Overview
The Bible addresses polytheism across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Judges, Genesis and Joshua. Closely related themes include Teraphim, Idolatry, Jacob and Patriarchal Government. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jacob, Rachel, Laban and Abraham.
Key Bible verses about polytheism
Old Testament
Genesis
And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. images: Heb. teraphim
Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
Joshua
And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.
Now therefore put away, said he, the strange gods which are among you, and incline your heart unto the LORD God of Israel.
Judges
And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and forgat the LORD their God, and served Baalim and the groves.
And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. strange: Heb. gods of strangers grieved: Heb. shortened
And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. consecrated: Heb. filled the hand
Jeremiah
But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. trouble: Heb. evil
For according to the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense unto Baal. shameful: Heb. shame
People in the Bible and polytheism
Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.
In the Bible dictionary
Studying polytheism for yourself
- Begin with Genesis 31:19, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Judges, Genesis and Joshua each treat the theme.
- Consider the lives of Jacob, Rachel and Laban and how their stories intersect with it.
- Widen the study to related themes: Teraphim, Idolatry, Jacob and Patriarchal Government.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about polytheism?
The Bible addresses polytheism across 13 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Judges, Genesis and Joshua. Closely related themes include Teraphim, Idolatry, Jacob and Patriarchal Government. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jacob, Rachel, Laban and Abraham.
How many Bible verses are about polytheism?
The Bible references polytheism in 13 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention polytheism?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 31:19: “And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. images: Heb. teraphim”
Which people in the Bible are associated with polytheism?
Jacob, Rachel, Laban, Abraham and Terah.
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