Luke 12:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The context in Matthew 12:22-32 and Mark 3:20-30 shows Jesus spoke these words after Pharisees attributed His exorcisms to demonic power rather than the Holy Spirit. This was not honest skepticism but willful, malicious slander—they saw undeniable evidence of God's power yet deliberately called it satanic. First-century Judaism highly valued distinguishing clean from unclean, holy from profane. Calling the Holy Spirit's work demonic inverted all moral categories, demonstrating spiritual darkness masquerading as light. Church history records debates over whether post-baptismal sin could be forgiven. Some early rigorists claimed apostasy was unforgivable; others insisted only blasphemy against the Spirit fell into that category. The Reformation emphasized that those worried they've committed this sin demonstrate they haven't—concern about one's spiritual state evidences the Spirit's ongoing work of conviction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the distinction between forgivable words against Christ and unforgivable blasphemy against the Spirit illuminate the Spirit's unique role in salvation?
- Why does persistent rejection of the Spirit's conviction eventually make repentance psychologically and spiritually impossible?
- How should the existence of an unforgivable sin shape Christian witness and warning about persistent rebellion against God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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—This verse introduces the mysterious and sobering doctrine of the unforgivable sin. The contrast is stark: words against the Son of man (τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου) can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (βλασφημήσαντι εἰς τὸ Ἅγιον Πνεῦμα) cannot. The term blasphēmia (βλασφημία) means slander, defamation, or speaking evil—attributing to evil what is actually divine.
The distinction centers on the Spirit's unique role in conviction and regeneration. Rejecting Jesus during His earthly ministry could stem from ignorance or misunderstanding (Acts 3:17, 1 Timothy 1:13)—Paul persecuted Christians yet received mercy because he acted in unbelief. But blasphemy against the Spirit involves deliberately attributing the Spirit's work to Satan, calling good evil and light darkness (Mark 3:28-30 clarifies this—the Pharisees claimed Jesus cast out demons by Beelzebub's power). This represents such hardened, willful rebellion that repentance becomes impossible. It's not that God won't forgive but that the blasphemer cannot repent, having seared their conscience beyond sensitivity to conviction (Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-27).