“So-Called Gods”: Rethinking 1 Corinthians 8:5
- Jon Moffitt
- Jul 29
- 7 min read
Every translation is an interpretation. While translators seek faithfulness to the original languages, choices must still be made—about tone, syntax, grammar, and theological implications. That’s why comparing translations and reading Scripture in context is not just helpful—it’s essential. Especially when the passage touches on weighty theological themes, like the existence of spiritual beings.
Take, for example, 1 Corinthians 8:5—a verse that opens a window into the unseen realm of the Bible and challenges modern assumptions about the word “god.”
1. No Quotation Marks in the Greek
Let’s begin with a basic yet often overlooked fact: the original Greek manuscripts had no quotation marks. So any time modern translations insert phrases like “so-called” or put words in quotation marks, they’re not translating—they’re interpreting.
Here’s 1 Corinthians 8:5 in several standard translations:
ESV: "For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many 'gods' and many 'lords'..."
NIV: "For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many 'gods' and many 'lords')..."
NASB: "For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many gods and many lords)..."
These modern translations obscure the straightforward Greek phrase: "legomenoi theoi" – meaning simply "those called gods." The insertion of "so-called" introduces doubt or sarcasm. But Paul isn’t being dismissive—he’s acknowledging a category of spiritual beings that people refer to as gods.
2. Literal Translations Preserve Clarity
Several modern translations attempt to stay as close to the Greek text as possible. Here are three literal translations of 1 Corinthians 8:5:
Literal Standard Version: "For even if there are those called gods, whether in Heaven, whether on earth—as there are many gods and many lords—"
Berean Literal Bible: "Truly even if indeed there are those called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, as there are many gods and many lords,"
Young’s Literal Translation: "For even if there are those called gods, whether in heaven or upon earth -- as there are gods many and lords many --"
These translations don’t editorialize with sarcasm or quotation marks. They reflect what the text says—that there are beings called gods and lords, both in heaven and on earth.
3. Early English Bibles Didn’t Add “So-Called”
Modern translations often impose interpretive assumptions shaped by Enlightenment rationalism or contemporary theology. But earlier English Bibles didn’t do this—they more consistently preserved the clarity and straightforwardness found in the Greek text.
Take a look at how pre-Enlightenment translations rendered this verse:
Geneva Bible (1587): "For though there bee that are called gods, whether in heauen, or in earth (as there be many gods, and many lords)"
Bishops' Bible (1568): "And though there be that are called gods, whether in heauen or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lordes many:)"
Coverdale Bible (1535): "And though there be that are called goddes, whether in heauen or in earth (as there be goddes many and lordes many)"
KJV (1611): "For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)"
Not one of these classic Bibles inserted “so-called” or quotation marks. This consistency shows that earlier translators preserved Paul’s wording as it appears in the Greek. These “gods” and “lords” were translated plainly—without modern reinterpretation—highlighting a clear shift that took place in translation philosophy after the Enlightenment.
4. Who Are These “Gods”? Paul’s Contrast in Verse 6
To understand Paul’s meaning, we must read the very next verse:
“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (1 Cor. 8:6)
This is not a denial of the spiritual beings in verse 5. It is a contrast. There may be many “gods” and “lords,” but there is only one Creator-God who is the source and goal of all things. Paul affirms the spiritual reality of other beings, but distinguishes them from the unique and uncreated God whom Christians worship.
5. What About the “Many Lords”? Why We Ignore Them
Most discussions of 1 Corinthians 8:5 focus on the “many gods,” with readers rushing to clarify that they’re not real. But what about the “many lords”? The phrase is often skipped entirely—because once we admit that these lords are spiritual beings, it becomes harder to deny the reality of the gods too.
Paul’s use of “lords” isn’t random. The word κύριοι (kurioi) was a known title for spiritual rulers in both biblical and Second Temple Jewish literature. Consider these examples:
Ephesians 6:12
"We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against rulers... against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Paul describes a hierarchy of spiritual beings ruling from heavenly places. These are the kinds of "lords" he's referencing.
