Gods
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Gods in the Bible?
The Hebrew plural elohim denotes superhuman beings, judges, rulers, and deities of other nations, while typically taking singular verbs when referring to the God of Israel to emphasize His supreme authority over other entities.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding elohim clarifies the linguistic and theological distinction between the singular worship of Yahweh and the plural references to other divine powers, aiding readers in interpreting the unique monotheistic claims within the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Gods. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gods in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gods clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Gods." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gods/