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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words can provide deeper insight into the meaning and context of Scripture. The Greek word μισέω (miséō), occurring in Matthew 5:43, is one such term that holds theological and cultural significance. Translating to “hate” or “to detest,” miséō appears in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, where it often conveys strong emotions of opposition, whether in a personal or moral sense. The term’s use in the context of Jesus’ teachings on love and forgiveness in the Sermon on the Mount makes its study particularly essential for understanding the radical call to love even one’s enemies in Christian ethics.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μισέω (miséō)

Pronunciation: mee-SEH-oh

Etymology: The word miséō originates from a root meaning “to hate” or “to detest.” It is often associated with strong emotional aversion or enmity and can also imply rejection or avoidance of something deemed unworthy or opposed to one’s values. The word shares connections with other terms related to enmity, such as μῖσος (misos), meaning “hatred” or “enmity.”

Part of Speech: Verb. Miséō is a regular verb that takes both active and passive forms depending on the subject and context. It typically conveys an active state of aversion or enmity, but it can also appear in passive constructions.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Hate or Detest – The primary meaning of miséō is “to hate” or “to feel intense dislike or aversion.” This can be directed toward individuals, objects, or concepts, often signifying a deep emotional rejection.

2. To Regard with Less Affection – In some contexts, miséō can imply loving something less or showing a preference for one thing over another. This is often seen in comparative uses, such as in Luke 14:26, where Jesus says that one must “hate” father and mother in comparison to their love for Him.

3. To Reject or Oppose – Miséō can also carry the connotation of moral or spiritual rejection, particularly in contexts where someone or something is opposed to God’s ways.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἐχθρός (echthros) [ekh-THROS]: Meaning “enemy” or “hated one,” this word is often used to describe individuals who are in opposition to one another, whether personally or ideologically. While miséō conveys the feeling of hate, echthros refers more to the relational or antagonistic state.

2. ἀπεχθάνομαι (apechtanomai) [ap-ek-THAN-oh-my]: This verb means “to become hateful” or “to incur hatred,” often focusing on the process of becoming despised rather than the active hatred miséō conveys.

3. στυγέω (stygeō) [stoo-GEH-oh]: This word means “to abhor” or “to loathe” and often carries a stronger emotional charge than miséō, implying revulsion rather than simple enmity.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:

Miséō appears in various tenses, primarily in the present and aorist, indicating both continuous and completed actions of hatred. It is conjugated in the active and passive voices, reflecting actions both done by and experienced by the subject. For example, the present indicative forms are as follows:

Person Singular Plural

1st μισῶ μισοῦμεν

2nd μισεῖς μισεῖτε

3rd μισεῖ μισοῦσι(ν)

For a more detailed understanding, refer to this beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, miséō is often used in contrast to agapē (love), particularly in the teachings of Jesus about loving enemies (Matthew 5:43) and in the context of spiritual loyalty (Luke 14:26). Theologically, miséō reflects the choice between devotion to God and attachment to worldly or sinful values. This word is also present in classical Greek, where it conveys similar meanings of enmity and aversion but can also include moral or civic disapproval, as in rejecting unjust rulers or societal evils.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:43 – “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate [μισήσεις] thine enemy.”

2. Luke 14:26 – “If any man come to me, and hate [μισέω] not his father, and mother, and wife, and children… he cannot be my disciple.”

3. John 15:18 – “If the world hate [μισεῖ] you, ye know that it hated [μισήσει] me before it hated you.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Example Text

Homer Iliad “He hated [μισήσει] the war and its devastation.”

Plato Republic “The unjust man is hated [μισέω] by the gods and men alike.”

Herodotus Histories “The people hated [μισέω] the tyrant for his cruelty.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μισέω (miséō) plays a crucial role in New Testament teachings, particularly in the context of Jesus’ radical call to love one’s enemies and reject enmity. It encapsulates a strong emotional and moral aversion, which, in certain contexts, signifies moral rejection rather than personal hatred. Its presence in both biblical and classical Greek highlights its broad application in describing personal, societal, and spiritual forms of opposition.

Did You Know?

1. Miséō is the root of the English word “misanthropy,” meaning a dislike or hatred of humanity.

2. In the context of the Gospels, miséō is often juxtaposed with love to highlight the radical contrast between the world’s values and the love commanded by God.

3. The word miséō also appears in the Septuagint, particularly in reference to God’s rejection of wickedness and idolatry.