שִׂנְאָה (sin.ah)
sin.ah
hating
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sinah denotes a deep-seated hostility or active rejection. In the Old Testament, it appears fourteen times, primarily within the wisdom literature of Proverbs and the historical narratives of II Samuel, as well as in the Psalms. It describes not merely a fleeting annoyance but a settled attitude of aversion toward another person.
This term carries significant weight in ethical instruction. Proverbs frequently contrasts sinah with love to illustrate moral choices, such as noting that hatred stirs up conflict while love covers over offenses (Proverbs 10:12). The sources indicate it applies to human relationships but also extends to one’s stance before God, reflecting a complete rejection of divine authority or blessing.
The word underscores the destructive power of relational brokenness. When used in historical books like II Samuel, it often marks the turning point in political or familial alliances, showing how entrenched animosity can dismantle social structures. Translators typically render it simply as "hate" or "hatred," capturing the stark reality of a heart turned against another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word sinah describes more than a passing irritation; it points to a deep, settled hostility. In Proverbs, we see this clearly: hatred stirs up conflict, while love covers over wrongs. This contrast reminds us that our inner attitudes shape the peace or turmoil in our relationships. When resentment takes root, it often leads to broken communication and strife.
Yet Scripture also shows God’s perspective on these human struggles. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites feared God hated them for bringing them out of Egypt. This fear highlights how easily we misinterpret divine discipline as rejection. The biblical narrative invites us to trust that God’s actions are rooted in redemption, not malice.
Reflecting on sinah encourages us to examine our own hearts. Are we harboring grudges that stir up strife? Or are we choosing love, even when it is difficult? This word calls us toward reconciliation and peace, trusting that God can heal the brokenness we cause or suffer.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hatred7×
- and/ hatred2×
- the/ hatred1×
- in/ hatred1×
- in/ [the] hatred of1×
- hatred/ their1×
- and/ hatred of1×
- and/ from/ hatred/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׂ֭נְאָה3×
- שִׂנְאָ֣ה2×
- שִׂנְאָתָ֛/ם1×
- שִׂנְאָה֙1×
- שִׂנְאָ֗ה1×
- וּ/מִ/שִּׂנְאָת֣/וֹ1×
- וְ֝/שִׂנְאָ֗ה1×
- וְ/שִׂנְאָה\־1×
- וְ/שִׂנְאַ֖ת1×
- הַ/שִּׂנְאָה֙1×
- בְּ/שִׂנְאָ֖ה1×
- בְּ/שִׂנְאַ֤ת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
This verse contrasts hatred with love to show how sinah actively stirs up strife, highlighting its destructive power in relationships.
-
II Samuel 13:15
Then Amnon hated her with exceedingly great hatred; for the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone!”
Here, Amnon’s hatred exceeds his earlier love, illustrating how sinah can completely reverse affection and lead to harsh rejection.
-
Deuteronomy 1:27
You murmured in your tents, and said, “Because Yahweh hated us, he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us.
The Israelites’ fear that God hated them reveals a misunderstanding of divine purpose, showing how sinah is sometimes projected onto God.
-
Psalms 25:19
Consider my enemies, for they are many. They hate me with cruel hatred.
David describes being hated with cruel hatred, reflecting the personal pain and vulnerability experienced when sinah is directed toward the righteous.