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For though there are things that are called "gods," whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many "gods" and many "lords;"
Verse Takeaways
1
Gods in Name, Not Reality
Commentators agree that when Paul mentions 'gods many, and lords many,' he is referring to what pagans call gods, not affirming their actual existence. These 'so-called' deities could be anything from celestial bodies and deified emperors to animals and statues. They possess a title but lack the reality of the one true God.
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Book Overview
1 Corinthians
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7
18th Century
Presbyterian
That are called gods. Gods so called. The heathens everywhere worshipped multitudes and gave them the name of gods.
Whether in …
For though there be (κα γαρ ειπερ εισ). Literally, "For even if indeed there are" (a concessive clause, condition of first class, …
19th Century
Anglican
For though there be. . . .—This is a hypothetical argument. 'Be' is the emphatic word of the supposition. Even assuming that those…
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Paul grants for argument that there are “so-called gods” in heaven and earth, such as those the pagans recognized in Greek and Roman mythology. He …
16th Century
Protestant
For though there be that are called—"They have," he says, "the name, but the reality is lacking." He uses the word called here to…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For though there are that are called gods That are so by name, though not by nature; who are called so in Scripture, as a…
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There is no proof of ignorance more common than conceit of knowledge. Much may be known when nothing is known to good purpose. And those who think …
