1 Corinthians 8:5

KJV

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} though {G1512}{G2532} there be {G1526} that are called {G3004} gods {G2316}, whether {G1535} in {G1722} heaven {G3772} or {G1535} in {G1909} earth {G1093},(as {G5618} there be {G1526} gods {G2316} many {G4183}, and {G2532} lords {G2962} many {G4183},)

Complete Jewish Bible

For even if there are so-called “gods,” either in heaven or on earth — as in fact there are “gods” and “lords” galore —

Berean Standard Bible

For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords),

American Standard Version

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 8:5, Paul addresses the reality of polytheism in the Greco-Roman world, acknowledging that many entities are "called gods" or "lords" by people, whether these are perceived celestial beings, terrestrial powers, or deified human figures. This verse serves as a crucial preamble to his declaration in the subsequent verse regarding the singular nature of the one true God and one Lord, Jesus Christ, thereby setting the stage for his nuanced teaching on Christian liberty concerning meat sacrificed to idols.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive discourse in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - On Eating Food Sacrificed to Idols") concerning the eating of food offered to idols. The chapter begins by contrasting "knowledge" with "love," asserting that while believers may possess the knowledge that "an idol has no real existence" and "there is no God but one" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - No God But One")), this knowledge must be exercised with love and consideration for those with a "weak conscience" ([1 Corinthians 8:7](/1_corinthians/8-7 "1 Corinthians 8:7 - The Weak Conscience")). Verse 5 functions as a concession, acknowledging the prevailing polytheistic worldview of the Corinthians before Paul introduces the definitive Christian monotheistic confession in [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - The One God and One Lord"). It highlights the cultural reality that necessitates Paul's careful instruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a major commercial hub and a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions in the first century Roman Empire. Its strategic location meant it hosted numerous temples and cults dedicated to a vast pantheon of Greco-Roman deities, including Aphrodite, Apollo, Poseidon, and various imperial cults that deified emperors. Public life was deeply intertwined with pagan worship; meat sold in the market often originated from animals sacrificed in these temples, and social gatherings frequently took place in temple precincts. For new converts from paganism, the act of eating such meat could trigger deep-seated associations with their former idolatrous practices, leading to a crisis of conscience. Paul's letter addresses the tension between the freedom of the knowledgeable believer and the vulnerability of the weaker brother, navigating the complex social and religious landscape of the time.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians") and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it underscores the stark **contrast between pagan polytheism and Christian monotheism**. Paul acknowledges the "gods many, and lords many" not as a validation of their divine existence, but as a description of the prevailing human belief system, setting up the radical singularity of the Christian God. Secondly, it subtly touches upon the theme of **spiritual realities behind idolatry**. While idols themselves are "nothing" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - An Idol is Nothing")), Paul later warns that sacrifices to idols are, in fact, sacrifices to demons ([1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrifices to Demons")), suggesting that deceptive spiritual forces can operate through false worship. Finally, the verse is foundational to the overarching theme of **knowledge versus love** in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Knowledge vs. Love"). Paul's "knowledge" allows him to dismiss the idols, but his "love" compels him to consider the impact of his actions on others, especially those whose conscience is still weak due to their past idolatrous practices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Greek, _légō'_):** This word (G3004) primarily means "to lay forth" or "to relate in words," and by implication, "to say" or "to mean." In this context, its use as "called" is crucial. Paul is not affirming the inherent divinity of these entities but rather stating that they are *named* or *designated* as gods by human beings. This highlights the human perception and cultural reality rather than an ontological truth about these "gods." It sets up the contrast with the true nature of God in [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - The One God and One Lord").
* **gods (Greek, _theós'_):** The term (G2316) refers broadly to a deity. While most commonly used for the supreme Divinity in Christian contexts, it can also refer to pagan deities, magistrates, or even be used figuratively to mean "very" or "exceeding." Here, Paul uses it to refer to the countless deities worshipped in the Greco-Roman pantheon, acknowledging their status *as perceived by their worshippers*. This is a descriptive use, not an endorsement of their divine nature.
