, child sacrifice, and various sexual perversions. The use of numerical proverbs, like "six...yea, seven," was a common literary device in the ancient Near East, serving to draw attention to a list and emphasize its completeness or the climactic nature of the final item. This structure would have been familiar and impactful to the original audience, signaling the importance of the forthcoming enumeration.

* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Moral Standards**, unequivocally asserting that God is not a passive observer of human conduct but possesses clear, active moral preferences and detestations. This highlights His holy and righteous nature, revealing that certain actions fundamentally contradict His character. Secondly, it introduces the concept of **Abomination** as a severe theological category, signifying not mere disapproval but a profound moral revulsion that reveals the gravity of violating God's character and covenant. This theme is further developed as the specific "abominations" are detailed in [Proverbs 6:17-19](/proverbs/6-17 "Proverbs 6:17-19 - The Seven Abominations"). Finally, the use of **Numerical Parallelism** ("six...yea, seven") is a key literary theme in wisdom literature, drawing attention to a comprehensive and definitive list, often with the final item carrying particular weight or summarizing the totality of the preceding points, thereby emphasizing the certainty and importance of the divine pronouncement. This literary device compels the reader to pay close attention to the subsequent enumeration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." Derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," it signifies God as the self-Existent, Eternal One, the unchangeable and sovereign Creator who reveals Himself and enters into covenant with humanity. The use of this specific name here emphasizes that it is the personal, relational God of Israel, the ultimate moral authority, who expresses this profound hatred and abhorrence.
* **hate (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** This word denotes a strong, personal aversion; an active dislike or enmity. It is not a passive feeling but a deep-seated opposition to the nature of the actions or attitudes described. In the context of God, it signifies His absolute moral revulsion against sin, which is antithetical to His holy character. This divine "hate" is not capricious but is directed against that which destroys truth, justice, and life, reflecting His perfect righteousness.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This term is even stronger than "hate," signifying something utterly disgusting, morally abhorrent, or ritually impure to God. It frequently appears in the Old Testament to describe practices or attitudes that violate God's covenant, His holiness, or fundamental principles of justice and truth, often associated with idolatry or severe ethical transgressions. When God declares something an "abomination," it means it is an offense to His very nature, deserving of His righteous judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These six [things] doth the LORD hate:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine perspective on human conduct, identifying the LORD (Yahweh) as the subject who actively experiences an intense aversion. The numerical marker "six" serves to prepare the listener for a list, signaling that a specific, countable set of items will follow, all of which fall under God's active disapproval. The use of "hate" (sânêʼ) indicates a strong, personal, and righteous opposition to these behaviors.
* **"yea, seven [are] an abomination unto him:"** This second clause employs a common Hebrew literary device known as numerical parallelism (n+1), where the second number is one greater than the first. The "yea, seven" emphasizes the completeness and totality of the list that is about to be presented, often implying that the seventh item is climactic or encapsulates the essence of the preceding ones. The term "abomination" (tôwʻêbah) intensifies the sentiment, indicating something utterly repulsive and morally disgusting to God, a profound offense to His holy character. The phrase "unto him" reiterates that this detestation is personal to God, stemming from His inherent nature.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 6:16 masterfully employs **Numerical Parallelism**, a common feature in wisdom literature, particularly in the "n+1" pattern ("six...yea, seven"). This device serves multiple functions: it creates anticipation for a list, emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the enumeration, and often highlights the final item as particularly significant or climactic. In this case, it signals that the list of seven things is definitive and complete, encompassing all that God finds utterly detestable. The use of **Intensification** is also evident, moving from "hate" (sânêʼ) to the stronger term "abomination" (tôwʻêbah), underscoring the severity and repugnance of these actions in God's eyes. This linguistic progression builds a sense of gravity and urgency for the reader. Furthermore, the verse uses **Personification** by attributing human emotions (hate, abomination) to God, making His moral stance relatable and impactful to the human audience, emphasizing His active engagement with human morality rather than a detached indifference.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 6:16 is a profound theological statement that grounds all subsequent moral instruction in the very character of God. It reveals that God is not a passive deity but one with a deeply personal and righteous moral compass, actively detesting that which is contrary to His holiness and destructive to His created order. This divine hatred is not a flaw, but a manifestation of His perfect love for truth, justice, and life, as He opposes everything that corrupts or destroys these. The verse sets the stage for understanding that true wisdom involves aligning one's life with God's moral preferences, not merely avoiding punishment, but pursuing a life that brings Him pleasure and reflects His character. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine righteousness flows from a heart that fears the Lord and therefore hates what He hates, as articulated in [Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "Proverbs 8:13 - The Fear of the LORD").

