Mark 3:30
Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
Because
G3754
ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 5
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἔλεγον
they said
G3004
ἔλεγον
they said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 5
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πνεῦμα
spirit
G4151
Πνεῦμα
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
3 of 5
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Historical Context
In Jewish theology, blasphemy meant speaking against God's character or work. The third commandment forbids taking God's name in vain (Exodus 20:7). Jesus' contemporaries understood that attributing God's work to Satan reversed good and evil, calling light darkness. This wasn't honest skepticism but willful perversion of truth. Their accusation sought to undermine Jesus' ministry and justify opposition. Church history records similar blasphemies—calling Holy Spirit's conviction 'psychological manipulation' or gospel's power 'mass delusion.'
Questions for Reflection
- How does persistent attribution of God's work to evil demonstrate hardness beyond hope?
- What distinguishes honest doubt from blasphemous rejection of clear truth?
- How does this passage warn against resisting the Holy Spirit's conviction?
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Analysis & Commentary
Mark explains why Jesus spoke so sternly: 'Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.' The scribes' blasphemous accusation—attributing Jesus' work to demons—crosses into unforgivable territory. They witnessed Holy Spirit's power through Jesus yet called it satanic. This reveals hardened hearts beyond repentance. The phrase 'they said' (ἔλεγον, imperfect tense) indicates persistent accusation, not isolated comment. Their ongoing blasphemy demonstrates willful, malicious opposition to obvious truth. Reformed theology sees this as the unpardonable sin—persistent, final rejection of Holy Spirit's testimony to Christ.