* **lords (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This word (G2962) signifies "supreme in authority" or "controller," often translated as "Master" or "Lord." In the pagan context, it could refer to powerful deities, deified emperors, or influential human figures who wielded significant power and authority. Paul's use of "lords many" alongside "gods many" emphasizes the vast array of entities that commanded allegiance and worship in the polytheistic world, preparing the reader for the singular "Lord" (Jesus Christ) in the subsequent verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For though there be that are called gods":** Paul begins with a concession, acknowledging the widespread belief and practice of polytheism. The phrase "that are called gods" emphasizes human designation rather than inherent divine nature, subtly undermining their true status even as he acknowledges their existence in the popular imagination.
* **"whether in heaven or in earth":** This clause broadens the scope of these perceived deities, encompassing both celestial beings (e.g., Olympian gods, astral deities, mythical figures residing in the heavens) and terrestrial powers (e.g., local spirits, deified heroes, or even human rulers who claimed divine status or authority on earth). It captures the comprehensive nature of pagan worship.
* **"(as there be gods many, and lords many)":** This parenthetical statement serves to underscore the sheer proliferation of such entities in the Greco-Roman world. It vividly portrays the chaotic and fragmented religious landscape of the time, characterized by an innumerable host of deities and authoritative figures demanding worship and allegiance. This multiplicity stands in stark contrast to the singular God and Lord of Christian faith.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Corinthians 8:5](/1_corinthians/8-5 "1 Corinthians 8:5 - Many Gods and Lords"). The primary device is **Concession**, where Paul acknowledges the prevailing polytheistic worldview ("though there be that are called gods") before presenting the Christian truth. This rhetorical strategy demonstrates his understanding of his audience's context and builds a bridge for his subsequent argument. The phrase "(as there be gods many, and lords many)" functions as a **Parenthesis**, providing an explanatory amplification of the preceding statement, emphasizing the sheer multiplicity of these perceived deities. This parenthetical remark also serves as a form of **Contrast** by setting up the dramatic theological shift to the singular "one God" and "one Lord" in [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - The One God and One Lord"). The use of **Rhetorical Acknowledgment** allows Paul to validate the cultural reality without validating the theological truth of paganism, preparing the ground for a deeper theological assertion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's acknowledgment of "gods many, and lords many" is not an affirmation of their divine reality but a strategic rhetorical move to describe the prevailing polytheistic worldview of the Greco-Roman world. Theologically, this verse serves as a vital bridge to the absolute monotheism declared in [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - The Christian Confession"). It highlights the radical distinctiveness of the Christian faith, which posits one singular God and one Lord, Jesus Christ, in stark opposition to the fragmented and numerous deities of paganism. This confession is rooted in the Old Testament's foundational declaration of Yahweh's unique sovereignty and the non-existence of other gods, emphasizing that anything else called "god" or "lord" is either a human construct or a deceptive spiritual power. The verse implicitly challenges all forms of idolatry, whether ancient or modern, by setting the stage for the exclusive worship of the one true God.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "The Shema")
* [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "Isaiah 44:6 - The Lord is the First and the Last")
* [Psalm 96:5](/psalms/96-5 "Psalm 96:5 - All Other Gods are Idols")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that still grapples with diverse spiritual claims and often elevates various aspects of life to ultimate significance, Paul's words in [1 Corinthians 8:5](/1_corinthians/8-5 "1 Corinthians 8:5 - Many Gods and Lords") remain profoundly relevant. While we may not explicitly worship statues of Zeus or Aphrodite, modern society presents its own "gods many, and lords many"—be they wealth, power, fame, self-fulfillment, political ideologies, or even technology. This verse calls us to a rigorous self-examination: what do we truly serve? What commands our ultimate allegiance, our time, our resources, and our deepest affections? For the believer, it is a powerful reminder to maintain a clear and unwavering focus on the one true God and one Lord, Jesus Christ, recognizing that any competing "gods" are ultimately empty and unable to deliver true life or salvation. Our freedom in Christ, born from the knowledge that these false gods are "nothing," must always be tempered by love and discernment, ensuring that our actions do not cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble back into patterns of idolatry or compromise their conscience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or "lords" in contemporary society compete for people's ultimate allegiance, even if not explicitly worshipped?**
* **How does the knowledge that "an idol is nothing" empower us, and how must that knowledge be balanced with love for others?**
* **In what ways might our own actions or liberties inadvertently cause a "weaker brother" to stumble or compromise their faith today?**