Deuteronomy 10:17
*"For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords..."
This familiar phrase reveals a cosmic hierarchy. God is not just above human rulers, but over spiritual lords.
Jude 1:4
*"...ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."
Why emphasize Christ as the only Lord? Because many other spiritual beings claimed lordship.
Romans 8:38
*"...nor angels nor rulers... nor powers... will be able to separate us..."
Paul acknowledges a realm of ruling powers distinct from God and Christ. They are real. But they have no ultimate claim on us.
To downplay the “gods” while ignoring the “lords” is to miss Paul’s full point and flatten the supernatural worldview of Scripture.
6. The Reality Behind the Idols: Demons, Not Metaphors
Paul doesn’t leave us guessing about the nature of these gods and lords. He explains later in 1 Corinthians 10:19–21:
“What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”
Paul is drawing directly from Deuteronomy 32:17:
*"They sacrificed to demons that were no gods, to gods they had never known..."
In Deuteronomy, Israel is warned that the “gods” of the nations were not mere human inventions—they were spiritual beings in rebellion against God. Paul affirms this: the idols are nothing in themselves, but what they represent—demons—are very real. These beings seek communion, worship, and influence.
That’s why Paul warns the Corinthians not just to reject idolatry, but to avoid participation with these powers.—spiritual powers that masquerade as gods, exercise real influence, and demand worship. And Paul’s instruction is urgent: Don’t treat these beings lightly. Don’t reduce them to metaphor. And above all, don’t share a table with them.—demonic powers that masquerade as divine authorities, drawing people into darkness.
7. The God of This World: Satan's Role Among the Powers
One of the clearest confirmations of this worldview comes in 2 Corinthians 4:4, where Paul refers to Satan as “the god of this world.” Paul does not mean this metaphorically or sarcastically. He is describing a real being with real authority in the spiritual realm, who actively blinds the minds of unbelievers. This god does not merely influence culture—he works supernaturally to deceive souls.
Peter says he prowls like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). James urges believers to resist him (James 4:7). These aren’t metaphors for inner conflict or philosophical error—they are references to active spiritual entities operating in opposition to Christ.
So when Paul speaks of “gods many and lords many,” and then warns against fellowship with demons, he is speaking of beings like Satan—spiritual powers that masquerade as gods, exercise real influence, and demand worship. Paul’s instruction is urgent: Don’t treat these beings lightly. Don’t reduce them to metaphor. And above all, don’t share a table with them—demonic powers that masquerade as divine authorities, drawing people into darkness.
8. Translation Matters: Why Accuracy and Context Are Essential
When translations become interpretations, we must be alert. Seemingly minor changes—like “so-called” or quotation marks—can have major theological consequences.
That’s why it’s crucial to:
Compare translations, especially literal ones.
Read in context, not isolation.
Let all of Scripture shape our view—not just a single phrase.
Paul never denies the existence of other spiritual beings. But he proclaims the utter uniqueness of the Creator—the one true God, the Father, and the one Lord, Jesus Christ.
This article is not meant to explain the full biblical category of “gods”—a topic explored in more detail in my companion article on the Old Testament use of elohim—but to clarify how 1 Corinthians 8:5 has been misunderstood due to translation decisions. Paul does not deny the reality of other spiritual beings; instead, he reveals their nature and calls the church to exclusive allegiance to the one true God.
In a world filled with rival spiritual powers, the church is called to discernment, faithfulness, and worship of the Creator alone.
You can explore more about the biblical concept of elohim and the spiritual beings Scripture refers to as “gods” in my full article on that topic.
Final Thought: That’s the God who never lies to us, who never demands a transactional love, but comes to us in mercy and grace. The gods of this world aim to blind us, distract us, and enslave us to our sin. But our King—the God of gods—has set us free. He calls us to fix our hearts and minds on what cannot be seen: His grace and His kingdom. While we walk in this broken world, we live by faith in the unseen reign of Christ.
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