5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"),
5 For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"--
5 that no matter how many of these so-called gods are named and worshiped they still don't add up to anything but a tall story.
5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),
5 There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:5
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:1-6
(Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-6)
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 they know any thing, and grow vain thereon, are the least likely to make good use of their knowledge. Satan hurts some as much by tempting them to be proud of mental powers, as others, by alluring to sensuality. Knowledge which puffs up the possessor, and renders him confident, is as dangerous as self-righteous pride, though what he knows may be right. Without holy affections all human knowledge is worthless. The heathens had gods of higher and lower degree; gods many, and lords many; so called, but not such in truth. Christians know better. One God made all, and has power over all. The one God, even the Father, signifies the Godhead as the sole object of all religious worship; and the Lord Jesus Christ denotes the person of Emmanuel, God manifest in the flesh, One with the Father, and with us; the appointed Mediator, and Lord of all; through whom we come to the Father, and through whom the Father sends all blessings to us, by the influence and working of the Holy Spirit. While we refuse all worship to the many who are called gods and lords, and to saints and angels, let us try whether we really come to God by faith in Christ.