Understanding what Scripture teaches about paganism is important for believers who desire to walk in truth, worship God rightly, and live set apart lives. Throughout the Bible, pagan practices are addressed clearly, often contrasted with devotion to the one true God. These passages were written not to create fear, but to guide God’s people away from false worship and toward faithful obedience.
In this post, we will reflect on 40 powerful bible verses about pagans, examine what the Bible says about paganism, review what Jesus said about pagans, and discuss what the Bible says about pagan holidays. Each section is rooted in Scripture and written to help you grow in understanding and spiritual discernment.
What Does the Bible Say About Paganism?
The Bible consistently warns God’s people not to imitate pagan nations or adopt their religious customs. Paganism in Scripture generally refers to worshiping false gods, idols, nature, or engaging in rituals that reject God’s authority.
God repeatedly commanded Israel to remain separate from surrounding nations whose practices opposed His holiness. Pagan worship often involved idolatry, sorcery, immoral rituals, and trust in created things rather than the Creator.
What Did Jesus Say About Pagans?
Jesus often used the term “Gentiles” or “heathen” to describe those outside the covenant faith. His teachings emphasized:
- Trusting God rather than worrying like pagans
- Avoiding empty rituals in prayer
- Living by faith, humility, and obedience
Jesus did not teach hatred toward pagans. Instead, He taught believers to live differently while showing love and truth. His goal was transformation, not condemnation.
What Does the Bible Say About Pagan Holidays?
Scripture does not list modern holidays by name, but it provides clear principles about worship and celebration.
Biblical Guidelines
- God opposes mixing worship: Deuteronomy 12:4 warns against worshiping God in ways borrowed from pagan customs.
- God desires pure devotion: John 4:24 teaches that true worshipers worship in spirit and truth.
- Believers must test traditions: Colossians 2:16–17 reminds believers not to be judged by human traditions, but also to remain rooted in Christ.
The Bible urges believers to evaluate holidays by asking:
- Does this honor God?
- Does it promote idolatry or false beliefs?
- Does it align with biblical truth?
These principles, supported by bible verses about pagans, help Christians make wise decisions.
40 Powerful Bible Verses About Pagans
Here are 40 powerful bible verses about pagans that clearly show God’s position.
- Deuteronomy 18:9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.”
- Deuteronomy 12:30–31 “Be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods?’”
- Exodus 23:24 “Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices.”
- Leviticus 18:3 “You must not do as they do in Egypt or in Canaan.”
- Psalm 96:5 “For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.”
- Jeremiah 10:2–3 “Do not learn the ways of the nations… For the practices of the peoples are worthless.”
- Isaiah 44:9 “All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless.”
- 1 Kings 18:21 “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him.”
- Judges 2:12 “They forsook the Lord… and followed various gods of the peoples around them.”
- 2 Kings 17:15 “They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless.”
- Psalm 115:4–5 “Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands.”
- Isaiah 45:20 “Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood.”
- Deuteronomy 7:5 “Break down their altars, smash their sacred stones.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:20 “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God.”
- Acts 17:29 “We should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone.”
- Romans 1:22–23 “They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images.”
- Habakkuk 2:18 “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman?”
- Isaiah 2:8 “Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands.”
- 2 Chronicles 33:2 “He followed the detestable practices of the nations.”
- Jeremiah 2:11 “Has a nation ever changed its gods? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God.”
- Psalm 135:15–18 “The idols of the nations are silver and gold.”
- Isaiah 46:6–7 “They lift it to their shoulders and carry it.”
- Ezekiel 14:6 “Repent! Turn from your idols.”
- Joshua 24:14 “Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped.”
- Micah 5:13 “I will destroy your idols and sacred stones.”
- Hosea 4:12 “My people consult a wooden idol.”
- Zephaniah 1:5 “Those who bow down on the roofs to worship the starry host.”
- Isaiah 8:19 “Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
- Colossians 2:8 “Do not be taken captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.”
- Galatians 4:8 “You were enslaved by those that by nature are not gods.”
- Acts 14:15 “Turn from these worthless things to the living God.”
- 1 Thessalonians 1:9 “You turned to God from idols.”
- Revelation 9:20 “They did not stop worshiping demons and idols.”
- Revelation 21:8 “The idolaters… will be consigned to the fiery lake.”
- Jeremiah 16:19 “The nations will come and say, ‘Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods.’”
- Isaiah 42:17 “Those who trust in idols will be turned back in utter shame.”
- Psalm 106:35–36 “They mingled with the nations and adopted their customs.”
- Deuteronomy 4:19 “Do not be enticed into bowing down to them.”
- Ezekiel 20:32 “We want to be like the nations… who serve wood and stone.”
- 1 John 5:21 “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
These bible verses about pagans reveal a consistent message: God calls His people to reject false worship and remain faithful to Him alone.
Conclusion
From beginning to end, Scripture calls God’s people to worship Him alone and reject false gods. The message is consistent: turn away from idols, trust in the living God, and live according to His truth. By reflecting on bible verses about pagans, believers are reminded to remain steadfast in faith, guided by God’s Word, and committed to a life that honors Him above all else.
May these Scriptures strengthen your walk with God and deepen your understanding of His will.
