What does "heathen" mean? Definition and Origin of the Term The English word “heathen” historically refers to those considered outside the worship of the one true God. In older biblical usage (particularly in translations like the King James Version), “heathen” often paralleled the Hebrew and Greek words meaning “nations,” “Gentiles,” or “pagans.” In modern English Bibles, including the Berean Standard Bible, translations typically render these terms as “nations” or “Gentiles.” Nevertheless, “heathen” still appears in some historical or scholarly writings to describe idol-worshipping peoples, or anyone perceived as not following the God of Scripture. While the term can carry a negative connotation in contemporary usage, understanding its biblical context helps clarify that it fundamentally denotes those not in covenantal relationship with God. Old Testament Usage Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, the word that older English translations sometimes render as “heathen” comes from the Hebrew גּוֹיִם (goyim), meaning “nations.” This appears frequently when God’s people, Israel, interact with surrounding peoples who worship false gods. In Scripture, the term emphasizes a distinction: Israel is instructed to worship Yahweh alone, while the “nations” (or “heathen”) typically follow idolatrous practices. 1. Psalm 2:1: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” The King James Version famously renders “Why do the heathen rage…” Here, the “nations” oppose God’s chosen king, setting themselves against the Lord’s plan. 2. Deuteronomy 18:9: “When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the abominations of those nations.” Ancient cultures surrounding Israel often practiced pagan rituals—such as child sacrifice and worship of Canaanite deities (like Baal)—which archaeology has confirmed through discoveries of sacrificial altars and figurines. Scripture’s admonitions warn Israel not to adopt these practices. This Israel-versus-other-nations contrast in the Old Testament highlights God’s call for holiness: “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). This separation often extended to moral, ceremonial, and societal laws that were designed to keep Israel distinct from the idolatrous customs of neighboring peoples. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, Greek words such as ἔθνη (ethnē) and Ἕλληνες (Hellēnes, often translated “Greeks”) are sometimes rendered “Gentiles” rather than “heathen.” Similar to the Old Testament usage, the term denotes those outside the covenant community, meaning the non-Jewish world or those who did not acknowledge the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 1. Matthew 6:7–8: Jesus warns against “vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do,” referencing pagan prayer practices. In older English translations, this might read as “heathen” prayer practices. 2. Romans 1:16: Paul writes, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” Here “Greek” is a broad term signifying all non-Jews—in a sense, the “nations” or “heathens.” The New Testament also teaches that salvation through Christ is available to everyone—Jew and Gentile (Romans 3:29). This message bridges the gap between those previously identified as the people of God (the covenant people, Israel) and the “nations” (Gentiles, previously described as “heathens”). Now, through Christ’s death and resurrection, “there is neither Jew nor Greek … for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Cultural and Historical Context The term “heathen” developed its modern English connotation partly through early Bible translations and ecclesiastical writings. Over centuries, it evolved in religious and social contexts to describe non-Christian peoples. The concept was reinforced as Christianity spread through Europe, where “heathen” came to represent pagan worshipers of local deities. Archaeological discoveries of ancient temples, pagan altars, and inscriptions confirm the myriad local deities worshiped by pre-Christian and non-Israelite cultures. For example, excavations in regions once inhabited by the Phoenicians and Canaanites uncovered evidence of Baal worship, aligning with biblical condemnations of these “heathen” practices (2 Kings 17:15–17). Biblical Theology of “Heathen” 1. Rebellion Against the Creator: In Scripture, “heathen” peoples often depict those living in rebellion against God. This goes beyond a mere cultural label—Scripture views it as a spiritual condition (Romans 1:21–25). 2. Invitation into Covenant: The overarching message of the Bible, culminating in Christ, is that all nations (“heathen” included) are invited into relationship with the one true God (Isaiah 49:6; John 3:16). 3. God’s Sovereign Plan: From Genesis onward, God’s intent was to bless all nations through the promised Seed (Genesis 22:18). What begins as a distinction between Israel and the “nations” finds resolution when the gospel opens salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 10:12–13). Relevance for Today While “heathen” is less common in current Bible translations, its meaning clarifies the biblical worldview that there are only two categories of people regarding covenant status: those in relationship with God and those outside it. Today, this distinction remains not about ethnic heritage but about faith in Christ, who calls every individual—regardless of background—to receive salvation. In practical teaching, believers see themselves once alienated from God—“without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12)—but now reconciled through faith. This viewpoint fosters humility, since all humanity shares the same need for grace, and invites believers to extend the news of redemption to every “nation” (Matthew 28:19). Broader Apologetic Perspective Although the question “What does ‘heathen’ mean?” focuses on biblical categorization, the broader testimony of history, archaeology, and philosophy supports the Scriptural narrative. Ongoing archaeological excavations in the Middle East reveal records of pagan worship that match biblical descriptions of “nations” serving idols. Additionally, the scientific evidence of design in the natural world points to a Creator, underscoring the biblical view that all humanity, whether called “heathen” or otherwise, is ultimately accountable to the One who made heaven and earth (Romans 1:19–20). Conclusion “Heathen” in biblical literature signifies those outside the covenantal worship of the God of Scripture, often associated with pagan practices and idolatry. Although the English word can carry archaic or pejorative overtones, its root concept in both the Old and New Testaments is that of “the nations” or “Gentiles”—peoples not living in the light of God’s revealed truth. Yet, far from a dismissive term, the Bible consistently presents a redemptive plan that extends hope to all “nations.” Through Israel’s Messiah—Jesus the Christ—the line between Israelite and “heathen” is bridged. Any who were once strangers to covenant promises can become heirs through faith in Christ, fulfilling the promise that every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 7:9) is invited to participate in God’s eternal kingdom. |
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