Arjuna begins Chapter 8 by asking Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa to explain five important terms introduced at the end of Chapter 7. Bhagavān had mentioned these terms while discussing spiritual knowledge but had not explained their precise meanings. Arjuna wants to understand them clearly before proceeding.

His first question concerns Brahman. Bhagavān had used this word in 7.29, and Arjuna now asks what it means. Brahman is an important term in Vedānta, and Arjuna wants to know the particular meaning intended in the teaching.

His second question concerns adhyātmam, another word introduced in 7.29. Rather than assuming its meaning, Arjuna asks Bhagavān to clarify it.

Next, Arjuna asks about karma. This word ordinarily means action, but it can have a special meaning depending upon the context. Since Bhagavān used it as part of a technical teaching, Arjuna wants to understand exactly what karma refers to here.

The fourth and fifth questions concern adhibhūtam and adhidaivam, introduced in 7.30. These are also technical terms whose meanings have not yet been explained.

Arjuna addresses Kṛṣṇa as Puruṣottama [the Supreme Person]. This is a respectful form of address, not another question. Thus, Arjuna asks five questions in this śloka and will continue with two more in the next.

The significance of these questions is that Arjuna does not assume he understands an important teaching merely because he has heard its terminology. He asks for precise definitions. Bhagavān will answer these five questions, together with the question about adhiyajñaḥ in 8.2, through His explanations in 8.3 and 8.4.