henotheism

[ hen-uh-thee-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the worship of a particular god, as by a family or tribe, without disbelieving in the existence of others.
2. ascription of supreme divine attributes to whichever one of several gods is addressed at the time.

henotheism

/ ˈhɛnəʊθiːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the worship of one deity (of several) as the special god of one's family, clan, or tribe

Derived Forms

• ˈhenotheist, noun
• ˌhenotheˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• heno·theist noun
• heno·the·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of henotheism¹

1855–60; < Greek heno-, combining form of hén one (neuter of heîs ) + theism

Word History and Origins

Origin of henotheism¹

C19: from Greek heis one + theos god

Example Sentences

In other words, the ordinary Israelite worshipper of Yahweh was at this time far removed from monotheism, and still remained in the preliminary stage of henotheism, which regarded Yahweh as sole god of Israel and Israel’s land, but at the same time recognized the existence and power of the deities of other lands and peoples.

From Project Gutenberg

It marks the highest point to which the Hebrew race attained in its progress from henotheism to monotheism.

From Project Gutenberg

Henotheism, hen′ō-thē-izm, n. the ascribing of supreme power to some one of several gods in turn: the belief in a special supreme god over a particular people—a national or relative monotheism.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

Pettinato theorizes that the Eblaites evolved from polytheism into henotheism, the worship of a supreme creator-god within the pantheon.

From Time Magazine Archive

Probably it is the aspect of national monotheism, or henotheism, as it should more accurately be called, which impresses so many, whereas this feature was an historical accident.

From Project Gutenberg