{2} As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto {d} idols, we know that an idol is {e} nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.

(2) The application of that answer to things offered to idols: I grant, he says, that an idol is indeed a vain imagination, and that there is but one God and Lord, and therefore that food cannot be made either holy or profane by the idol. But it does not follow therefore, that a man may, without regard of what they are, use those foods as any other.

(d) The word idol in this place is taken for an image which is made to represent some godhead, so that worship might be given to it: whereupon came the word idolatry, that is to say, image service.

(e) Is a vain dream.

People's New Testament

8:4 We know that an idol is nothing. Not a god, not even a living being. Only wood, stone, or metal.

Wesley's Notes

8:4 We know that an idol is nothing - A mere nominal god, having no divinity, virtue, or power.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

4. As concerning, &c.-resuming the subject begun in 1Co 8:1, "As touching," &c.

idol is nothing-has no true being at all, the god it represents is not a living reality. This does not contradict 1Co 10:20, which states that they who worship idols, worship devils; for here it is the Gods believed by the worshippers to be represented by the idols which are denied to have any existence, not the devils which really under the idols delude the worshippers.

none other God-The oldest manuscripts omit the word "other"; which gives a clearer sense.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

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.