The word hatred (στυγητός) denotes a despicable or loathsome attitude. This stand in contrasts with indifference (μισέω), which conveys the concept of not caring about the well-being of others unless it benefits you. Hate is a type of attitude likened to how a storm makes the sky appear in the distance: dark, gloomy, and threatening (Matthew 16:3).
“Hateful”, as an adjective, is only used once in scripture in Titus 3:3. In submitting to rulers and authorities so that we are ready in every good work, we are to put away blasphemy as we seek peace and show kindness to all. We are not to forget that in our former manner of life we were disobedient, malice, and hateful while being indifferent to others.
Since “hateful” and “indifference” are used together in the same sentence to describe a person’s attitude and activities, they are not synonyms. This distinction is significant because many English translations render indifference (μισέω) as hatred, obscuring the true meaning of indifference. The apostle John writes concerning those who say they love God but are indifferent to their fellow brother in the Lord. Since they are showing indifference to a fellow saint, they cannot be loving God. We love God by loving fellow believers (1 John 4:20). This attitude is not hatred—a despicable and loathsome attitude—but rather not being concerned about their well-being. Indifference conveys an attitude that is apathetic towards others because there is no particular interest in or concern about them.
This cloaking of the meaning of indifference also impacts the saint’s understanding of the world system. The world system does not have a loathsome or despicable attitude towards Christians; instead, it is indifferent to them. This indifference has no issue with using Christianity and Christians for its benefit, but the moment they are no longer of any value to it, the world system will cast them off. Hatred, by contrast, would not tolerate Christians in any aspect of today's civilized world.
During Christ’s ministry, a rich man approached Him, asking how he could obtain eternal life. Addressing Jesus as a "good teacher" (Mark 10:17), the man appeared to use flattering words to gain what he desired. In response, Jesus directed him to obey the Mosaic Law, reflecting the manner in which the man had addressed Him (Mark 10:18-19). When the rich man replied that he had observed the Law from his youth (Mark 10:20), Jesus, expressing love to him—seeking the best for him—instructed him to sell all his possessions and follow Him (Mark 10:21).
This directive was consistent with Christ’s broader teaching during His earthly ministry: the Jews had to take up their cross and follow Jesus (Mark 8:34). The cross they would bear was the rejection of their family, friends, and the rulers of Israel for following the Messiah (Matthew 19:29). However, Jesus’ response was not what the man wanted to hear. As a result, he left in grief, with an attitude of hatred toward Jesus’ words: “But he, while being hateful upon this word, left, being caused to grieve for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22).
The man’s grief did not stem from mere sadness but from his attitude of hatred towards Jesus’s word telling him to give away all his goods and follow Him. The issue was not that he was wealthy but that he held his prosperity in this world to be of more value than eternity. In his hatred towards Jesus’ words, we see why Christ stated that the one who is fond of his life in this world will lose it (Mark 8:35-36).
As Christians, we are to abhor malignant evil while clinging to what is proper (Romans 12:9). “Abhor” is a derivative of “hate”, thus conveying an attitude of disgust. When it comes to wickedness, along with doing things in a wrong manner, we are to regard these types of works as despicable and disgusting. We are to loathe anything that is malignant evil, refusing to have any part in it.
A quality of the wrath of God is demonstrated upon those who live an ungodly and unrighteous lifestyle, along with those who hold down the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). This wrath is manifested by God turning them over to a reprobate mind and allowing them to destroy themselves through their corrupt desires and works. These are the ones who are full of unrighteousness and haters of God (Romans 1:30).
Although not often used in Scripture, “hatred” expresses a loathsome or vile attitude directed at others or situations, making it distinct from indifference. Therefore, the two terms are not synonyms. As for a Christian, hatred is only appropriate when directed towards anything manifesting malignant evil.