1 Corinthians 8:5

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”),

1 Corinthians 8:5 in Other Translations

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

5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"--

5 There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords.

5 that no matter how many of these so-called gods are named and worshiped they still don't add up to anything but a tall story.

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth; as there are gods many, and lords many;

5 People may say that there are gods in heaven and on earth--many gods and many lords, as they would call them.

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth-as there are many "gods" and many "lords"-

5 There may be so-called gods either in heaven or on earth. In fact, there are many "gods" and many "lords."

1 Corinthians 8:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 8:5

For though there be that are called gods
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, ( Jeremiah 2:28 )

and lords many;
referring to the Baalim, or the several idols that went by the name of Baal, or lord, as Baal Peor, ( Numbers 25:3 ) Baal Zephon, ( Exodus 14:2 ) Baal Zebub, ( 2 Kings 1:2 ) Baal Berith, ( Judges 8:33 ) .

1 Corinthians 8:5 In-Context

3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

4 So then, 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.”

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”),

6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

7 But not everyone possesses this knowledge. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.

Cross References

• 1. 2 Thessalonians 2:4