Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "unloved" often refers to individuals who experience a lack of affection or favor, particularly within familial or marital relationships. This concept is explored in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the emotional and spiritual challenges faced by those who feel unloved.
Leah and RachelOne of the most poignant examples of being unloved is found in the account of Leah and Rachel, the wives of Jacob. Leah, the elder sister, is described as being less favored by Jacob compared to her sister Rachel.
Genesis 29:31 states, "When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren." Leah's experience of being unloved by her husband is a central theme in her account, and it underscores the pain and longing for acceptance and love that she endures. Despite her situation, God shows compassion towards Leah by blessing her with children, which in the cultural context of the time, was a significant source of honor and value.
Hagar and IshmaelAnother narrative involving the theme of being unloved is the account of Hagar and her son Ishmael. Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant, becomes pregnant by Abraham, leading to tension with Sarah, Abraham's wife. Eventually, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away, effectively making them feel unloved and abandoned. In
Genesis 21:17 , God hears the cries of Ishmael and reassures Hagar, saying, "Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies." This account illustrates God's attentiveness to those who are marginalized and unloved, providing them with hope and a future.
David and MichalThe relationship between David and Michal, Saul's daughter, also reflects the theme of being unloved. Initially, Michal loves David and helps him escape from her father's wrath (
1 Samuel 19:11-17). However, as the narrative progresses, their relationship deteriorates. In
2 Samuel 6:16, Michal despises David in her heart as she watches him dance before the LORD. The estrangement between David and Michal serves as a reminder of how love can wane and turn into disdain, leaving individuals feeling unloved and isolated.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe Bible also addresses the spiritual implications of feeling unloved. In the New Testament, the love of God is presented as the ultimate remedy for the human experience of being unloved.
Romans 5:8 declares, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This profound expression of divine love offers assurance and comfort to those who feel unloved by others, emphasizing that God's love is steadfast and unconditional.
Christian ResponseFrom a Christian perspective, believers are called to reflect God's love in their relationships with others. Jesus' commandment in
John 13:34 states, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another." This directive encourages Christians to actively love and care for those who may feel unloved, embodying the love of Christ in their actions and attitudes.
In summary, the theme of being unloved is intricately woven into the biblical narrative, offering both a reflection on human relationships and a revelation of God's enduring love for His people. Through these accounts and teachings, the Bible provides insight into the struggles of feeling unloved and the hope found in God's unwavering love.
Strong's Hebrew
8146. sani -- hated, held in aversion... 8145, 8146. sani. 8147 . hated, held in aversion. Transliteration: sani
Phonetic Spelling: (saw-nee') Short Definition:
unloved.
...8130. sane -- to hate
... 3), enmity (1), foes (1), hate (78), hated (28), hated her intensely (1), hates
(19), hating (2), hatred (1), turned against (1), turns against (2),unloved (7...
Library
October 27:
... 27-Oct. October 27th. No worse fate can befall a man in this world than to
live and grow old alone, unloving andunloved. To be lost...
The Defence
... No worse fate can befall a man in this world than to live and grow old
alone, unloving, andunloved. To be lost is to live in an...
The Gods of Egypt
... It was a sorry solution of his problem to feel that he wasunloved, and even while
he recognized its efficacy, he prayed that it might not be so....
Anon.
... I shall not much bewail my woe. But even to be. In heavenunloved of Thee,. Were
hell in heaven for to see. Then hear my cry and help afford:...
An Intercession
... Wouldst lead them now! Why in the hard and thorny way they press.Unloved, uncomforted,
with none to bless,. In living death, I know not: but spare Thou,....
The Looks of Jesus
... to the assured inward peace and spontaneous goodness for which he longed, and had
not found in all the round of punctilious obedience tounloved commandments....
The Trial by Fire
... Wild cries and passionate desires, flung upwards to anunloved god, are not prayer;
and that solace and anchor of the troubled soul is wanting in all the...
The First Preaching at Antioch
... If we are true to our Lord, we shall feel that we cannot but speak up and out for
Him, and that all the more where His name isunloved and unhonoured....
Again the Council of the Covenant was in Session. ...
... would not let you go.". Thisunloved and terrible man, still leaning upon
the shoulder of Vergilius, wept feebly. It seemed as if...
Growth in Christliness of Life.
... They hear the plaintive voices of dying men, and the tearful cries of
despondent women, and the helpless moans ofunloved children....
Thesaurus
Unloved (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Unloved (6 Occurrences).
... Proverbs 30:23 for an
unloved woman when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress.
...Unloosing (1 Occurrence)
Unloving (2 Occurrences)
Mistress (20 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 30:23 for anunloved woman
when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress....
Maid (57 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 30:23 for anunloved woman
when she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress....
Heir (20 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Proverbs 30:23 for anunloved woman when she is married; and a handmaid
who is heir to her mistress. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)....
Handmaid (77 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Proverbs 30:23 for anunloved woman when
she is married; and a handmaid who is heir to her mistress....
Resources
What are the five love languages? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Elisha request a double portion of Elijah's spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Agur son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30)? | GotQuestions.orgUnloved: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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