What is the meaning behind the concept of "gods" in Buddhism?

This is a question solely addressed to those practitioners who state that any reference to 'gods' in the buddhist suttas/sutras is some kind of metaphor for something other than the kind of gods of other religions (i.e. gods that exist independently of the belief in them, although subject to conditionality). It does not matter the tradition the user may be following. **In your understanding, what does "god" mean?** **In what other words could "a god" be explained?** **What processes or phenomena are they trying to convey?** I'd also appreciate if you quote any canonical source, discourse or teaching of other masters that could support any claim made. Thanks in advance for your time and effort.