1 Corinthians 8:5

5 Even though there are things called gods, in heaven or on earth (and there are many "gods" and "lords"),

1 Corinthians 8:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 8:5

For though there be that are called gods
That are so by name, though not by nature; who are called so in Scripture, as angels and magistrates, or by men, who give them such names, and account them so:

whether in heaven;
as the sun, moon, and stars:

or in earth;
as men who formerly lived on earth; or various creatures on earth, who have been accounted deities; or stocks and stones graven by man's device:

as there be gods many:
almost without number, as were among the Egyptians, Grecians, Romans, and others; yea, even among the Jews, who falling into idolatry, their gods were according to the number of their cities, ( Jeremiah 2:28 )

and lords many;
referring to the Baalim, or the several idols that went by the name of Baal, or lord, as Baal Peor, ( Numbers 25:3 ) Baal Zephon, ( Exodus 14:2 ) Baal Zebub, ( 2 Kings 1:2 ) Baal Berith, ( Judges 8:33 ) .

1 Corinthians 8:5 In-Context

3 But if any person loves God, that person is known by God.

4 So this is what I say about eating meat sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is really nothing in the world, and we know there is only one God.

5 Even though there are things called gods, in heaven or on earth (and there are many "gods" and "lords"),

6 for us there is only one God -- our Father. All things came from him, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord -- Jesus Christ. All things were made through him, and we also were made through him.

7 But not all people know this. Some people are still so used to idols that when they eat meat, they still think of it as being sacrificed to an idol. Because their conscience is weak, when they eat it, they feel guilty.