Blasphemy is a sin that carries considerable weight in both the Old and New Testaments. Although the meaning of blasphemy has evolved over time, in the biblical context, it primarily refers to the act of speaking with disrespect about God or sacred things. It’s also stretched to include actions that intentionally express contempt or lack of reverence for the divine. The Bible emphasizes the severity of blasphemy, considering it a significant spiritual crime.
What Is the Biblical Definition of Blasphemy?
In the Bible, blasphemy occupies a special place among sins. It’s not solely about inappropriate language or mockery. Blasphemy extends further to include denying the power of God, attributing His works to evil, or expressing disrespect towards the holy spirit. It’s essentially a form of spiritual treason, an attack against the very essence of divine authority and benevolence. Hence, the Bible considers blasphemy a serious, even unpardonable, offense.
Who in the Bible Commits Blasphemy?
There are several instances in the Bible of individuals committing blasphemy. For example, the Pharisees, a group of religious leaders famous for their strict observance of the religious law, are accused of blasphemy in the New Testament. Despite witnessing Jesus perform miracles, they audaciously attributed His divine acts to demonic forces. Their refusal to acknowledge Jesus’ divine power and his message of salvation was categorically labeled as blasphemy.
Why Does the Bible Stress the Severity of Blasphemy?
Biblical accounts stress the severity of blasphemy due to its denouncement of divine power and authority. It is presented as an intentional act of defiance against God, undermining His sacredness. The Bible warns of severe consequences for blasphemy. In the Old Testament, blasphemy was considered so grave that it attracted capital punishment. In the New Testament, it is referred to as the unpardonable sin. While other wrongdoings might be forgiven upon genuine repentance, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is stated explicitly as a sin that will not be forgiven.
What Impact Does Blasphemy Have on One’s Spiritual Life?
According to the teachings of the Bible, blasphemy has profound impacts on one’s spiritual life. It indicates an alienation from God—a hardened heart that’s resistant to His divine influence. Persisting in blasphemy could lead to spiritual self-destruction, severing an individual’s relationship with God. Consequently, it obstructs the pathway towards redemption and salvation. The Bible makes it clear that blasphemy isn’t an inconsequential verbal misdemeanor, but a serious transgression with severe spiritual implications.
When did Blasphemy Become a Central Issue in the Bible?
Blasphemy was a critical issue right from the early days of biblical history. In the Old Testament, the punishment for blasphemy was death by stoning, indicating its seriousness. But it wasn’t until the New Testament times, with the advent of Jesus Christ, that blasphemy truly became a central issue. The Pharisees’ refusal to acknowledge Jesus’ divine status, leading Jesus to label them blasphemous, marked a crucial turning point in the Bible’s approach towards blasphemy. That period brought a deeper understanding and broader outlook of what constitutes blasphemy, rendering it as not just a religious law violation, but a severe spiritual offense.
Below is our full list of bible verses on blasphemy (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Luke 12:10
“10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Matthew 12:31-32
“31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
Related Themes: All Sins Being Equal Omnipotence Sin All Sins Being Equal
Mark 3:29
“29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:”
Related Themes: Forgiveness
James 2:6-7
“6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”
Related Themes: Oppression
1 Corinthians 6:6-10
“6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Related Themes: Trespassing
Revelation 13:6
“6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Titus 2:3-5
“3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
Hebrews 10:29
“29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Retribution
Acts 7:51
“51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.”
Related Themes: Criticism Holy Spirit
Mark 2:7
“7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Exodus 20:7
“7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
Matthew 12:31
“31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”
Related Themes: All Sins Being Equal Omnipotence Sin All Sins Being Equal
James 3:10
“10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
Related Themes: Reputation Cussing Abuse Cursing Profanity
2 Thessalonians 2:4
“4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”
Related Themes: Abomination Rebuilding
Revelation 13:6-8
“6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Colossians 3:8
“8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Gossip Frustration Cursing Anger
Leviticus 24:10-16
“10 And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel: and this son of the Israelitish woman and a man of Israel strove together in the camp;11 And the Israelitish woman’s son blasphemed the name of the LORD, and cursed. And they brought him unto Moses: (and his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan:)12 And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.13 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,14 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.15 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the LORD, shall be put to death.”
Related Themes: Killing
Matthew 12:32
“32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit
2 Timothy 3:16
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
1 John 1:9
“9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Related Themes: Repentance Forgiveness Bitterness Lust Attitude
Matthew 26:65
“65 Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Revelation 2:9
“9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.”
Related Themes: Persecution Satan
1 Timothy 1:20
“20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”
Related Themes: Excommunication Discipline Satan Voting
John 10:33-36
“33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?”
Romans 2:24
“24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Opinions
James 5:12
“12 But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Education Oaths Idleness Swearing
Isaiah 29:16
“16 Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?”
Mark 3:30
“30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.”
Isaiah 65:7
“7 Your iniquities, and the iniquities of your fathers together, saith the LORD, which have burned incense upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their former work into their bosom.”
Isaiah 52:5
“5 Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
