1 Corinthians 8:6

KJV

But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} to us {G2254} there is but one {G1520} God {G2316}, the Father {G3962}, of {G1537} whom {G3739} are all things {G3956}, and {G2532} we {G2249} in {G1519} him {G846}; and {G2532} one {G1520} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, by {G1223} whom {G3739} are all things {G3956}, and {G2532} we {G2249} by {G1223} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we exist; and one Lord, Yeshua the Messiah, through whom were created all things and through whom we have our being.

Berean Standard Bible

yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist.

American Standard Version

yet to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 8:6 stands as a foundational declaration of Christian monotheism, meticulously distinguishing the unique yet unified roles of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ within the divine economy. It asserts that for believers, there is one ultimate Source from whom all things originate and in whom we exist, and one divine Agent through whom all things were created and by whom we are sustained, thereby contrasting sharply with the polytheistic worldview prevalent in Corinth and establishing the singular focus of Christian worship and allegiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is situated within Paul's extensive discussion concerning the consumption of meat sacrificed to idols, a pressing ethical and theological dilemma for the Corinthian church. Chapters 8-10 address the tension between Christian liberty and the responsibility to not cause others to stumble. Paul begins chapter 8 by acknowledging that "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" ([1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge vs. Love")). He then asserts the fundamental truth that "an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one" ([1 Corinthians 8:4](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4 - Idols are Nothing")). Verse 6, therefore, serves as the theological bedrock for his subsequent arguments, moving from the negative assertion (idols are nothing) to the positive declaration of the one true God and one Lord, providing the definitive Christian understanding of divinity that must inform their actions regarding idol meat. It underpins the principle that while some may have the "knowledge" that idols are nothing, "love" for a weaker brother or sister should guide their behavior, preventing them from participating in activities that might lead others into idolatry or violate their conscience ([1 Corinthians 8:9-13](/1_corinthians/8-9-13 "1 Corinthians 8:9-13 - Do Not Cause Others to Stumble")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a thriving, cosmopolitan port city, a melting pot of cultures, religions, and philosophical schools. Polytheism was deeply ingrained in daily life, with numerous temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses (e.g., Apollo, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Asclepius). Sacrifices to these deities were commonplace, and the meat from such offerings was often sold in public markets or consumed in temple feasts, which were significant social events. For new converts from paganism, the transition to Christian monotheism was radical. They were accustomed to a pantheon of "gods many, and lords many" ([1 Corinthians 8:5](/1_corinthians/8-5 "1 Corinthians 8:5 - Gods Many and Lords Many")), each with specific domains. Paul's declaration of "one God, the Father" and "one Lord Jesus Christ" directly confronted this prevalent worldview, demanding an exclusive allegiance to the God of Israel and His Messiah. This context highlights the profound theological shift required of early Christians and the practical implications for their social and economic lives.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces **Christian Monotheism**, asserting the singular nature of God against the polytheistic backdrop of Corinth. This is a core tenet of both Old and New Testament theology, echoing the Shema from [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") and foundational to understanding God's unique sovereignty. Secondly, it articulates the **Distinct yet Unified Roles of the Father and the Son** in creation and redemption. The Father is presented as the ultimate source ("of whom are all things"), while the Son is the active agent ("by whom are all things"), a concept further developed in passages like [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Christian Identity and Belonging**, as believers exist "in him" (the Father) and "by him" (the Son), signifying a profound spiritual union and dependence that defines their very being and purpose. This intimate connection underscores the call for ethical living and unity within the church, as discussed throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The Book of 1 Corinthians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Greek, _heîs'_):** This numeral (G1520) emphasizes singularity and uniqueness. In the context of "one God" and "one Lord," it directly challenges polytheism, asserting that there is no other ultimate divine being or authority to whom worship is due. It signifies exclusivity and the absolute nature of God's being.
