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

1 CORINTHIANS 8:5KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 8:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 8:5 mean?

1 Corinthians 8:5 explains that there are many beings or things that people call “gods” or “lords,” whether in heaven or on earth, but these are not truly divine in the way the one true God is. Paul is pointing out that, in the world around the Corinthians, it is common for people to use the word “god” for many different spiritual beings or idols.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth, a city where people worshipped many gods and idols. He is addressing questions about eating food offered to idols, and here he acknowledges that many so-called gods and lords exist in people’s minds and cultures. This sets up his next point: for Christians, there is only one true God, regardless of what others may claim.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 8:5

  • θεοί (theoi): This word means “gods” and is used here to refer to the many spiritual beings or idols that people in Corinth and elsewhere called gods. Paul uses the plural to show the common belief in many gods in the ancient world.
  • κύριοι (kurioi): This word means “lords” and often referred to powerful spiritual beings or even rulers. Paul’s mention of “lords many” highlights that people also gave this title to various figures, not just to God.
  • καλοῦνται (kalountai): This word means “are called” or “are named.” Paul is careful to say these beings are called gods or lords, not that they actually are; he is making a distinction between what people say and what is real.

Why 1 Corinthians 8:5 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Paul is not denying the existence of spiritual beings or idols, but he is denying their true divinity or authority compared to the one true God.
  • It shows Paul’s awareness of the religious diversity in Corinth and his sensitivity to the fact that Christians lived among people who believed in many gods.
  • The verse sets up the contrast that Paul will make in the next verse, emphasizing the uniqueness of God for Christians and preparing the reader for his teaching about how to live in a world full of different beliefs.

Where else these words appear

“though” Greek G1512 · used in 6 verses

  • Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
  • Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

“whether” Greek G1535 · used in 29 verses

  • Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
  • 1 Corinthians 14:27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
  • Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

“earthas” Greek G5618 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
  • Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
  • 1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

“be” Greek G1526 · used in 146 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.