SPECIAL TOPIC: HATE (i.e., OT idiom of comparison uses in the NT)

There are several Hebrew roots that convey the concept of hostility.

The NT highlights one usage that caused moderns' misunderstanding (i.e., hyperbole). It is used as an idiom of "comparison" in Genesis 29:31,33; Deuteronomy 21:15; Malachi 1:2-3.

This idiomatic use is found in

Jesus' statements about loyality to Him must be before family (i.e., father, mother, siblings, cf. Matt. 10:37; Luke 14:26; also note Luke 12:49-53
Jesus' stark words in Matt. 6:24 and about the impossibility of having two priority commitments. He uses this "love" – "hate" contrast
Jesus' statement about worldly priorities in John 12:25
Paul's use of the idiom from Mal. 1:2-3 in Rom. 9:13, where it refers to the priority of the Messianic line (i.e., Israel vs. Edom)

God's Kingdom, God's Messiah, and God's plan for mankind must always have priority over self and the world!