Biblica Analytica

שָׂטַם

sa.tam (H7852)

to hate

6 verses 3 books OT 6 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# Analysis of שָׂטַם (satam) The Hebrew verb שָׂטַם appears six times in the biblical text and carries the fundamental meaning "to hate." This is a straightforward emotional and relational term, indicating active hostility or intense dislike directed toward a person or entity. The word belongs to the semantic field of negative interpersonal emotions in biblical Hebrew, functioning as a verb that expresses a strong emotional state rather than merely a passive feeling. The limited occurrence of this particular verb—only six instances across the entire Bible—suggests it was not the most common way to express hatred in biblical Hebrew. This relative rarity makes each occurrence potentially significant, though without access to the specific passages where it appears, we cannot determine whether the word carries specialized meanings in particular contexts or whether it was simply one option among several synonymous terms. The restriction to six occurrences indicates the biblical authors had alternative vocabulary choices for expressing similar sentiments. Understanding שָׂטַם requires recognizing it as one expression within a broader Hebrew vocabulary of hostility and rejection. Its precise theological or narrative significance would depend on examining the specific texts where it appears, but the core semantic value—to hate—remained consistent throughout its biblical usage.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Genesis 27:41

Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Genesis 49:23

The archers have severely grieved him, shot at him, and persecuted him:

Genesis 50:15

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.”

Job 16:9

He has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.

Job 30:21

You have turned to be cruel to me. With the might of your hand you persecute me.

Psalms 55:3

because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.