“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18
Bible Verses About Being Hated
Genesis 37:4 – Joseph’s brothers were envious of him and could not speak peaceably to him.
“When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” – Genesis 37:4
Psalm 38:19 – Our own sins can lead to people turning against us.
“But my enemies are vigorous and strong, and many are those who hate me wrongfully.” – Psalm 38:19
Proverbs 15:12 – Those who despise wisdom may also have hatred towards the wise.
“A scoffer does not like to be corrected; he will not go to the wise.” – Proverbs 15:12
Isaiah 49:7 – Even the Messiah faced rejection and hate.
“This is what the Lord says—the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation.” – Isaiah 49:7
Matthew 5:11 – Being insulted for Jesus’ sake is a mark of blessedness.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” – Matthew 5:11
Matthew 10:22 – We will be hated by everyone for Christ’s name.
“You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:22
Luke 6:22 – There’s a reward for those hated because of their faith.
“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.” – Luke 6:22
John 15:20 – Jesus reminds us of the needed perseverance in facing hatred.
“Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” – John 15:20
Romans 12:14 – We are called to bless those who persecute us.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” – Romans 12:14
1 John 3:13 – It’s expected that the world will not understand us.
“Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” – 1 John 3:13
Revelation 2:10 – We may face suffering for our faith, but we should remain faithful.
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you…” – Revelation 2:10
Psalm 109:3 – Those who hate can use lies and words as weapons.
“With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause.” – Psalm 109:3
Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12
Matthew 24:9 – In the end times, we will be hated on many fronts.
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” – Matthew 24:9
Luke 21:17 – As Christians, we will face hatred from others.
“Everyone will hate you because of me.” – Luke 21:17
John 17:14 – In this world, we may face hate because we follow Jesus.
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world anymore than I am of the world.” – John 17:14
2 Timothy 3:12 – Following Christ can come with persecution.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12
1 John 2:15 – We can’t love the world and God at the same time.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – 1 John 2:15
James 4:4 – Friendship with the world can lead to enmity with God.
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” – James 4:4
Romans 1:29 – Hatred can stem from ungodly behaviors and attitudes.
“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.” – Romans 1:29
Psalm 44:7 – God helps us overcome those who hate us.
“But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us.” – Psalm 44:7
2 Samuel 19:5 – Hate can arise from unforgiveness and brokenness.
“Then Joab went to the king and said, ‘Today you have humiliated all your men who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters…'” – 2 Samuel 19:5
Proverbs 8:13 – Those who hate wisdom will face consequences.
“To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” – Proverbs 8:13
Isaiah 61:7 – God is our comfort amidst hatred and rejection.
“Instead of their shame, my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance.” – Isaiah 61:7
Matthew 5:44 – Jesus teaches us to love our enemies.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
Luke 14:26 – True discipleship may require us to face hatred from family.
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:26
Romans 8:31 – With God on our side, we need not fear hate.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
2 Corinthians 4:9 – Despite hatred, we are never abandoned.
“We are persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:9
Final Thoughts
Facing hatred and animosity can be extremely challenging. The scriptures I shared remind us that being rejected is a part of being a follower of Christ. It is in these moments that we discover the depth of God’s love and our resilience. God encourages us to love even when we are hated, teaching us to respond with grace and compassion.
As we walk through life, let’s cling to the hope and strength found in His word. It’s vital to surround ourselves with messages of love, peace, and understanding that combat hate and fear. We can choose to uplift each other, reflecting Christ in our everyday encounters, living out our faith even in hard times. Together, let’s embrace the beauty of deep relationships with God and others while remaining faithful through adversity.
For more inspiration, check out topics like Scripture Insights, learn about Jesus’ sacrifice, or explore prayers for comfort.