* **Of (Greek, _ek'_):** This preposition (G1537) denotes origin, source, or cause. When applied to God the Father ("of whom are all things"), it signifies that He is the ultimate, originating source from which all existence flows. Everything derives its being and purpose "out of" Him, highlighting His supreme causality and ultimate authority over creation.
* **By (Greek, _diá'_):** This preposition (G1223) indicates the channel, means, or instrument through which an action occurs. When applied to Jesus Christ ("by whom are all things"), it signifies His active role as the divine agent in creation and sustenance. He is the mediating instrument through whom the Father's creative will is executed, demonstrating His preeminence and essential involvement in the cosmic order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to us [there is but] one God, the Father":** This clause establishes the core tenet of Christian monotheism, directly contrasting with the "gods many" of the pagan world. The definite article "the" before "Father" emphasizes His unique identity as the ultimate paternal source. This is not merely one god among many, but the singular, supreme God who stands in a unique relationship as Father to His creation and, specifically, to believers.
* **"of whom [are] all things, and we in him":** This phrase elaborates on the Father's role. "Of whom" (Greek: *ex hou*) signifies that the Father is the ultimate origin and source of all existence—the cosmos, life, and every created thing. The subsequent "and we in him" (Greek: *hēmeis eis auton*) indicates that humanity, particularly believers, finds their ultimate purpose, being, and destiny *in* this one God the Father. Our existence is not merely *from* Him but also *towards* Him and *within* His divine purpose.
* **"and one Lord Jesus Christ":** Parallel to "one God, the Father," this clause declares the singular identity of Jesus as "one Lord." The title "Lord" (Greek: *Kyrios*) here is significant, often used in the Septuagint for Yahweh, implying divine authority and sovereignty. This asserts Jesus' unique and supreme authority, distinguishing Him from the "lords many" of paganism and affirming His divine status.
* **"by whom [are] all things, and we by him":** This final phrase describes the Son's role. "By whom" (Greek: *di' hou*) indicates Jesus Christ as the active agent or instrument through whom all things were created and continue to exist. He is the mediator of creation. The parallel "and we by him" (Greek: *hēmeis di' autou*) signifies that our existence, our redemption, and our ongoing spiritual life are all mediated through Jesus Christ. He is not only the agent of our creation but also the means of our salvation and sustenance.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [1 Corinthians 8:6](/1_corinthians/8-6 "1 Corinthians 8:6 - One God, One Lord") to convey profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the "gods many, and lords many" of [1 Corinthians 8:5](/1_corinthians/8-5 "1 Corinthians 8:5 - Gods Many and Lords Many") are directly contrasted with the "one God, the Father" and "one Lord Jesus Christ" in verse 6. This stark contrast highlights the exclusivity and uniqueness of Christian monotheism. Furthermore, within verse 6 itself, there is a clear **Syntactic Parallelism** between the clauses describing the Father and the Son: "of whom are all things, and we in him" is mirrored by "by whom are all things, and we by him." This structural repetition emphasizes the distinct yet complementary roles of the Father and the Son, demonstrating their co-involvement in creation and humanity's existence. The use of **Anaphora** with "one" (Greek: *heîs*) at the beginning of both declarations ("one God," "one Lord") serves to underscore the singularity and unity of the divine essence, even as distinct persons are identified. Finally, the prepositions "of" (*ek*) and "by" (*diá*) function as a subtle form of **Distinction through Prepositional Usage**, precisely delineating the Father as the ultimate source and the Son as the instrumental agent, without diminishing the divine status of either.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 8:6 offers a concise yet profound articulation of the Christian understanding of God, establishing a foundational Trinitarian pattern long before the formalization of Trinitarian doctrine. It affirms the absolute singularity of God while simultaneously presenting two distinct divine persons—the Father and the Son—each with specific, complementary roles in creation and humanity's relationship with God. The Father is the ultimate source and goal of all things, the "whence" and "whither" of existence. The Son, Jesus Christ, is the divine agent, the "through whom" all things came into being and by whom humanity is reconciled and sustained. This verse is crucial for understanding Christ's pre-existence and His active participation in creation, setting Him apart as more than a prophet or a man, but as divine Lord. It grounds Christian worship in a singular, unified divine reality, demanding exclusive allegiance and rejecting all forms of idolatry.

