Lord’s Library editors answer the question “What does the Bible say about heathens?” with specific Bible references.
Have you ever asked yourself the question, “What does the Bible say about heathens?” If you have, you’re definitely not alone! And since the Bible helps Christians form a foundational understanding of important topics, it’s imperative that one know how Scripture describes heathens in different contexts.
The Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines heathen as “A pagan; a Gentile; one who worships idols, or is unacquainted with the true God.”
Lord’s Library editors thought it would be a helpful exercise to provide Biblical context. As a result, we compiled this short resource, which captures all notable mentions of the word heathens, as well as its other forms. If you’ve been wondering what the King James Bible says about heathens, scroll on for additional detail.
Note: If you want to know what the Bible says about heathens and 206 other important topics (to be exact), our editors recommend Spencer Smith’s Doctrine Matters: Bible Topic Guidebook.
What Does the Bible Say About Heathens?
2 Samuel 22:50
“Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.”
1 Chronicles 16:24
“Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.”
Psalm 115:2-3
“Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”
Micah 5:15
“And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.“
Galatians 1:16
“To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:“
Galatians 3:8
“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.“
Galatians 2:9
“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.“
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