### FAQ
**Does Paul believe that these "gods" and "lords" are real deities?**

Answer: No, Paul does not believe that these "gods" and "lords" are real deities in the sense of being divine beings worthy of worship. In [1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - No God But One"), he explicitly states, "we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no God but one." His statement in [1 Corinthians 8:5](/1_corinthians/8-5 "1 Corinthians 8:5 - Acknowledging Pagan Beliefs") is an acknowledgment of the prevailing human perception and cultural reality in the Greco-Roman world, where many entities were *called* gods or lords. He is describing what people believed and practiced, not validating the divine nature of these entities. However, Paul does suggest elsewhere that behind the worship of idols can be genuine spiritual forces, often demonic, that deceive humanity ([1 Corinthians 10:20](/1_corinthians/10-20 "1 Corinthians 10:20 - Sacrificing to Demons")). So, while the idols themselves are "nothing," the spiritual influence behind idolatry can be real.

**What kind of "gods" and "lords" is Paul referring to here?**

Answer: Paul is referring to the vast pantheon of deities and powerful figures worshipped in the Greco-Roman world. "Gods" (Greek: *theoi*) would include the traditional Olympian deities like Zeus, Apollo, Aphrodite, and local cultic gods. "Lords" (Greek: *kyrioi*) could refer to other powerful deities, deified emperors (like Caesar, who was often worshipped as "Lord"), or even powerful human figures who commanded significant authority and allegiance. The phrase "whether in heaven or in earth" indicates the comprehensive scope of these perceived deities, encompassing both celestial beings and terrestrial powers or figures. Paul is painting a picture of the polytheistic religious landscape that the Corinthian Christians had emerged from.

**How does this verse relate to modern idolatry?**

Answer: While explicit idol worship of pagan deities may be less common in many parts of the modern world, the principle of [1 Corinthians 8:5](/1_corinthians/8-5 "1 Corinthians 8:5 - Modern Idolatry") remains highly relevant. Modern "gods many, and lords many" often manifest as anything that takes the place of God in our lives, demanding our ultimate loyalty, trust, or devotion. This can include wealth (Mammon), power, fame, self-indulgence, career, political ideologies, nationalism, or even relationships. Anything that becomes an ultimate concern or source of security apart from the one true God can function as an idol. Paul's words serve as a timeless reminder to discern and reject these competing allegiances, maintaining our exclusive devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - The One True God and Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Corinthians 8:5](/1_corinthians/8-5 "1 Corinthians 8:5 - Christ's Supremacy Over All") sets the stage for the profound Christ-centered declaration in the very next verse, where Paul proclaims "there is but one God, the Father... and one Lord, Jesus Christ." While the world acknowledges "gods many, and lords many," the Christian confession centers on the unique and unrivaled supremacy of Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate Lord, to whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ has triumphed over all the "principalities and powers" that might lie behind the false "gods" of this world ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). He is the "head over every rule and authority" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Head Over All Rule and Authority")), demonstrating that all other "lords" are subordinate to His sovereign reign. The existence of "gods many" in the world only serves to highlight the singular, incomparable glory and authority of the resurrected Christ, who alone is worthy of ultimate worship and allegiance, having been granted "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 2:28

But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Galatians 4:8

¶ Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

Jeremiah 2:11

Hath a nation changed [their] gods, which [are] yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for [that which] doth not profit.

Jeremiah 11:13

For [according to] the number of thy cities were thy gods, O Judah; and [according to] the number of the streets of Jerusalem have ye set up altars to [that] shameful thing, [even] altars to burn incense unto Baal.

Deuteronomy 10:17

For the LORD your God [is] God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Daniel 5:4

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.