* [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All things were made through Him")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")
* [Ephesians 4:6](/ephesians/4-6 "Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father of All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 8:6 calls believers to a profound reorientation of their worldview, shifting from a fragmented, polytheistic understanding to a unified, monotheistic one centered on the Father and the Son. This theological clarity has immense practical implications for our daily lives. Recognizing God the Father as the ultimate source of all things should cultivate deep humility, gratitude, and trust in His sovereign plan and provision. It reminds us that our very existence, our gifts, and our circumstances flow from His benevolent will. Simultaneously, acknowledging Jesus Christ as the Lord through whom all things exist and by whom we are sustained elevates our appreciation for His indispensable role in our salvation, our ongoing sanctification, and our ultimate hope. This understanding should lead to exclusive worship and allegiance, freeing us from the allure of idols—whether literal or metaphorical—that compete for our devotion. It challenges us to live lives that reflect this singular focus, pursuing unity within the body of Christ, and ensuring that our actions, especially in matters of conscience, are guided by love for God and for our fellow believers, rather than by mere knowledge or personal liberty. Our identity is found "in Him" and "by Him," fostering a sense of belonging, purpose, and security in the divine economy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God the Father as the ultimate "source" of all things influence your perspective on creation, providence, and your own life's purpose?**
* **In what ways does recognizing Jesus Christ as the "agent" through whom all things exist deepen your appreciation for His divine nature and His role in your salvation?**
* **What "idols" (material possessions, career, relationships, self-reliance) might be subtly competing for the exclusive devotion owed to the "one God" and "one Lord" in your life?**
* **How can the truth of 1 Corinthians 8:6 guide your decisions in areas where Christian liberty might conflict with the conscience of another believer, emphasizing love and unity?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the distinction between "of whom" (Father) and "by whom" (Son) in this verse?**

Answer: The distinction between "of whom" (Greek: *ek hou*) for the Father and "by whom" (Greek: *di' hou*) for the Son is profoundly significant, articulating their distinct yet complementary roles within the Godhead. "Of whom" points to the Father as the ultimate, originating source or cause of all things. He is the fount of all being, the primary mover from whom everything ultimately derives. "By whom," referring to Jesus Christ, indicates His role as the active, instrumental agent through whom the Father's creative will is executed. It highlights that the Son is the mediator of creation, the one through whom the Father brings all things into existence. This distinction does not imply a hierarchy of essence or power, but rather a difference in function within the unified divine economy. It underscores the Father as the ultimate designer and initiator, and the Son as the active executor and sustainer, a truth echoed in other New Testament passages like [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All things made through Him") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 8:6 stands as a powerful Christological declaration, revealing Jesus Christ not merely as a historical figure or a prophet, but as the divine Lord intimately involved in the very fabric of creation and the sustenance of all things. The assertion that "by whom [are] all things, and we by him" directly parallels the Father's role as ultimate source, affirming Christ's pre-existence and His active participation in the creative act. This truth is foundational to understanding the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus. He is the [Word through whom all things were made](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), the [image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"), and the one [in whom all things hold together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ, the Sustainer"). The "we by him" extends beyond creation to encompass redemption and ongoing life, signifying that our spiritual existence, our salvation, and our very identity as believers are entirely mediated through Him. He is the [way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life"), the [mediator of a new covenant](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Mediator of the New Covenant"), and the one through whom we have [access to the Father by one Spirit](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ"). Thus, 1 Corinthians 8:6 points to Christ as the indispensable agent of God's cosmic and redemptive purposes, making Him central to all Christian faith and life.

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

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Malachi 2:10

¶ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

Colossians 1:16

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: