Luke 12:10 Meaning in Context of Blasphemy
Luke 12:10 states, "And whosoeuer shall speake a woorde against the Sonne of man, it shall be forgiuen him: but vnto him, that shall blaspheme ye holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiuen" (Geneva1599) [2]. This verse is part of a larger discourse by Jesus to his disciples, warning them about confessing him before others and not fearing those who can kill the body but not the soul [5].
The term "blasphemy" generally refers to speaking evil of God [1, 3]. In the Old Testament, blasphemy was a serious offense, punishable by stoning [3, 8]. For instance, the son of Shelomith was stoned for blaspheming [3]. The Israelites were instructed to treat God's name with reverence, and using it in a curse reflected a sinful attitude toward God himself [8]. The New Testament also uses "blasphemy" to denote calumny or evil-speaking [1]. Jesus himself was accused of blasphemy when he claimed to be the Son of God [1, 3].
The specific "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" mentioned in Luke 12:10 is also found in Matthew 12:31-32 and Mark 3:28-29 [1, 3]. This particular sin is distinguished from speaking against the Son of Man, which can be forgiven [2]. Methodist theologian Adam Clarke directs readers to Matthew 12:32 for an explanation of this sin [6].
One interpretation of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is that it involves a continued and obstinate rejection of the gospel [1]. The Holy Spirit is understood to draw people to God and bear witness to Jesus [7]. Therefore, to blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to reject this testimony about Jesus, effectively rejecting God [7]. This rejection is considered unpardonable [4, 7]. The context of Jesus' teaching in Luke 12 emphasizes the importance of acknowledging him and the Holy Spirit, contrasting it with the severe consequence of rejecting the Spirit's work [2].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Blasphemy — In the sense of speaking evil of God this word is found in Ps. 74:18; Isa. 52:5; Rom. 2:24; Rev. 13:1, 6; 16:9, 11, 21. It denotes also any kind of calumny, or evil-speaking, or abuse (1 Kings 21:10; Acts 13:45; 18:6, etc.). Our Lord was accused of blasphemy when he claimed to be the Son of God (Matt. 26:65; comp. Matt. 9:3; Mark 2:7). They who deny his Messiahship blaspheme Jesus (Luke 22:65; John 10:36). Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Matt. 12:31, 32; Mark 3:28, 29; Luke 12:10) is regarded by some as a continued and obstinate rejection of the gospel,”
- Luke “Luke 12:10 (Geneva1599) — And whosoeuer shall speake a woorde against the Sonne of man, it shall be forgiuen him: but vnto him, that shall blaspheme ye holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiuen.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Blasphemy — in its technical English sense, signifies the speaking evil of God and in this sense it is found (Psalms 74:18; Isaiah 52:5; Romans 2:24) etc. But according to its derivation it may mean any species of calumny and abuse: see (1 Kings 21:10; Acts 18:6; Jude 1:9) etc. Blasphemy was punished by stoning, which was inflicted on the son of Shelomith. (Leviticus 24:11) On this charge both our Lord and St. Stephen were condemned to death by the Jews. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, (Matthew 12:32; Mark 3:28) consisted in attributing to the power of Satan tho”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Blasphemy — Christ assailed with -- Mt 10:25; Lu 22:64,65; 1Pe 4:14. Charged upon Christ -- Mt 9:2,3; 26:64,65; Joh 10:33,36. Charged upon saints -- Ac 6:11,13. Proceeds from the heart -- Mt 15:19. Forbidden -- Ex 20:7; Col 3:8. The wicked addicted to -- Ps 74:18; Isa 52:5; 2Ti 3:2; Re 18:11,21. Idolatry counted as -- Isa 65:7; Eze 20:27,28. Hypocrisy counted as -- Re 2:9. Saints grieved to hear -- Ps 44:15,16; 74:10,18,22. Gives no occasion for -- 2Sa 12:14; 1Ti 6:1. Against the Holy Spirit, unpardonable -- Mt 12:31,32. Connected with folly and pride -- 2Ki 19:22; P”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Luke.12.4 → Rev.2.10 (confidence: 10 votes)”
- Luke (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Luke 12:10: Him that blasphemeth - See the sin against the Holy Ghost explained, Mat 12:32 (note).”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 12:10: 12:10 The Holy Spirit draws people to God. One who blasphemes the Holy Spirit rejects his testimony about Jesus and so rejects God. This is the unpardonable sin (see study notes on Matt 12:31-32).”
- Leviticus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Leviticus 24:11: 24:11 blasphemed . . . with a curse In biblical times, a name was more than a means of identification; it represented a person’s character, reputation, and origin. God is holy, and he was to be regarded as holy in all of Israel’s life (see 10:3). The Israelites had been instructed to treat God’s name with reverence (Exod 20:7). Using his name in a curse reflected a sinful attitude toward God himself (Lev 24:15), and it deserved death (24:13-16). The wording in the Hebrew text is very strong: Two verbs meaning “curse” are used, one that indicated a more formal ”