Lexical Summary sena: To hate, to detest Original Word: שְׂנֵא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hate (Aramaic) corresponding to sane' -- hate. see HEBREW sane' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to sane Definition to hate NASB Translation hate (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שְׂנָא] verb hate (ᵑ7 סְנָא, Syriac  ; see Biblical Hebrew שָׂנֵא); — Pe`al Participle plural suffix שׂנאיך Kt, שָֽׂנְאָךְ Qr (K§ 53, 2, Anm. b)) Daniel 4:16 = thy foes (Biblical Hebrew 3, MI4, Sabean). Topical Lexicon Biblical Setting in Daniel 4:19 Daniel, standing before the most powerful monarch of his age, hears a dream that portends divine judgment. Shaken, he cries, “May the dream apply to those who hate you and its interpretation to your enemies!” (Daniel 4:19). Here שְׂנֵא identifies the king’s adversaries, contrasting their hostility with Daniel’s loyal concern. The verb anchors the text in the lived realities of political rivalry, vindicating God’s sovereignty over every heart posture, whether of devotion or of hatred. Historical and Cultural Background The Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel reflect the diplomatic language of the Neo-Babylonian and early Persian courts. Within that milieu, political survival often hinged on alliances and enmities. To “hate the king” was treasonous, inviting swift retribution. Daniel’s plea that Nebuchadnezzar’s nightmare fall on such haters subtly distances the prophet from any seditious intent while affirming that ultimate justice remains in God’s hand, not the king’s. Theology of Hatred and Divine Sovereignty 1. Hatred as Moral Posture Scripture treats hatred not merely as emotion but as a chosen stance that either aligns with or opposes God’s purposes (Psalm 97:10; Proverbs 8:13). In Daniel 4, those who hate the king simultaneously hate the God who appointed him (Daniel 2:37). God “knows the thoughts of man” (Psalm 94:11) and repays both arrogance and animosity. Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling illustrates how hatred—whether toward God or His servants—cannot thwart divine plans. While Scripture commands believers to reject personal vengeance (Romans 12:19), it commends hatred of evil itself (Amos 5:15). Daniel models this balance: he grieves for the king yet longs to see evil judged. Practical and Ministerial Implications • Intercessory Compassion: Daniel’s sensitivity reminds modern believers to pray even for hostile rulers (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Canonical and Christological Connections Hatred culminates in the rejection of Jesus: “They hated Me without reason” (John 15:25). Yet on the cross the Lord responded, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Daniel’s wish that judgment fall on haters foreshadows the ultimate reversal—Christ absorbs the curse destined for His enemies, offering reconciliation. Thus שְׂנֵא in Daniel directs readers forward to the gospel’s triumph over hostility. Eschatological Outlook Prophetic vision assures that all hatred will be judged when the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord (Revelation 11:15). Until then, the church lives in the tension: hating evil, loving enemies, and trusting God to vindicate truth in His time. Summary שְׂנֵא crystallizes a theme that threads from Daniel’s court to Calvary and beyond: human hatred cannot overturn divine rule. The faithful answer is not retaliation but steadfast witness, confident that every hostile intent lies open before the righteous Judge who “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Forms and Transliterations לְשָֽׂנְאָ֖ךְ לשנאך lə·śā·nə·’āḵ ləśānə’āḵ lesaneAchLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 4:19 HEB: [לְשָׂנְאַיִךְ כ] (לְשָֽׂנְאָ֖ךְ ק) וּפִשְׁרֵ֥הּ NAS: [if only] the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation KJV: the dream [be] to them that hate thee, and the interpretation INT: lord the dream hate interpretation enemy 1 Occurrence |
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