* [Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "Proverbs 8:13 - The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil")
* [Psalm 5:4-6](/psalm/5-4 "Psalm 5:4-6 - God Hates Wickedness")
* [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 6:16 serves as a powerful call to introspection and moral alignment. Before even knowing the specific list of what God hates, this verse compels us to acknowledge that God has clear, non-negotiable moral standards. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and lives: Do our values reflect God's values? Are we indifferent to things that grieve God, or do we share His righteous indignation against sin? Understanding that the Eternal LORD actively "hates" and finds certain things "abominable" should cultivate within us a profound reverence and a desire to live in a way that honors His holiness. This isn't about fear of arbitrary rules, but about recognizing the destructive nature of sin and striving for a life that promotes truth, justice, and love, which are reflections of God's character. It motivates us to cultivate a sensitive conscience, to repent of any attitudes or actions that align with what God detests, and to actively pursue virtues that bring Him delight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "hate" and "abomination" deepen your understanding of His holiness and righteousness?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to align your values with what God loves and what He hates?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be unknowingly tolerating or even participating in something that is an "abomination" to God?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible say God "hates" things? Isn't God supposed to be all-loving?**

Answer: The concept of God "hating" in the Bible, particularly in verses like Proverbs 6:16, must be understood within the context of His perfect holiness and justice, not as a human emotion of malice or ill-will. God's hatred is always directed towards sin, evil, and that which is destructive to His creation and His covenant people, rather than towards individuals themselves. His "hate" is the righteous opposition of a perfectly holy Being to everything that contradicts His nature and His good purposes. It is a necessary complement to His love; because He loves righteousness and truth, He must, by His very nature, hate unrighteousness and falsehood. This divine hatred is a manifestation of His unwavering commitment to moral order and His desire for humanity's true flourishing, as seen in passages like [Psalm 11:5](/psalm/11-5 "Psalm 11:5 - God Hates the Wicked").

**What is the significance of the "six...yea, seven" structure?**

Answer: The "six...yea, seven" (or "n+1") structure is a common literary device in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, including the Book of Proverbs. It serves several purposes. Firstly, it functions as a numerical proverb, drawing the reader's attention to a list that is about to be presented. Secondly, it emphasizes the completeness or totality of the list, implying that the enumeration is exhaustive or representative of a full category. Thirdly, the "n+1" pattern often highlights the final item in the list as climactic, particularly significant, or summarizing the essence of the preceding points. In Proverbs 6, it signals that the seven things listed are definitive and profoundly detestable to the Lord, urging the reader to pay close attention to each one. This pattern is also seen in other wisdom texts like [Job 5:19](/job/5-19 "Job 5:19 - He Delivers You from Six Troubles, Yes, Seven") and [Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - For Three Transgressions... and for Four").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 6:16 speaks of the LORD's hatred for certain abominations under the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound understanding are found in Christ. Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of God's character, perfectly manifested both divine love and divine hatred for sin. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), upholding the very moral standards that the Father detests to see violated. Christ's life was a living demonstration of what God loves—truth, humility, justice, and compassion—and what He abhors—hypocrisy, pride, oppression, and falsehood. His righteous anger against the money changers in the temple ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) vividly illustrates His hatred for the perversion of sacred things. More profoundly, on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate recipient of God's righteous wrath against sin, absorbing the "abomination" of humanity's rebellion into His own body, so that those who believe might be reconciled to a holy God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, He provides the means for believers to be transformed, enabling them to genuinely hate what God hates and love what God loves, empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to live lives that are pleasing and no longer an abomination to the Father ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.