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,)
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λεγόμενοι
that are called
G3004
λεγόμενοι
that are called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
θεοὶ
gods
G2316
θεοὶ
gods
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
οὐρανῷ
heaven
G3772
οὐρανῷ
heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
9 of 20
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
11 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
earth
G1093
γῆς
earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
13 of 20
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
θεοὶ
gods
G2316
θεοὶ
gods
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
16 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πολλοί
many
G4183
πολλοί
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
17 of 20
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Jeremiah 2:28But 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.Galatians 4:8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.2 Thessalonians 2:4Who 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 11:13For 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 2:11Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.Deuteronomy 10:17For 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:Daniel 5:4They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
Historical Context
The Roman Empire's religious pluralism accommodated countless deities—Olympian gods, Eastern mystery religions (Isis, Mithras), imperial cult worship, and local patron gods. Each city had patron deities; Corinth honored Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Apollo prominently. Participation in civic religious festivals was expected, creating pressure on Christians to compromise. The phrase "lords many" likely includes emperor worship, increasingly mandatory in the first century.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern "gods many and lords many" compete for ultimate allegiance in your life (money, success, politics, ideology)?
- How do you live distinctively Christian in a pluralistic culture that treats all religious claims as equally valid?
- Where are you tempted to compromise Christian exclusivity to avoid social ostracism?
Analysis & Commentary
For though there be that are called gods (εἴπερ εἰσὶν λεγόμενοι θεοί, eiper eisin legomenoi theoi, "if indeed there are so-called gods")—Paul acknowledges polytheism's ubiquity while denying its reality. The participle legomenoi ("called, so-called") is dismissive—these entities are titled gods but lack divine essence. The parenthetical as there be gods many, and lords many recognizes the Greco-Roman pantheon's vastness without conceding legitimacy.
Paul's distinction between theoi (gods) and kyrioi (lords) reflects pagan religious taxonomy—"gods" were supernatural beings, while "lords" could include deified emperors and patron deities. The phrase "whether in heaven or in earth" encompasses celestial and chthonic deities. Paul's rhetorical strategy grants the cultural phenomenon (gods exist as cultural constructs and demonic deceptions, cf. 10:20) while asserting theological reality: only one true God exists.