שָׂטַם (sa.tam)
sa.tam
to hate
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb satam describes a deep-seated hostility, often translated simply as "to hate." Its lexicon entries emphasize that this is not a fleeting dislike but a sustained state of opposition. The sources define it as bearing a grudge or cherishing animosity against someone, suggesting an active, persistent refusal to reconcile.
With only five occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in Genesis and Job, the word carries significant weight. In these texts, it illustrates relationships fractured by enduring conflict rather than momentary anger. The intensity of satam implies a heart that has hardened against another person, maintaining a stance of enmity over time.
This specific nuance helps clarify difficult biblical passages where family bonds are tested. When used in Genesis, it often marks the beginning of estrangement between siblings or relatives. Translators must choose words that convey this lasting rift, ensuring readers understand the gravity of the division described in these narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word satam describes a deep, lasting hostility rather than a momentary annoyance. In Genesis, it marks serious rifts between family members, showing how broken trust can harden into enduring enmity. Esau’s hatred toward Jacob illustrates how pain and perceived injustice can lead to a desire for revenge, fracturing relationships that should be protected.
Yet this word also highlights the gravity of reconciliation. When Joseph’s brothers feared his hatred, they acknowledged the depth of their past wrongs. The Bible does not shy away from these dark emotions, but it places them within God’s larger story of redemption. Even when human hearts turn cold, divine grace offers a path toward healing and restoration.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you are hostile to/ me1×
- he will bear a grudge/ us1×
- and/ they bear a grudge/ him1×
- and/ it has assailed/ me1×
- and/ he bore a grudge against1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִשְׂטְמֵֽ/נִי\׃1×
- יִשְׂטְמֵ֖/נוּ1×
- וַֽ/יִּשְׂטְמֻ֖/הוּ1×
- וַֽ/יִּשְׂטְמֵ֗/נִי1×
- וַ/יִּשְׂטֹ֤ם1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 27:41
Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.”
This verse shows satam driving Esau to plan murder, revealing how unresolved hurt can escalate into violent intent.
-
Genesis 50:15
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.”
Here the brothers fear Joseph’s hatred, showing their awareness that past sins create lasting emotional barriers.
-
Job 16:9
He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.
Job uses satam metaphorically to describe God’s fierce opposition, illustrating how intense suffering can feel like divine hostility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word satam mean?
How is satam different from other words for hate?
Why does Job say God hates him?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 3 verses
Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of…
Genesis 49:23The archers have severely grieved him, shot at him, and persecuted him:
Genesis 50:15When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully…