A.T. Robertson Commentary Romans 9:13

"Even as it is written, Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." — Romans 9:13 (ASV)

Paul quotes Mal 1:2f.

But Esau I hated (τον δε Εσαυ εμισησα). This language sounds a bit harsh to us. It is possible that the word μισεω did not always carry the full force of what we mean by "hate." See Mt 6:24 where these very verbs (μισεω and αγαπαω) are contrasted. So also in Lu 14:26 about "hating" (μισεω) one's father and mother if coming between one and Christ. So in Joh 12:25 about "hating" one's life. There is no doubt about God's preference for Jacob and rejection of Esau, but in spite of Sanday and Headlam one hesitates to read into these words here the intense hatred that has always existed between the descendants of Jacob and of Esau.