What is Blasphemy? Blasphemy, a term often associated with religious contexts, refers to the act of speaking or showing contempt, irreverence, or disrespect towards God, sacred things, or religious beliefs. It involves insulting or defying the divine by words or actions. Blasphemy can take various forms, including verbal abuse, sacrilegious acts, or denigration of religious figures or beliefs. The gravity of blasphemy varies across different religious traditions and societies, with some considering it a punishable offense.

What is Blasphemy? What Does it Mean to Blaspheme?

Biblical Perspective

The Definition of Blasphemy

The concept of blasphemy has evolved over time, and its meaning differs in various contexts. In general, blasphemy can be defined as the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things, demonstrating irreverence and disrespect towards the divine. The term originated from the Greek word “blasphēmia” and has been translated from Latin to Old French to Middle English.

Blasphemy in Religious Contexts

Blasphemy holds significant religious implications and consequences in many belief systems. In the Old Testament, blasphemy was considered a serious offense, punishable by death. The Israelites were commanded to worship and obey God, and any disrespect towards God’s name or appointed leaders was seen as a direct challenge to the integrity and holiness of God Himself. The severity of the punishment reflected the importance of maintaining the covenant community and upholding the sanctity of God’s Name.

Throughout history, blasphemy has been treated as a criminal offense in some societies. In certain states in the United States and Britain, blasphemy is still considered a punishable offense, although prosecutions are rare. In Islamic countries, blasphemy and heresy are often treated as one, with any rejection or criticism of the Prophet Muhammad or Islamic teachings regarded as blasphemous.

Blasphemy in the Bible

Blasphemy is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. In the Old Testament, several Hebrew verbs are translated as “blaspheme.” These verbs, such as “curse,” “revile,” or “despise,” are used when referring to insults directed at God or his appointed leaders. The consequences of blasphemy in the Old Testament were severe, with the death penalty prescribed for those who abused God’s name or flouted his commandments.

In the New Testament, blasphemy takes on a broader meaning. Jesus spoke of a specific type of blasphemy known as “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.” This form of blasphemy refers to attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the power of Satan. Jesus declared this particular blasphemy as unforgivable, as it demonstrated a deliberate rejection of God’s grace and an intentional denial of the truth.

Examples of Blasphemy

1. Idolatry: Idolatry can be considered a form of blasphemy as it involves attributing worship and faith to entities other than the true God. When individuals find comfort or place their trust in anything other than God, they commit blasphemy by failing to give proper reverence and devotion to the divine.
2. Arrogance: Arrogance can be seen as a form of blasphemy when individuals think highly of themselves, considering themselves equal to or above God. This attitude undermines the sovereignty and authority of God, demonstrating a lack of reverence and respect.
3. False Teachings: False teachings or misrepresentations of God can also be considered blasphemous. When individuals distort or misinterpret the character and teachings of God, they undermine the true nature of the divine. Promoting false doctrine or leading others astray is a form of blasphemy as it misrepresents the glory, authority, and character of God.

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

One of the most significant forms of blasphemy mentioned in the Bible is “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.” This concept is specifically mentioned in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. Jesus spoke about this unforgivable sin after he performed miracles and the Pharisees accused him of casting out demons by the power of Satan.

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit refers to the deliberate rejection and denial of the work and power of the Holy Spirit. It involves attributing the miraculous works of Jesus to demonic forces, refusing to acknowledge the divine origin of his actions. This type of blasphemy demonstrates a complete and willful rejection of God’s grace, making it unforgivable.

The Consequences of Blasphemy

The consequences of blasphemy can vary depending on cultural, religious, and legal contexts. In some societies, blasphemy is punishable by law, while in others, it may result in social ostracization or condemnation. Religiously, blasphemy is seen as a grave sin with spiritual consequences. However, it is important to note that forgiveness is always possible for those who genuinely repent and seek reconciliation with God.

Promoting Reverence and Respect

While blasphemy can be a serious offense in religious contexts, it is essential to foster an environment of understanding, respect, and dialogue. Respect for differing beliefs and opinions allows for healthy discussions and the exchange of ideas. Engaging in respectful conversations can help bridge gaps and promote mutual understanding while avoiding unnecessary offense or disrespect.

In conclusion, blasphemy refers to the act or offense of speaking or showing disrespect, irreverence, or contempt towards God, sacred things, or religious beliefs. Its gravity varies across different religious traditions and societies. The Bible highlights specific instances of blasphemy and warns of the consequences of deliberately rejecting and denying the work of the Holy Spirit. While blasphemy may carry legal and religious consequences, promoting reverence, respect, and understanding is crucial in fostering healthy relationships and dialogue among individuals of diverse beliefs.

What is Blasphemy in the Bible?

Luke 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

Matthew 12:31-32 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

Mark 3:29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

James 2:6-7 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

Revelation 13:6 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

Group 1 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

1 Corinthians 6:6-10 But brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Titus 2:3-5 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

Hebrews 10:29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?

Group 2 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.

Exodus 20:7 “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.

