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1 Corinthians 8:5

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 8:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;
1 Corinthians 8:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2If any man thinketh that he knoweth anything, he knoweth not yet as he ought to know;
3but if any man loveth God, the same is known by him.
4Concerning therefore the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is [anything] in the world, and that there is no God but one.
5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;
6yet 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.
7Howbeit there is not in all men that knowledge: but some, being used until now to the idol, eat as [of] a thing sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.
8But food will not commend us to God: neither, if we eat not, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.
← 1 Corinthians 8:41 Corinthians 8:6 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For though there be that are called gods, etc.] That are so by name, though not by nature; who are called so in Scripture, as angels and magistrates, or by men, who give them such names, and account them so: whether in heaven; as the sun, moon, and stars: or in earth; as men who formerly lived on earth; or various creatures on earth, who have been accounted deities; or stocks and stones graven by man’s device: as there be gods many: almost without number, as were among the Egyptians, Grecians, Romans, and others; yea, even among the Jews, who falling into idolatry, their gods were according to the number of their cities, (<240228>Jeremiah 2:28) and lords many; referring to the Baalim, or the…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“"For even supposing there are (exist) gods so called (Th2 2:4), whether in heaven (as the sun, moon, and stars) or in earth (as deified kings, beasts, &c.), as there be (a recognized fact, Deu 10:17; Psa 135:5; Psa 136:2) gods many and lords many." Angels and men in authority are termed gods in Scripture, as exercising a divinely delegated power under God (compare Exo 22:9, with Exo 22:28; Psa 82:1, Psa 82:6; Joh 10:34-35).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That are called gods - Gods so called. The pagans everywhere worshipped multitudes, and gave to them the name of gods. 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 ever the earth, or sea, as Ceres, Neptune, etc. The ancient pagans worshipped some gods that were supposed to dwell in heaven; others that were supposed to reside…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“For though there be that are called gods - By the heathens both celestial, (as they style them,) terrestrial, and infernal deities. 1 Corinthians 8:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that: Deu 10:17; Jer 2:11, Jer 2:28, Jer 11:13; Dan 5:4; Joh 10:34, Joh 10:35; Gal 4:8; Th2 2:4 1 Corinthians 8:6”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 8 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification