### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sinʼâh**, represented by `{{H8135}}`, is the primary term for **hate** or **hatred**. It appears **16 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the root verb meaning "to hate," `{{H8130}}`, `sinʼâh` describes not just an internal feeling but an active and often destructive force that manifests in conflict, deceit, and violence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H8135}}` is frequently set in direct opposition to love. Proverbs states that "Hatred{H8135} stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins" [[Proverbs 10:12]] and that a simple meal with love is better than a feast accompanied by **hatred** [[Proverbs 15:17]]. The term is also linked with concealment and treachery, as one who "hideth **hatred** with lying lips... is a fool" [[Proverbs 10:18]]. It can describe a "cruel **hatred**" from enemies [[Psalms 25:19]] or the intense revulsion following a sinful act, as when Amnon's **hatred** for Tamar became greater than his previous love [[2 Samuel 13:15]]. In their rebellion, the Israelites even accused God of acting out of **hatred** toward them [[Deuteronomy 1:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope and impact of **hatred**:
* `{{H160}}` **ʼahăbâh** (love): This is the direct antithesis of `sinʼâh`. Scripture often contrasts the two to highlight their opposing outcomes, with love covering sin while hatred stirs up strife [[Proverbs 10:12]].
* `{{H8130}}` **sânêʼ** (to hate): As the root verb, this signifies the action of hating. `sinʼâh` is the resulting state or emotion. The two are used together to express a complete and total animosity, as in "I **hate** them with perfect **hatred**" [[Psalms 139:22]].
* `{{H341}}` **ʼôyêb** (enemy): This term identifies the object of hatred. The psalmist asks God to consider his **enemies** who hate him with a cruel hatred [[Psalms 25:19]].
* `{{H4090}}` **mᵉdân** (strife): This is a direct consequence of hatred. Scripture explicitly states that hatred is the force that "stirreth up **strifes**" [[Proverbs 10:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8135}}` is significant, primarily illustrating a force contrary to God's nature and purposes.
* **A Source of Conflict and Deceit:** Hatred is presented as a catalyst for social and moral decay. It incites "strifes" [[Proverbs 10:12]] and is often hidden by "deceit" [[Proverbs 26:26]], revealing its corrupting influence on human relationships.
* **The Opposite of Love:** The frequent contrast between hatred and love establishes a core ethical choice. A life characterized by love is superior to one marked by hatred, regardless of material wealth [[Proverbs 15:17]]. In the afterlife, human love, **hatred**, and envy all perish [[Ecclesiastes 9:6]].
* **An Unjust Accusation Against God:** In a state of unbelief, the Israelites projected **hatred** onto God, claiming it was His motive for leading them into the wilderness to die ([[Deuteronomy 1:27]], [[Deuteronomy 9:28]]). This demonstrates how a human perspective distorted by fear can misinterpret God's actions.
* **An Expression of Unrighteousness and Righteousness:** Hatred is shown as the reward given for love and good [[Psalms 109:5]], but it can also be a righteous response to evil, as when the psalmist declares a "perfect **hatred**" for God's enemies [[Psalms 139:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8135}}` is far more than a simple emotion. It is a powerful and destructive principle, defined in Scripture by its opposition to love and its tendency to produce strife, deceit, and violence. Whether describing the personal animosity between individuals, a misinterpretation of divine justice, or a righteous fury against evil, `sinʼâh` serves as a critical concept for understanding the nature of sin and its stark contrast with the biblical ideal of love.