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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Oct 269 min read

How Does the Bible Address Henotheism and the Worship of One True God?

Henotheism, a belief system that acknowledges the existence of multiple gods while asserting the supremacy of one over others, has been a subject of debate in religious studies. For Christians, the fundamental question arises: Does the Bible support or refute henotheism? Henotheism is distinct from polytheism, where multiple gods are worshiped equally, and from monotheism, which acknowledges only one God. In examining this issue, it is essential to explore whether the Bible recognizes other gods as real entities or if it unequivocally affirms the sole sovereignty and existence of Jehovah as the one true God.


In this article, we will delve deeply into the Scriptures, using a conservative Evangelical Christian approach to evaluate whether the Bible contains any elements of henotheism. Through this investigation, we will explore the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, passages often misunderstood as endorsing the existence of other gods, and the ultimate declaration of monotheism as found in the Bible.



What is Henotheism and How Does It Differ From Monotheism?


Henotheism is a belief system that posits the existence of many gods but worships one as superior. This differs from monotheism, where only one God exists. Some critics of Christianity claim that the Bible supports a form of henotheism because of its mention of "other gods" in the Old Testament. However, the Bible presents a clear picture that while other "gods" may be acknowledged as existing in the beliefs of surrounding cultures, they are not presented as legitimate or real beings who share any authority or power with Jehovah, the one true God.



Are the "Other Gods" of the Bible Real?


The Bible does mention "other gods" multiple times, particularly in the Old Testament. For example, in Exodus 20:3, Jehovah commands, "You shall have no other gods before me." This verse, part of the Ten Commandments, is sometimes cited by those who claim that the Bible allows for the existence of other gods. However, it is crucial to understand that these "gods" are not presented as true deities. Instead, they represent idols or false gods worshiped by the nations surrounding Israel. Jehovah explicitly forbids the worship of these entities, stating in Isaiah 45:5, "I am Jehovah, and there is no other; besides me there is no God."


The acknowledgment of these "gods" reflects the idolatrous practices of the peoples surrounding Israel, rather than the Bible endorsing their existence as real divine beings. These "gods" are consistently denounced as lifeless idols, unable to save or act on behalf of those who worship them. Psalm 115:4-7 describes the idols of the nations as mere objects made of silver and gold, fashioned by human hands: "They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk." The Bible leaves no room for the reality of these "gods" as genuine beings.



Does the Bible Teach Monotheism or Henotheism?


From the very beginning, the Bible establishes the singularity of Jehovah as the one true God. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse does not allow for the participation of any other gods in the act of creation. Jehovah alone is the Creator of all things, demonstrating His unique and sovereign position over the universe.


Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly asserts His singularity and supremacy over all creation. In Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema, one of the most important confessions of faith in Judaism and Christianity, declares, "Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one." This affirmation not only emphasizes the unity of God but also His exclusive claim to worship and authority. There is no room for the acknowledgment of any other gods as real, independent beings.


Isaiah 44:6 further underscores this point: "Thus says Jehovah, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.'" In this verse, Jehovah leaves no ambiguity—He alone is God, and there is no other. This absolute declaration of monotheism is echoed throughout Scripture, reaffirming that Jehovah does not share His divine nature with any other being.



What About Passages that Seem to Acknowledge Other Gods?


Some passages in the Old Testament appear to recognize the existence of other gods. For example, in Psalm 82:1, we read, "God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment." Does this passage suggest that the Bible acknowledges a pantheon of gods? A closer examination of the context and language reveals that this is not the case.


Psalm 82 portrays Jehovah as presiding over a "divine council," a metaphorical assembly where God judges the leaders and rulers of the earth, referred to as "gods." In this context, the term "gods" does not refer to literal deities but to human judges or rulers who held positions of authority. Jesus Himself clarifies this in John 10:34-36, where He references Psalm 82:6 and explains that those who received God's Word were called "gods" because of their representative role, not because they were divine beings.


Similarly, in Exodus 22:28, the term "gods" is used to describe human judges: "You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people." The Hebrew word used here, elohim, can refer to both the true God and to human judges or rulers who act as representatives of God’s justice on earth. Therefore, these passages do not support the existence of a pantheon of gods but instead use metaphorical language to describe human authorities acting in God’s name.



The Worship of Idols and False Gods in the Bible


The Bible frequently condemns the worship of idols and false gods, demonstrating that these entities are not real gods at all. Deuteronomy 32:21 states, "They have made me jealous with what is no god; they have provoked me to anger with their idols." Here, Jehovah is clear that the "gods" Israel turned to were not gods in any real sense but were instead lifeless idols, powerless to act.


In 1 Corinthians 8:4, Paul echoes this sentiment in the New Testament, stating, "We know that 'an idol has no real existence,' and that 'there is no God but one.'" Paul’s argument is that idols, which represented the gods of the nations, are nothing more than empty symbols. They have no real existence or power, and there is only one true God—Jehovah.


The Israelites were repeatedly warned not to follow the idolatrous practices of the nations around them. Exodus 20:3-5 commands, "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, Jehovah your God, am a jealous God." This warning against idolatry highlights the exclusive worship that Jehovah demands. The existence of idols does not imply the existence of real gods, but rather the human propensity to create and worship false representations of deities.



How Does the New Testament Address the Issue of Other Gods?


The New Testament continues the monotheistic teachings of the Old Testament and affirms that there is only one God. In 1 Timothy 2:5, Paul writes, "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." This statement leaves no room for the worship or acknowledgment of other gods. Jesus Himself reaffirms the commandment to worship Jehovah alone when He states in Matthew 4:10, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve."


Paul’s address to the Athenians in Acts 17:22-31 also illustrates the biblical rejection of henotheism. In his speech, Paul acknowledges that the Athenians worshiped many gods, even erecting an altar "to the unknown god." However, Paul declares that the true God is not one among many but is the Creator of all things and does not dwell in temples made by human hands. He asserts that Jehovah alone is the Lord of heaven and earth, further emphasizing the Bible’s consistent monotheism.


In 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, Paul warns believers against participating in pagan rituals: "No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons." Paul makes it clear that the so-called "gods" of pagan religions are not gods at all, but demonic entities that deceive people into false worship.



How Does God's Unique Sovereignty Refute Henotheism?


One of the key themes in the Bible is the sovereignty of Jehovah as the one and only true God. The Bible frequently emphasizes that Jehovah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe, refuting the idea that other gods have any real power or authority.


Isaiah 40:25-26 declares Jehovah's incomparable greatness: "To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power, not one is missing." This passage highlights Jehovah’s unique role as Creator, a role that no other being shares.


Similarly, in Isaiah 46:9-10, Jehovah asserts His sovereignty over all things: "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" Jehovah’s omniscience and omnipotence set Him apart from any so-called "gods" worshiped by the nations.


Revelation 4:11 also proclaims the singular worship due to Jehovah: "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." The exclusive worship of Jehovah as the Creator is a recurring theme throughout Scripture and firmly rejects any notion of henotheism.



Monotheism as the Clear Teaching of the Bible


The Bible consistently teaches monotheism, rejecting the existence of other gods as real, independent beings. While the Bible acknowledges that idols and false gods were worshiped by the nations surrounding Israel, it categorically denies that these entities are real deities. Jehovah alone is the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and He alone is worthy of worship.


From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible affirms the unique sovereignty of Jehovah and calls all people to recognize and worship Him alone. Henotheism, with its acknowledgment of multiple gods, is incompatible with the biblical teaching of monotheism. As conservative Evangelical Christians, we affirm that the Bible reveals Jehovah as the only true God, and it is to Him alone that we owe our worship, allegiance, and trust.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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