Gods Many, and Lords Many 1 Corinthians 8:5

Paul the apostle shared with the church members in Corinth concerning, “the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols”, and in chapter eight and verse five of First Corinthians he declared how there are, “gods many, and lords many” where we read:

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth,

(as there be gods many, and lords many,)

The verse begins, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, ...” Paul began with the word, “For” or “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore“” “there be that are called” which means “if indeed, since and if after all there are ones that are affirmed, directed, spoken of and mentioned as ” “gods” which refers to “a general name of deities or divinities”, “whether” or “if” “in heaven” which refers to “within the region above the sidereal heaven where the seat of order of things is eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “or in earth” which refers to “the inhabited main land which is the abode of men and animals”. Paul referred to the “deities” that are “called” so by people “whether” they reside in “heaven or earth”.

The verse goes on to say, “(as there be gods many, and lords many,)” Paul continued parenthetically with the words, “(as there be” or “just or even as there are” “gods” which means “a general name of deities or divinities” “many” which means “plenteous and abundant” “and lords” or “he to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master and the title of honor expressive of respect and reverence with which servants greet their masters” “many” which means “plenteous and abundant”). Paul recognized there were “many gods and lords” which had been designated so by people.

When we meditate upon these words from Paul, we realize the attention he gave to the abundance of “gods” and “lords” that were available for worship to the Corinthians. These so-called “deities” had no true value, yet they were everywhere. Paul wanted the church members to understand the value of their relationship with Jesus Christ, and since He is the only true God the offerings and sacrifices to other “gods and lords” were an act of emptiness and vanity.

Next time Paul tells the Corinthians, “there is but one God, the Father”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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