Matthew 12:32

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὃς

G3739

but

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν

G302

whosoever

whatsoever

εἴπῃ

G2036

speaketh

to speak or say (by word or writing)

λόγον

G3056

a word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

κατὰ

G2596

against

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱοῦ

G5207

the Son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

ἀνθρώπου

G444

of man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

#11

ἀφεθήσεται

G863

be forgiven

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

#12

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#13

ὃς

G3739

but

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#14

δ'

G1161

but, and, etc

#15

ἂν

G302

whosoever

whatsoever

#16

εἴπῃ

G2036

speaketh

to speak or say (by word or writing)

#17

κατὰ

G2596

against

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#18

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#19

πνεύματος

G4151

Ghost

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

#20

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

ἁγίου

G40

the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#22

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#23

ἀφεθήσεται

G863

be forgiven

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

#24

αὐτῷ

G846

him

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#25

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#26

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#27

τούτῳ

G5129

this

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

#28

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

αἰῶνι

G165

world

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

#30

οὔτε

G3777

neither

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

#31

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#32

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#33

μέλλοντι

G3195

the world to come

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Matthew. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to gospel presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic hope, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?

Related Resources

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Matthew 12:32

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources