Henotheism – What is it?

TL;DR:

Henotheism is the belief in one main god while acknowledging the existence of other gods. While some accuse early Israelites of henotheism, the Bible consistently affirms that there is only one true God and that all other so-called gods are false.

what does the bible say?

Henotheism is the belief that there is one ultimate God without denying the existence of other deities. While some biblical passages appear to acknowledge the existence of other gods (e.g., Exodus 20:3), a closer reading shows that these references are either confronting false worship or are rhetorical. Deuteronomy 4:35 and 6:4 both emphasize that there is no other god besides the LORD. Isaiah 44:6 and 45:5-6 repeatedly declare that He alone is God and that there is no other. Judges 2:11-12 and similar accounts describe Israel’s sinful idolatry, not God’s endorsement of multiple deities. Psalm 96:5 explicitly calls the other gods “worthless idols,” affirming monotheism. The New Testament affirms monotheism. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 6:4 in Mark 12:29-30 to reinforce the oneness of God. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 that idols have “no real existence” and that “there is no God but one.” John 17:3 and 1 John 2:23 both show that knowledge of the Father is inseparable from knowing the Son—further affirming the exclusivity and unity of the one true God.

from the old testament

Some have suggested that the ancient Israelites were henotheists based on the verses in Scripture that speak of the Lord being more powerful than other gods (Exodus 20:3). Though that may initially seem like God was indicating lesser gods exist, He was pointing to the false gods the world worships and making the point that He alone is worthy of worship.
Many times the Israelites disobeyed God and served idols or other gods (Judges 2:11-12). However, their pagan worship does not mean that the Bible teaches henotheism.
Only the true God is to be worshiped. Psalm 96:5 says, “For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.” The other “gods” mentioned in the Old Testament are merely idols.
Moses reminded the Israelites of their impossible escape from Egypt saying, “to you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him” (Deuteronomy 4:35). Rather than henotheism, the Bible is staunchly monotheistic. By His power to save the Israelites, God demonstrated that He, alone, was God.
Moses also said, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The word translated as “one” could also be “alone” (see the NRSV translation; c.f., 2 Kings 19:19). It is a statement of God’s oneness and uniqueness.
God would later say, “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:10-11). Put simply, He was saying there is no other god (c.f., Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 45:6, 44:6).

from the new testament

The New Testament reveals that Jesus is God (John 1:1) in human form (Philippians 2:6-7). However, He was not a distinct God. Instead, He was one with the Father (John 10:30), being of the same divine nature (Hebrews 1:3).
Jesus is, thus, not a distinct God but fully God, He perfectly revealed what the invisible God is like. John said, “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known” (John 1:18).
Indeed, Jesus affirmed the uniqueness of God by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4.
Because Jesus is God, one cannot reject Jesus and still claim to know God. John said, “No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also” (1 John 2:23). Because there is one God, to deny one of the three Persons of the Godhead is to worship a false god.
Paul would reiterate the Old Testament idea that all other gods are worthless idols when he said, “as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that ‘an idol has no real existence,’ and that ‘there is no God but one.’ For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’—yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist” (1 Corinthians 8:4-6). The world is full of claims to other deities, but all except the true God are merely “so-called” gods.

implications for today

Many religions today claim to have one main god that rules over lesser gods. However, the Bible is clear that there is only one God. Everything besides God is either a created being (like Satan and demons) or imaginary gods (like idols). Because of this, any religion which promotes multiple gods does not know the true God at all.

Sometimes polytheists who attempt to convert to Christianity try to add the true God to their list of gods. This is known as syncretism. However, God will not share His glory with any other so-called god (Isaiah 42:8).

In the West our idols are not as obvious as those of ancient peoples. They might include our favorite sports team or our “me time” or our children or basically anything that we love more than God. None of these are inherently sinful, but God refuses to share our religious affection. We must check and correct our devotion.

Is there something or someone you love more than God and would sin against Him to get? Is there something you have that you wouldn’t give up if God asked? “Yes” to any of these indicates a false god in your heart. This is not just a problem for unbelievers. Even believers’ hearts are “idol factories.” We must examine ourselves to ensure our priorities are straight. Jesus said the greatest commandment is that we love God with all of our being (Matthew 22:37-38). Is there an area where you find that is not true in your life? Repent and strive to replace your false god with the true God!

understand

Henotheism is the belief in one main god while acknowledging the existence of other gods.
Scripture teaches that only one true God exists.
God commands our love and devotion to Him alone, not idols.

reflect

What “lesser gods” (idols, distractions, or misplaced priorities) most compete for your devotion to God?
How does knowing that God refuses to share His glory with idols challenge how you live out your faith?
In what practical ways can you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?

engage

How does the Bible’s strong stance against henotheism and idolatry shape the way Christians respond to other religions today?
What are some modern cultural “idols” people might not even recognize as false gods, and how can believers help expose them with love and truth?
How can Christians wisely witness to people from polytheistic backgrounds without compromising the Bible’s clear teaching that there is only one true God?