Bible glossary
What Does ‘Blasphemy’ Mean in the Bible?
Blasphemy is speech or attitude that dishonors, mocks, or slanders God, treating the holy as if it were worthless.
In short
Blasphemy is speech or attitude that dishonors, mocks, or slanders God, treating the holy as if it were worthless.
Blasphemy is to speak against God in a way that reviles or profanes Him: cursing His name, claiming His authority falsely, or holding what is sacred in contempt. The Bible treats it seriously because it strikes at the honor of a holy and good God.
Yet the Bible also holds out mercy. Some who once mocked God were later forgiven and transformed. The truly unforgivable posture is not a single word but a settled, final refusal of the very Spirit who offers forgiveness.
Key verses
“Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
Exodus 20:7
“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”
Matthew 12:31
“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy.”
1 Timothy 1:13
Blasphemy and Jesus
Ironically, Jesus was accused of blasphemy for forgiving sins and claiming to be one with God, claims that were not blasphemy at all but the truth. He was condemned as a blasphemer so that real blasphemers could be forgiven. His mercy reaches even those who once cursed His name.