1 Corinthians 8:4

Concerning. Paul has digressed from the main topic of discussion introduced in v. 1 to show that the problem could not be solved by knowledge alone, that something else was necessary, namely love (see vs. 1-3). Now the examination of the propriety of Christians using food that had been offered to idols is resumed.

Nothing, in the Greek this word is in the emphatic position, thus stressing the nothingness of the idol. The idol is only lifeless wood, stone, or metal, and has no real significance either in heaven or on the earth. It should be borne in mind that by the word “idol” is meant, not merely the image, but the idol god it is supposed to represent. Paul’s statement denies this idol god all reality. The belief that various deities dwell in the man-made idols is only a fantasy of the mind of the worshipers. One of the names given to heathen gods in the OT is ’elilim, “nothings.”

But one. The Scriptures repeatedly stress the fundamental truth that there is only one God, the Creator and Father of all mankind (see Neh. 9:6; Isa. 43:10; 44:6, 8; Mal. 2:10; Mark 12:29, 30; 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6).