Mark 2:7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Matthew 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

Revelation 13:1-18 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. …

Group 3 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Leviticus 24:10-16 Now an Israelite woman’s son, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the people of Israel. And the Israelite woman’s son and a man of Israel fought in the camp, and the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. Then they brought him to Moses. His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan. And they put him in custody, till the will of the Lord should be clear to them. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Bring out of the camp the one who cursed, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. …

Colossians 3:8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

Group 4 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Revelation 13:6-8 It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.

Matthew 12:32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

John 10:33-36 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?

Group 5 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 2:9 “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy.

1 Timothy 1:20 Among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Romans 2:24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

Isaiah 29:16 You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?

Group 6 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Leviticus 24:16 Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

Ezekiel 20:27 “Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: In this also your fathers blasphemed me, by dealing treacherously with me.

James 5:12 But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

Mark 3:30 For they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

Mark 3:28-29 “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”—

Zechariah 5:4 I will send it out, declares the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter the house of the thief, and the house of him who swears falsely by my name. And it shall remain in his house and consume it, both timber and stones.”

Group 7 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Isaiah 65:7 Both your iniquities and your fathers’ iniquities together, says the Lord; because they made offerings on the mountains and insulted me on the hills, I will measure into their lap payment for their former deeds.”

Isaiah 52:5 Now therefore what have I here,” declares the Lord, “seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail,” declares the Lord, “and continually all the day my name is despised.

Psalm 73:9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.

Hosea 7:13 Woe to them, for they have strayed from me! Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against me! I would redeem them, but they speak lies against me.

Daniel 11:36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.

Group 8 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Malachi 3:13 “Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’

Revelation 17:3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns.

Matthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

Daniel 11:37 He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.

Isaiah 37:23 “‘Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes to the heights? Against the Holy One of Israel!

Isaiah 36:20 Who among all the gods of these lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’”

Group 9 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Ezekiel 35:13 And you magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and multiplied your words against me; I heard it.

Revelation 13:1 And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

Zephaniah 1:12 At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’

Psalm 139:20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain.

Ezekiel 9:9 Then he said to me, “The guilt of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great. The land is full of blood, and the city full of injustice. For they say, ‘The Lord has forsaken the land, and the Lord does not see.’

Psalm 94:7 And they say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob does not perceive.”

Psalm 78:19 They spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?

Group 10 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Job 40:2 “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.”

Job 37:20 Shall it be told him that I would speak? Did a man ever wish that he would be swallowed up?

2 Kings 19:3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth.

Job 34:37 For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”

Job 19:21 Have mercy on me, have mercy on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me!

Leviticus 22:32 And you shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you,

Leviticus 19:12 You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

Group 11 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Revelation 16:21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe.

Ezekiel 18:25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way not just? Is it not your ways that are not just?

Jeremiah 20:7 O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; everyone mocks me.

Jeremiah 4:10 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God, surely you have utterly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, ‘It shall be well with you,’ whereas the sword has reached their very life.”

Isaiah 45:9 “Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’?

Isaiah 37:3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, ‘This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth.

Group 12 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Job 33:10 Behold, he finds occasions against me, he counts me as his enemy,

Isaiah 36:18 Beware lest Hezekiah mislead you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any of the gods of the nations delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?

Psalm 73:11 And they say, “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?”

Isaiah 8:21 They will pass through the land, greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against their king and their God, and turn their faces upward.

Job 21:13 They spend their days in prosperity, and in peace they go down to Sheol.

Job 16:11 God gives me up to the ungodly and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

2 Kings 19:22 “Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes to the heights? Against the Holy One of Israel!

2 Samuel 12:14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.”

Group 13 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Leviticus 24:11 And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the Name, and cursed. Then they brought him to Moses. His mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.

Revelation 16:11 And cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.

Revelation 16:9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory.

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Revelation 13:5 And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.

Jeremiah 23:10 For the land is full of adulterers; because of the curse the land mourns, and the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. Their course is evil, and their might is not right.

Group 14 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Isaiah 40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”?

Isaiah 37:10 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.

Psalm 74:18 Remember this, O Lord, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name.

Isaiah 36:21 But they were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”

Psalm 50:21 These things you have done, and I have been silent; you thought that I was one like yourself. But now I rebuke you and lay the charge before you.

Isaiah 29:15 Ah, you who hide deep from the Lord your counsel, whose deeds are in the dark, and who say, “Who sees us? Who knows us?”

Isaiah 8:22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness.

Job 34:9 For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should take delight in God.’

Group 15 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Job 34:6 In spite of my right I am counted a liar; my wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’

Job 34:5 For Job has said, ‘I am in the right, and God has taken away my right;

Acts 6:11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”

Job 33:11 He puts my feet in the stocks and watches all my paths.’

Job 30:21 You have turned cruel to me; with the might of your hand you persecute me.

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.

Job 19:7 Behold, I cry out, ‘Violence!’ but I am not answered; I call for help, but there is no justice.

John 10:33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”

Group 16 – What is Blasphemy in the Bible

Job 16:14 He breaks me with breach upon breach; he runs upon me like a warrior.

Job 16:9 He has torn me in his wrath and hated me; he has gnashed his teeth at me; my adversary sharpens his eyes against me.

1 Timothy 6:1 Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.

Job 15:26 Running stubbornly against him with a thickly bossed shield;

Luke 5:21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

Job 19:6 Know then that God has put me in the wrong and closed his net about me.

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