1 Corinthians 8:5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
1 Corinthians 8:5 in other translations
| BSB | For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many so-called gods and lords), |
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| WEB | For though there are things that are called “gods”, whether in the heavens or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— |
| ASV | For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many; |
| YLT | for even if there are those called gods, whether in heaven, whether upon earth--as there are gods many and lords many-- |
| DARBY | For and if indeed there are those calledgods, whether in heaven or on earth, (as there aregods many, and lords many,) |
| BBE | For though there are those who have the name of gods, in heaven or on earth, as there are a number of gods and a number of lords, |
| Webster | For though there are that are called gods, whether in heaven or upon earth, (as there are gods many, and lords many) |
What does 1 Corinthians 8:5 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
Whether in heaven. Residing in heaven, as a part of the gods were supposed to do. Perhaps there may be allusion here to the sun, moon, and stars; but I rather suppose that reference is made to the celestial deities, or to those who were supposed to reside in heaven, though they were supposed occasionally to visit the earth, as Jupiter, Juno, Mercury, etc.
Or in earth. Upon the earth; or that reigned particularly over the earth, or sea, as Ceres, Neptune, etc. The ancient heathens worshipped some gods that were supposed to dwell in heaven; others that were supposed to reside on earth; and others that presided over the inferior regions, as Pluto, etc.
As there be gods many, (ωσπερ,) etc. As there are, in fact, many which are so called or regarded. It is a fact that the heathens worship many whom they esteem to be gods, or whom they regard as such. This cannot be an admission of Paul that they were truly gods, and ought to be worshipped; but it is a declaration that they esteemed them to be such, or that a large number of imaginary beings were thus adored. The emphasis should be placed on the word many; and the design of the parenthesis is to show that the number of these that were worshipped was not a few, but was immense; and that they were in fact worshipped as gods, and allowed to have the influence over their minds and lives which they would have if they were real; that is, that the effect of this popular belief was to produce just as much fear, alarm, superstition, and corruption, as though these imaginary gods had a real existence. So that though the more intelligent of the heathen put no confidence in them, yet the effect on the great mass was the same as if they had had a real existence, and exerted over them a real control.
And lords many, (κυριοιπολλοι) Those who had a rule over them; to whom they submitted themselves; and whose laws they obeyed. This name lord was often given to their idol gods. Thus among the nations of Canaan their idols were called , (Baal, or lord,) the tutelary god of the Phenicians and Syrians, Jud 8:33, 9:4,46. It is used here with reference to the idols, and means that the laws which they were supposed to give in regard to their worship had control over the minds of their worshippers.
(d) "are called gods" Jn 10:34,35
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:1-6
There is no proof of ignorance more common than conceit of knowledge. Much may be known, when nothing is known to good purpose. And those who think they know any thing, and grow vain thereon, are the least likely to make good use of their knowledge. Satan hurts some as much by tempting them to be proud of mental powers, as others, by alluring to sensuality. Knowledge which puffs up the possessor, and renders him…
1 Corinthians 8:5 in the original Greek
Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.
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Cross references for 1 Corinthians 8:5
- Galatians 4:8
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- John 10:34-35
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
- Daniel 5:4
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
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Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Context
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 8:5
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
- 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.
1 Corinthians 8:5 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | Porque aunque haya algunos que se llamen dioses, ó en el cielo, ó en la tierra (como hay muchos dioses y muchos señores), |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Car aussi, s’il y en a qui sont appelés dieux, soit dans le ciel, soit sur la terre, (comme il y a beaucoup de dieux et beaucoup de seigneurs,) |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Denn wenn es anders solche gibt, die Götter genannt werden, sei es im Himmel oder auf Erden, |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Nam etsi sunt qui dicantur dii sive in cælo, sive in terra (siquidem sunt dii multi, et domini multi): |