Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), New Living Translation There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. English Standard Version For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 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), Berean Literal Bible Truly even if indeed there are those called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many gods and many lords, King James Bible For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) New King James Version For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), New American Standard Bible For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, NASB 1995 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, NASB 1977 For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, Legacy Standard Bible For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, Amplified Bible For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, Christian Standard Bible For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— Holman Christian Standard Bible For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “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; Contemporary English Version Many things in heaven and on earth are called gods and lords, but none of them really are gods or lords. English Revised Version For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; GOD'S WORD® Translation People may say that there are gods in heaven and on earth-many gods and many lords, as they would call them. Good News Translation Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these "gods" and "lords," International Standard Version For even if there are "gods" in heaven and on earth (as indeed there are many so-called "gods" and "lords"), Majority 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), NET Bible If after all there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), New Heart English Bible For though there are things that are called "gods," whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many "gods" and many "lords;" Webster's Bible Translation For though there are that are called gods, whether in heaven or upon earth, (as there are gods many, and lords many) Weymouth New Testament For if so-called gods do exist, either in Heaven or on earth--and in fact there are many such gods and many such lords-- World English Bible For though there are things that are called “gods”, whether in the heavens or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor even if there are those called gods, whether in Heaven, whether on earth—as there are many gods and many lords— Berean Literal Bible Truly even if indeed there are those called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many gods and many lords, Young's Literal Translation for even if there are those called gods, whether in heaven, whether upon earth -- as there are gods many and lords many -- Smith's Literal Translation For also though they are called gods, whether in heaven, whether upon the earth, (for there are many gods, and many lords,) Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor although there be that are called gods, either in heaven or on earth (for there be gods many, and lords many); Catholic Public Domain Version For although there are things that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (if one even considers there to be many gods and many lords) New American Bible Indeed, even though there are so-called gods in heaven and on earth (there are, to be sure, many “gods” and many “lords”), New Revised Standard Version Indeed, even though there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as in fact there are many gods and many lords— Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor though there are those that are called gods, whether in heaven or earth, just as there are many gods and many lords, Aramaic Bible in Plain English For even though there are what are called gods, whether in the Heavens or in The Earth, as there are many gods and many lords, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor though there are those which are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are many gods, and many lords,) Godbey New Testament For if indeed there are those who are called gods, whether in heaven or upon the earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; Haweis New Testament For though there are gods so called, whether celestial or terrestrial, (as of this sort there are gods many, and lords many;) Mace New Testament for tho' there are several titular deities, both in heaven and on earth: such as the whole crowd of gods, and lords among the Gentiles; Weymouth New Testament For if so-called gods do exist, either in Heaven or on earth--and in fact there are many such gods and many such lords-- Worrell New Testament For, even if there are things called gods, whether in heaven, or on earth (as there are gods many, and lords many); Worsley New Testament For though there be some that are called Gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there are among the heathen gods many, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Food Sacrificed to Idols…4So about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. 5For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), 6yet 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.… Cross References Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the LORD, the King and Redeemer of Israel, the LORD of Hosts: “I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me. Isaiah 45:5-6 I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me, / so that all may know, from where the sun rises to where it sets, that there is none but Me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:21 Speak up and present your case—yes, let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, the LORD? There is no other God but Me, a righteous God and Savior; there is none but Me. Psalm 86:10 For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. Jeremiah 10:10-11 But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. / Thus you are to tell them: “These gods, who have made neither the heavens nor the earth, will perish from this earth and from under these heavens.” Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 15:11 Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? 