1 Corinthians 8:5

5 For even if 1there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many 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 anyone loves God, he is known by Him.
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one.
5 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords,
6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord , Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.
7 However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 2 Thessalonians 2:4
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