"No Other God?" Comparative Language in Biblical Theology

Some Ground Rules

Before we jump into the topic of other gods, we need to remember an important rule of interpretation: we must read every passage of Scripture in light of all of Scripture. The Bible is one unified story, and no verse stands on its own. Immediate context matters—but so does the broader biblical message. This is why comparing Scripture with Scripture is so important. It keeps us grounded, protects us from error, and helps us avoid turning a single verse into a theological mistake. If we don’t read the Bible this way, we can easily slip into confusion—or even heresy.

Physical vs. Spiritual Realms

The Hebrew word for God is Elohim. But Elohim isn’t a personal name like Yahweh—it’s a word used to describe a kind of being. Think of it like the word "human." Human isn't a name, it's a category. It tells us what kind of being someone is. In the same way, Elohim refers to spiritual beings who live in the unseen realm.

Some elohim are angels. Some are demons. And one of them is Yahweh Himself—the one true God. But Yahweh is not like the others. He is the Creator. They are created. He is eternal. They are not. You can read my full article here: Why the Gods Are Real and Why It Matters

But elohim can also be used in a personal and relational way.

“For the LORD (Yahweh) is a great God (Elohim), and a great King above all gods (elohim)” (Psalm 95:3).

This verse uses two titles—God and King—and one name: Yahweh. The message is simple. Yahweh is not the only elohim, but He is greater than all the rest.

That’s why Israel called Yahweh "our God."

"...please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God" (Exodus 3:18).

Think about how kids talk about their dad. They know there are lots of dads in the world, but when they say “Dad,” they’re talking about their own. My kids, for example, might say to someone, “Jon is my dad,” but when they talk to each other, they just say “Dad.”

In the same way, Israelites often used Elohim to refer specifically to Yahweh, their God. You’ll see verses that say “Yahweh our God,” and once that relationship is clear, they’ll often just say Elohim, the same way a child says “Dad” without needing to clarify which one. So while Elohim is a general title, it can become very personal, depending on the relationship and context.

But if there are other elohim, what does the Bible mean when it says, “there is no other god”? Is it denying that these other beings exist?

Not at all.

The Old Testament often uses strong, poetic language to make a point about loyalty and worship. Phrases like “there is no god besides me” or “there is none like you among the gods” are about how Yahweh stands above all others. It’s not saying other spiritual beings don’t exist. It’s saying they don’t compare. They don’t save. They don’t deserve worship.

1. The Old Testament Acknowledges Other Gods

The Bible does not claim that Yahweh is the only elohim in existence. It claims that He is the only one worthy of worship.

Here are some clear examples:

• Psalm 97:7 – “Worship Him, all you gods.”This command assumes other gods are real—and calls them to bow before Yahweh.

• Psalm 95:3 – “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”Yahweh is supreme—not alone, but above all others.

• Psalm 8:5 – “You have made him a little lower than the elohim.”Humans are described as just beneath the elohim—likely a reference to angelic beings. The New Testament confirms this reading in Hebrews 2:7: “You have made him for a little while lower than the angels.”

• Psalm 99:9 – “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at His holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy!” This verse reflects Israel’s covenant relationship with Yahweh by repeatedly calling Him “the LORD our God.” That phrase—used nearly 100 times in the Old Testament—highlights that Yahweh was their God in contrast to the other elohim. It assumes the existence of other spiritual beings but affirms Israel’s exclusive worship and allegiance to Yahweh.

  
  

2. The Bible Uses Comparative Language Among the Gods

Scripture frequently acknowledges the existence of other spiritual powers—but always with a theological punch: none compares to Yahweh.

• Psalm 86:8 – “There is none like you among the gods, O Lord.”This isn’t a denial of their existence—it’s a celebration of Yahweh’s incomparability.

• Deuteronomy 32:17 (NASB) – “They sacrificed to demons, who were not God, to gods whom they have not known.”The problem isn’t that these beings don’t exist. It’s that they are not God—they are unworthy impostors.

• Exodus 15:11 – “Who is like You among the gods, O LORD?”The question assumes there are other gods—but Yahweh alone is majestic and awe-inspiring.

• Deuteronomy 3:24 – “What god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours?”This passage points to Yahweh’s power over all other gods—a truth dramatically displayed in the Exodus. When God rescued Israel from Pharaoh, He didn’t just defeat a nation—He judged the gods of Egypt (Exodus 12:12). Yahweh’s uniqueness is shown in His acts of power and redemption. No other elohim delivers like He does. No other god saves.

Taken together, these verses form a consistent theme: other elohim exist, but Yahweh is incomparable.

3. Divine Exclusivity: Loyalty, Not Ontology

The Bible often uses poetic exaggeration, comparisons, and honor language to make theological points—especially when exalting Yahweh. Phrases like “there is no one besides me” or “none like you” aren’t meant to deny the existence of other beings. They are ways of saying: “No one comes close.”

We see this kind of language used in many other places. In Isaiah 40:17, the nations are said to be “nothing” before God. Of course, the nations exist—but compared to God’s glory, they are nothing. In Isaiah 47:8 and Zephaniah 2:15, cities like Babylon and Nineveh boast, “I am, and there is no one else.” No one takes this to mean other cities didn’t exist—it’s just prideful exaggeration. In 1 Kings 3:12, Solomon is said to be unlike any king before or after him. That doesn’t mean there weren’t other kings—it’s a way of showing his greatness. Job 28:13 says wisdom isn’t found “in the land of the living,” which simply means human effort can’t uncover it. And Isaiah 64:4 says no one has seen a God besides Yahweh who acts for His people. That’s not a denial of other gods—it’s a celebration of Yahweh’s faithfulness.

So what do we do with verses like:

• Deuteronomy 4:35, 39 – “The LORD is God; there is no other besides him.”

• Isaiah 45:5 – “Besides me there is no God.”

• Isaiah 43:11 – “Besides me there is no savior.”

Do these contradict the verses we’ve already seen?

No. They are covenant declarations. Yahweh is saying, “I alone save you. I alone deserve your worship.” It’s not a statement that no other spiritual beings exist. It’s a call to exclusive loyalty.

In other words, these verses are about supremacy, not solitude. Yahweh is not claiming to be the only elohim in existence—He’s claiming to be the only one worthy of Israel’s trust and worship.

Conclusion: One God Above All Others

Biblical monotheism is not a claim that other spiritual beings do not exist. It is a claim that no one else is like Yahweh.

• He alone is uncreated.

• He alone is sovereign over heaven and earth.

• He alone is worthy of worship.

“There is no other god” doesn’t mean no one else is called a god—it means no one else is worthy of worship, loyalty, or trust like Yahweh.

The Bible affirms a populated spiritual realm. But it also shouts with unwavering clarity: “Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Majestic in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders.”