1 Corinthians 8 6

1 Corinthians 8:6 kjv

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.

1 Corinthians 8:6 nkjv

yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8:6 niv

yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8:6 esv

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 Corinthians 8:6 nlt

But for us, There is one God, the Father,
by whom all things were created,
and for whom we live.
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ,
through whom all things were created,
and through whom we live.

1 Corinthians 8 verses

1 Corinthians 8 6 Meaning

This verse emphasizes the foundational truth of monotheism in Christianity: there is only one God, the Father, from whom all things originate, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things exist. It asserts the unique sovereignty of God the Father and the unique mediating role of Jesus Christ, the Lord.

1 Corinthians 8 6 Context

1 Corinthians chapter 8 addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. The Corinthians were divided, with some believing that since idols were nothing, eating this food was permissible and demonstrated their superior knowledge. Others, perhaps with weaker consciences, were disturbed by this practice and felt it could lead them astray or offend them.

Paul's argument in this chapter is nuanced. He first establishes that while an idol itself is nothing, acknowledging this does not give them the right to disregard the weaker brother's conscience. True spiritual maturity is not about "knowledge" but about "love" (agape) that builds up. Verse 6 serves as the theological bedrock for his argument, defining the one true God and the one Lord Jesus Christ, which clarifies the Christian understanding of reality in contrast to pagan polytheism and idolatry.

The immediate context for verse 6 is to counter the Corinthians' pride in their supposed knowledge and to remind them of the fundamental truths of their faith, which should govern their behavior. This theological anchor emphasizes that their participation in any religious act or food offering must align with their singular allegiance to God and Christ.

1 Corinthians 8 6 Word Analysis

• εἰς (eis): "one." Indicates numerical singularity, essential for defining monotheism. It's not merely "a" but the absolute "one" God.
• θεὸς (theos): "God." Refers to the supreme deity, here specifically God the Father.
• εἷς (heis): "one." Repeated for emphasis, reinforcing the absolute oneness of God.
• ὁ (ho): "the." Definite article, signifying a specific, known God – the Father.
• Πατήρ (Pater): "Father." This term denotes God's relationship with believers and Christ, highlighting His role as the ultimate source and progenitor. It carries significant relational and ontological weight in Christian theology.
• ἐξ (ex): "from." Indicates origin or source. All existence stems from the Father.
• οὗ (hou): "whom." Refers back to "the Father."
• πάντα (panta): "all things." Encompasses the entirety of creation, both material and spiritual.
• εἰς (eis): "one." Again, "one" is used to refer to Jesus Christ.
• κύριος (kyrios): "Lord." A term used extensively in the Old Testament for Yahweh, demonstrating Jesus' divine authority and sovereignty, and in the New Testament for Jesus Himself. This is a critical assertion of Christ's deity.
• Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous): "Jesus." The personal name of the Messiah.
• Χριστός (Christos): "Christ." The title meaning "Anointed One," signifying His messianic role and divinely appointed authority.
• δι’ (di): "through." Indicates agency or instrumentality. All things exist through Jesus Christ.

Words-group by Words-group Analysis:

• "εἰς θεὸς, ὁ Πατήρ": This phrase unequivocally establishes God the Father as the singular, unique, and ultimate source of all reality. It connects His identity with His fatherhood, implying a loving and creative origin. This stands in stark contrast to polytheistic systems where the divine realm was often chaotic or contested.
• "ἐξ οὗ τὰ πάντα": All things originate from the Father. This encompasses creation, redemption, and all of divine history. It grounds everything in God's sovereign will and eternal purpose.
• "εἷς κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστός": This identifies Jesus Christ as the singular Lord. The use of "Kyrios," the Septuagint's translation of Yahweh, strongly asserts Christ's divine nature and equivalence with God the Father. He is the unique agent through whom God relates to and orders creation.
• "δι’ οὗ τὰ πάντα": All things exist through Christ. He is the mediator of creation and all divine activity. This highlights His crucial role as the bridge between God and humanity, and the sustainer of the cosmos. The parallel structure with "from whom" (Father) emphasizes a divine unity in purpose and action.

1 Corinthians 8 6 Bonus Section

The structure "from whom... through whom..." (ἐξ οὗ... δι' οὗ...) reflects a deep theological understanding of God's triune nature, even though the term "Trinity" is not explicitly used here. It highlights a dynamic of relationship and activity within the Godhead. This formula echoes similar formulations in Jewish thought, particularly in interpretations of Proverbs 8 where Wisdom is present with God at creation, and in some later Rabbinic literature, but gives it a distinct Christological fulfillment. Scholars often point to this verse as one of the clearest New Testament affirmations of Christ's deity and His role as mediator in creation and existence, connecting Him directly to the singular act of divine creation attributed solely to the Father in the Old Testament.

1 Corinthians 8 6 Commentary

This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology, clearly articulating both the unity of God and the distinct yet integral role of Jesus Christ within that unity. It provides the essential framework for understanding salvation and existence within the Christian faith, distinguishing it from the pervasive paganism of the Greco-Roman world, which acknowledged countless deities and demi-gods.

Paul leverages this singular declaration to recalibrate the Corinthians' perspective. Their debates about the "knowledge" of spiritual matters, especially concerning food offered to idols, must be situated within the foundational reality of one God and one Lord. This truth supersedes any lesser understanding or practice that might divide them or compromise their allegiance to Christ.

The emphasis on the Father as the source and Christ as the Lord through whom all things exist does not create a division within the Godhead but points to a unified divine operation. The Father wills and originates, and the Son, as the eternal Word and Mediator, executes and sustains all things. This also foreshadows Christ's role in spiritual redemption, where all things come through Him and are reconciled to God. It's a profound statement of both monotheism and the unique person and work of Jesus Christ.

• Practical Application: When faced with practices that might compromise faith (like engaging in potentially idolatrous customs), believers are reminded to ground themselves in the exclusive allegiance to the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. What truly matters is our relationship with and devotion to them.