The word "monolatry" is spelled with a silent "o" between the "n" and the "l". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈmɑːnələtri/. The "o" is not pronounced, as it is just used to separate the two "n" sounds. The "l" is then pronounced, followed by the "a" sound. Monolatry means the worship of one god while acknowledging the existence of other deities. It is an important concept in many religions, including ancient Egyptian and Canaanite religions.
Monolatry is a noun that refers to the worship or religious veneration of a single deity while recognizing the existence of other gods or deities. It is derived from the Greek words "monos" meaning "single" and "latreia" meaning "service" or "worship." Monolatry is often associated with ancient religions that acknowledged the existence of multiple gods but singled out one particular deity for exclusive devotion or worship.
In monolatristic belief systems, a particular god or goddess may be considered supreme and worthy of particular veneration, while other gods or spirits are seen as subservient or lesser beings. The focus and devotion to one deity in monolatry can vary, ranging from acknowledging their superiority in power or influence to offering specific sacrifices or prayers exclusively to them. It should be noted that monolatry does not negate the existence of other gods or deny their power, but rather it emphasizes the worship of one particular deity within a larger pantheon.
Monolatry can be observed in various historical religions, such as the worship of Yahweh by early Hebrews, the focus on Amun-Ra in ancient Egyptian religion, or the adoration of Krishna in Vaishnavism. It stands in contrast to monotheism, which asserts the belief in only one god, and polytheism, which recognizes and worships multiple gods equally. Monolatry occupies a unique position between these two concepts, allowing for the worship of a single deity while acknowledging the existence of other divine beings.
The word "monolatry" is derived from two Greek roots: "mono", meaning "one", and "latreia", meaning "worship" or "service".
Specifically, "mono" comes from the Greek word "monos", which means "alone" or "sole". It is commonly used to denote singularity or unity. "Latreia" originates from the Greek verb "latreuo", which describes the act of serving or worshiping a deity. This root is frequently employed in religious contexts to refer to the reverence or adoration given to gods or goddesses.
By combining these roots, "monolatry" can be understood as a term that signifies the worship or veneration of a single deity when multiple deities are recognized or exist. In essence, it denotes the act of honoring or serving one deity while acknowledging the existence of other divine beings.