1 Corinthians 8:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

First Corinthians 8:6 is a pivotal verse that succinctly articulates the core of Christian monotheism, contrasting it sharply with the prevalent polytheism of the Greco-Roman world. It defines the distinct yet unified roles of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in creation and humanity's existence.

Context

This verse is found within Paul's discussion on the complex issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. In Corinth, many pagans worshipped numerous deities, and food offered in their temples was often sold in the market. While some Christians understood that idols had no real existence (1 Corinthians 8:4), others with weaker consciences might be led astray by seeing believers partake. Paul grounds his argument not just in knowledge, but in the fundamental truth of who God is, emphasizing that for believers, there is only one true God, unlike the "gods many, and lords many" of paganism mentioned in the preceding verse.

Key Themes

  • Christian Monotheism: The verse firmly establishes the central tenet of Christian faith: belief in one God. This stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic systems common in the ancient world. It affirms the unique and sole sovereignty of the divine.
  • The Father as Ultimate Source: God the Father is presented as the ultimate origin and source of "all things" (*ex hou*), signifying His supreme authority and creative power. Our very being is "in Him," indicating our dependence and existence within His divine purpose. This resonates with the declaration in Ephesians 4:6 that there is "one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
  • Christ as Agent of Creation and Redemption: Jesus Christ is affirmed as "one Lord," through whom "all things" came into being (*di' hou*). This highlights His active role as the divine agent in creation, a concept deeply explored in passages like John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16. Furthermore, our existence is "by Him," implying not only our creation but also our redemption and ongoing sustenance through His work.
  • Unity in Diversity: While distinguishing the Father and the Son, the verse maintains a profound unity in their divine nature and purpose. Both are intrinsically involved in the cosmic order and humanity's relationship with God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "one God, the Father" (Greek: heis Theos ho PatΔ“r) powerfully declares the singularity of God, emphasizing His paternal relationship to creation and believers.
  • "Of whom are all things" (Greek: ex hou ta panta) signifies God the Father as the ultimate origin or source of all existence. The preposition ek (or ex before a vowel) denotes origin "out of" or "from."
  • "By whom are all things" (Greek: di' hou ta panta) points to Jesus Christ as the mediating agent or instrument through whom creation was accomplished. The preposition dia here signifies "through" or "by means of." This distinction highlights the Father as the ultimate cause and the Son as the active instrument.

Practical Application

Understanding 1 Corinthians 8:6 provides a robust foundation for Christian faith. It calls believers to:

  • Exclusive Worship: Our worship and allegiance are due solely to the one true God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, rejecting all forms of idolatry and false gods.
  • Acknowledge Divine Sovereignty: Recognizing the Father as the source of all things instills humility and trust in His supreme control and provision.
  • Appreciate Christ's Centrality: Acknowledging Christ as the active agent in creation and our very existence elevates our understanding of His preeminence and His essential role in our salvation and daily lives. He is not merely a historical figure but the divine Lord through whom all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).
  • Live in Unity and Purpose: Our shared identity "in Him" (the Father) and "by Him" (the Son) fosters a sense of unity among believers, reminding us of our common origin and ultimate purpose in God.
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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

    ΒΆ 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

    ΒΆ 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: