Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 6:16

ESV There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
NIV There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
NASB There are six things that the Lord hates, Seven that are an abomination to Him:
CSB The Lord hates six things; in fact, seven are detestable to him:
NLT There are six things the Lord hates — no, seven things he detests:
KJV These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

What does Proverbs 6:16 mean?

Referencing a number, followed by one more, is a common Hebrew literary pattern. It implies, sometimes, that the final item is the summary or culmination of the others. Sometimes, however, it's just a stylized way to introduce those ideas. The same pattern occurs in Job 5:19.

Although the Bible teaches us that God is loving, His love does not overlook sin. In upcoming verses (Proverbs 6:17–19), Solomon lists some of the sins God hates. These are echoed elsewhere in the Bible. Isaiah 61:8 says the Lord hates robbery and wrong. Zechariah 8:17 points out that He hates the planning of evil in the heart against one another. Revelation 2:6 declares that He hates the works of the Nicolaitans. The Greek origins of the word "Nicolaitans" can imply dictatorship or improper eating. It suggests certain individuals were acting as dictators in the church at Ephesus, and / or spreading heresy about foods.

Scripture calls the sins listed in Proverbs 6:17–19 an abomination to the Lord. The word "abomination" applies to anything that greatly offends the Lord, because it is grossly immoral. The idolatrous image that the false prophet erects in the temple in the tribulation period is called "the abomination that makes desolate" or "the abomination of desolation" (Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Revelation 13:14–15).
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