2 Kings 19:18 They have cast their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods, but only wood and stone—the work of human hands. Psalm 96:4-5 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. / For all the gods of the nations are idols, but it is the LORD who made the heavens. John 17:3 Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Ephesians 4:5-6 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; / one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Galatians 4:8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. Romans 3:30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Treasury of Scripture For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) that. 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: Jeremiah 2:11,28 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. Jump to Previous Although Earth Either Exist Fact Gods Heaven Heavens Indeed Lords So-Called WhetherJump to Next Although Earth Either Exist Fact Gods Heaven Heavens Indeed Lords So-Called Whether1 Corinthians 8 1. To abstain from food offered to idols.8. We must not abuse our Christian liberty, to the offense of our brothers; 11. but must bridle our knowledge with charity. For even if there are so-called gods In the Greco-Roman world, polytheism was prevalent, with numerous deities worshipped across various cultures. The term "so-called gods" reflects the Christian understanding that these entities, while acknowledged by society, do not possess true divinity. This aligns with the biblical assertion of monotheism, as seen in Isaiah 44:6, where God declares, "I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God." The apostle Paul acknowledges the existence of these entities in the cultural consciousness but denies their divine status. whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords) Persons / Places / Events 1. CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and religious pluralism. The city was a hub of commerce and culture, which included the worship of many deities. 2. Paul the Apostle The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 3. Corinthian Church The recipients of Paul's letter, a Christian community grappling with issues of idolatry and the influence of surrounding pagan practices. 4. So-called gods Refers to the various deities worshiped in Corinth and the broader Greco-Roman world, which were considered false by Paul and the early Christians. 5. Lords In the context of the Greco-Roman world, this term could refer to both divine and human figures of authority, often worshiped or revered. Teaching Points Understanding IdolatryRecognize that idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can also be the elevation of anything above God in our lives. Cultural Awareness Be aware of the cultural and religious influences around us that may challenge our faith and commitment to the one true God. Exclusive Worship Emphasize the importance of worshiping God alone, as He is the only true God, despite the presence of many 'gods' and 'lords' in society. Discernment in Practice Develop discernment to identify and reject modern forms of idolatry, ensuring that our devotion remains solely to God. Unity in Belief Encourage unity within the Christian community by focusing on the shared belief in one God and one Lord, Jesus Christ, amidst diverse cultural backgrounds.(5) For though there be. . . .--This is an hypothetic argument. "Be" is the emphatic word of the supposition. Even assuming that there do exist those beings which are called "gods" (we have a right to make such a supposition, for Deuteronomy 10:17, Psalm 105:2-3, speaks of "gods and lords" of another kind), the difference between the heathen, "gods many" and the "lords and gods" of whom the Old Testament speaks, is that the former are deities, and the latter only a casual way of speaking of angels and other spiritual subjects and servants of the one God. This is brought out in the following verse.Verse 5. - For though there be that are called gods. The verse is a limitation of the phrase which perhaps he had quoted from their letter. There are, indeed, demons, and there are created things, like the host of heaven and the powers of nature, which are called gods and pass for gods. Gods many, and lords many. Perhaps a passing allusion to the use of elohim, gods, for men in great positions, and to the habitual deification of Roman emperors even in their lifetime. The title "Augustus," which they all had borne, was to Jewish ears "the name of blasphemy" (Revelation 13:1), implying that they were to be objects of reverence. Indeed, the worship of the Caesars was, in that strange epoch of mingled atheism and superstition, almost the only sincere cult that was left. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. even καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. if εἴπερ (eiper) Conjunction Strong's 1512: If indeed, if so. From ei and per; if perhaps. there are εἰσὶν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. so-called λεγόμενοι (legomenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. gods, θεοὶ (theoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. whether εἴτε (eite) Conjunction Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. heaven οὐρανῷ (ouranō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. or εἴτε (eite) Conjunction Strong's 1535: And if, whether. From ei and te; if too. on ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. earth γῆς (gēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe. (as ὥσπερ (hōsper) Adverb Strong's 5618: Just as, as, even as. From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like. there are εἰσὶν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. many [ so-called ] πολλοὶ (polloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4183: Much, many; often. gods θεοὶ (theoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. lords), κύριοι (kyrioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. Links 1 Corinthians 8:5 NIV1 Corinthians 8:5 NLT 1 Corinthians 8:5 ESV 1 Corinthians 8:5 NASB 1 Corinthians 8:5 KJV 1 Corinthians 8:5 BibleApps.com 1 Corinthians 8:5 Biblia Paralela 1 Corinthians 8:5 Chinese Bible 1 Corinthians 8:5 French Bible 1 Corinthians 8:5 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 8:5 For though there are things that (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) |
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