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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
the Father
G3962
πατήρ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
6 of 27
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
7 of 27
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
οὗ
whom
G3739
οὗ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κύριος
Lord
G2962
κύριος
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
17 of 27
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
18 of 27
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
20 of 27
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
οὗ
whom
G3739
οὗ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
21 of 27
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Romans 11:36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.John 1:3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.Malachi 2:10Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?1 Corinthians 8:4As 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.Acts 17:28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.John 14:20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.Acts 2:36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.1 Corinthians 12:3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Matthew 11:27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Historical Context
Paul reformulates the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) to include Christ within the divine identity. This wasn't "bitheism" but recognition that the one God of Israel exists as Father and Son (and Holy Spirit, though not mentioned here). For Jewish converts, this was revolutionary—applying YHWH's unique attributes to Jesus. For Gentile converts from polytheism, this affirmed monotheism while asserting Christ's cosmic lordship over all so-called "gods and lords."
Questions for Reflection
- How does confessing "one God, one Lord" restructure your entire worldview and value system?
- What does it mean practically that all things exist "through" Christ—that He mediates all creation and providence?
- How should Christ's cosmic lordship relativize all other authorities and allegiances in your life?
Analysis & Commentary
But to us there is but one God, the Father (ἀλλ' ἡμῖν εἷς θεὸς ὁ πατήρ, all' hemin heis theos ho pater)—Paul counters polytheism with a Trinitarian monotheistic confession. The Father is the source of whom are all things (ἐξ οὗ τὰ πάντα, ex hou ta panta)—the preposition ex indicates origin. Creation flows from the Father. Believers exist in him (εἰς αὐτόν, eis auton), indicating purpose or goal—our destiny is the Father.
And one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (δι' οὗ τὰ πάντα καὶ ἡμεῖς δι' αὐτοῦ)—the preposition dia ("through, by means of") identifies Christ as creation's instrumental agent (cf. John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). This is one of the New Testament's highest Christological statements: Paul applies the Shema's monotheism to include Christ as divine agent of creation and redemption. The parallel structure (Father as source, Son as means) affirms Christ's full deity while maintaining distinction of persons.