### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sânêʼ**, represented by `{{H8130}}`, is a primitive root that means **to hate**. It appears **146 times** across **139 unique verses**, and its meaning extends to describe an enemy, foe, or something odious and hateful. This term signifies a strong, personal aversion and is applied to the feelings of both God and human beings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8130}}` is used to describe God's righteous opposition to sin. The Lord declares that He is a jealous God who visits the iniquity of those that **hate** Him [[Exodus 20:5]]. This hatred is directed at specific actions and attitudes, including robbery [[Isaiah 61:8]], wickedness [[Psalms 45:7]], and the shedding of innocent blood. Conversely, the term is also used to describe human animosity. Joseph's brothers **hated** him because of their father's favoritism [[Genesis 37:4]], and the law explicitly commands against **hating** a brother in one's heart [[Leviticus 19:17]]. A key theme is the hatred of wisdom and correction; fools are said to **hate** knowledge [[Proverbs 1:22]], and a person who **hates** reproof is considered brutish [[Proverbs 12:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of animosity and its opposite, affection:
* `{{H157}}` **'âhab** (to have affection for): This word serves as the direct antonym to `{{H8130}}`. Scripture often places them in direct contrast to draw a sharp moral distinction, such as the command to **hate** the evil and **love** the good [[Amos 5:15]].
* `{{H341}}` **'ôyêb** (enemy, foe): This term describes the one who hates. The two words are often used in parallel, as when the psalmist prays for God to scatter his **enemies** and those that **hate** him [[Psalms 68:1]].
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (evil): This is frequently the object of righteous hatred. Believers are commanded to **hate** evil [[Psalms 97:10]], and the fear of the Lord is defined as the act of **hating** evil [[Proverbs 8:13]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): The rejection of God and His wisdom, described as hatred, is directly linked to death. Scripture states that all who **hate** wisdom in fact **love** death [[Proverbs 8:36]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8130}}` is significant, establishing clear moral and spiritual boundaries.
* **Divine Holiness:** God's hatred is not an arbitrary emotion but a perfect and just reaction against all that opposes His holy nature. He **hates** abominable things like idolatry and violence because they are a perversion of His righteous order ([[Deuteronomy 12:31]], [[Psalms 11:5]]).
* **The Mark of the Righteous:** True devotion to God involves aligning one's own heart with His. Therefore, a mark of a righteous person is that he **hates** what God hates, such as lying [[Proverbs 13:5]] and every false way [[Psalms 119:104]].
* **The Consequence of Rejecting God:** To **hate** God is synonymous with rejecting His instruction and wisdom. This path leads to ruin, as those who **hate** knowledge and reproof are destined for shame and death ([[Proverbs 1:29]], [[Proverbs 15:10]]).
* **Interpersonal Ethics:** The concept is foundational to community law, which forbids **hating** a neighbor in one's heart and instead prescribes open rebuke as the proper course of action [[Leviticus 19:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8130}}` is far more than a simple term for dislike. It is a powerful word that delineates the profound opposition between good and evil, God and idolatry, and wisdom and folly. It defines God's holy character, the responsibilities of His followers, and the severe consequences for those who choose to **hate** Him and His instruction. The use of **sânêʼ** illustrates a world of clear moral choices, where one's affections and aversions have eternal significance.
TRV