King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 8:6 Mean?

1 Corinthians 8:6 in the King James Version says “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 ar... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. in: or, for

1 Corinthians 8:6 · King James Version


Context

4

As 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.

5

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

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. in: or, for

7

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.

8

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. are we the better: or, have we the more are we the worse: or, have we the less


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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."

Reflection Questions

  1. How does confessing "one God, one Lord" restructure your entire worldview and value system?
  2. What does it mean practically that all things exist "through" Christ—that He mediates all creation and providence?
  3. How should Christ's cosmic lordship relativize all other authorities and allegiances in your life?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ἀλλ'1 of 27

But

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἡμῖν2 of 27

to us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

εἷς3 of 27

one

G1520

one

θεὸς4 of 27

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

5 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατήρ6 of 27

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐξ7 of 27

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

οὗ8 of 27

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὰ9 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα10 of 27

are all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ11 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμεῖς12 of 27

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

εἰς13 of 27

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτοῦ14 of 27

him

G846

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

καὶ15 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἷς16 of 27

one

G1520

one

κύριος17 of 27

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦς18 of 27

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστός19 of 27

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

δι'20 of 27

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

οὗ21 of 27

whom

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

τὰ22 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα23 of 27

are all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ24 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡμεῖς25 of 27

we

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

δι'26 of 27

by

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

αὐτοῦ27 of 27

him

G846

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 8:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 8:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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