There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text uses a specific literary device, numbering six things God hates and then adding a seventh that is an "abomination." This isn't just a list; it highlights that while God detests all these harmful actions, there's a special emphasis on the depth of His aversion for the complete set, culminating in behaviors that deeply offend His very being.
There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is not a standalone statement but follows a vivid description of a lazy, deceitful scoundrel who causes trouble. It serves as a stark warning, highlighting the specific actions and character traits that God finds utterly detestable, framing them within a common ancient literary device of numbered lists. This list then continues to detail those abominable traits, all of which are presented as deeply offensive to God's very being.
Ever wondered what truly offends God? This verse gives us a direct, albeit startling, answer. It's not just about grand sins, but specific attitudes and actions.
Proverbs 6:16 presents a stark declaration: God hates six things and detests seven. This isn't a mere suggestion; it's a divine pronouncement. The language used – 'hate' and 'abomination' – signifies a deep, righteous revulsion.
Why This List?
These aren't random sins. They are presented immediately after the description of a wicked, deceitful person (Proverbs 6:12-15). This list serves to pinpoint the very character traits that make such a person so offensive to God and so destructive to human society.
Beyond a Simple Count
The numbers six and seven are often used in biblical literature to signify completeness. While commentators discuss whether the seventh item is uniquely worse, the overwhelming consensus is that all listed items are utterly detestable to God. The numbers likely emphasize the totality of these wicked characteristics.
This isn't just a list of sins, but a window into God's own character. What does His hatred of these things tell us about Him?
The specific items listed in Proverbs 6:17-19 reveal God's deep commitment to truth, innocence, relational harmony, and humility.
Traits God Hates:
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Understand the original words
sane · Hebrew Verb
A term expressing God's intense displeasure and rejection of things that are contrary to His holy nature and moral law. It signifies a profound moral abhorrence.
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Something that is morally detestable, repugnant, or utterly offensive to God, often associated with idolatry or gross sin. It denotes an object or action that is essentially incompatible with God's holiness.
This Psalm directly states that God hates the wicked and loves righteousness, echoing the sentiment of Proverbs 6:16 that certain actions are detestable to Him.
Malachi 2:16This passage emphasizes God's hatred for divorce and those who deal treacherously, highlighting that God takes interpersonal faithfulness very seriously, much like the 'sowing discord among brethren' mentioned in Proverbs.
Romans 1:29-32This New Testament passage lists many behaviors that are detestable and worthy of death, aligning with the Old Testament's declaration that God hates specific sinful actions and attitudes.
1 John 3:15This verse states that anyone who hates their brother is a murderer, directly connecting the sin of sowing discord and hatred with a deeper, God-hating disposition that Proverbs also condemns.
bensonProverbs 6:16: "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:"
Proverbs 6:16-19 . These six things — Generally found in those men of Belial, described in the foregoing verses; doth the Lord hate — Namely, above many other sins, which have a worse name in the world; a proud look — Pride of heart, which commonly discovers itself by a man’s looks and gestures; a lying tongue — Lying and deceit in his common conversation. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations — Wh…
pulpitProverbs 6:16: "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:"
Verse 16. - The whole structure and arrangement of the thoughts which occur in vers. 16-19 clearly show that this is not an independent section, but one closely allied to that which has just preceded. The object is to show that those evil qualities of deceit and malice which are disastrous to man are equally odious in the sight of Jehovah, and consequently within the scope of the Divine displeasure. Th…
The text uses a specific literary device, numbering six things God hates and then adding a seventh that is an "abomination." This isn't just a list; it highlights that while God detests all these harmful actions, there's a special emphasis on the depth of His aversion for the complete set, culminating in behaviors that deeply offend His very being.
This verse is not a standalone statement but follows a vivid description of a lazy, deceitful scoundrel who causes trouble. It serves as a stark warning, highlighting the specific actions and character traits that God finds utterly detestable, framing them within a common ancient literary device of numbered lists. This list then continues to detail those abominable traits, all of which are presented as deeply offensive to God's very being.
This verse is not a standalone statement but follows a vivid description of a lazy, deceitful scoundrel who causes trouble. It serves as a stark warning, highlighting the specific actions and character traits that God finds utterly detestable, framing them within a common ancient literary device of numbered lists. This list then continues to detail those abominable traits, all of which are presented as deeply offensive to God's very being.
"There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:" — The text uses a specific literary device, numbering six things God hates and then adding a seventh that is an "abomination." This isn't just a list; it highlights that while God detests all these har…
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Last reviewed October 2026