Blasphemy is a word that carries weight in Scripture. It is often used to describe deep disrespect toward God, His name, His Word, or His works. In the Bible, blasphemy is not just careless speech—it’s a serious sin that reveals the heart’s attitude toward the Lord. Understanding what blasphemy is helps us guard our words, our thoughts, and our actions so that they honor God rather than dishonor Him.
The Meaning of Blasphemy in the Bible
The word “blasphemy” comes from the Greek word blasphēmia, meaning “evil-speaking” or “slander.” In the biblical sense, it is any speech, thought, or action that insults, mocks, or shows contempt for God. It can also apply to speaking falsely about the work of the Holy Spirit or attributing God’s power to something evil.
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. — Matthew 12:36
Examples of Blasphemy in Scripture
Blasphemy appears throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, blasphemy was so serious that it carried the death penalty under the Law of Moses:
And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him. — Leviticus 24:16
In the New Testament, blasphemy is condemned as a sin that can separate people from God’s kingdom if left unrepented:
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. — Colossians 3:8
The Unforgivable Sin
One of the most serious warnings in Scripture is about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit:
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. — Mark 3:29
This sin is often understood as persistently and knowingly rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit—especially His testimony about Jesus—until the heart becomes hardened beyond repentance.
Modern Forms of Blasphemy
While we may not often hear the term in everyday conversation, blasphemy still exists today. It can take many forms:
| Form of Blasphemy | Example | Why It’s Serious |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking against God’s name | Using God’s name as a curse word | Shows deep disrespect toward God’s holiness |
| Mocking God’s Word | Publicly ridiculing Scripture | Undermines God’s authority and truth |
| Attributing God’s works to evil | Calling miracles from God “demonic” | Rejects God’s power and Spirit |
| Claiming divine status | Declaring oneself as God | Directly challenges God’s sovereignty |
Guarding Our Hearts and Words
Blasphemy often begins in the heart before it comes out in speech. Jesus warned that the heart is the source of what we say:
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. — Matthew 12:35
The best way to guard against blasphemy is to keep our hearts humble before God, speak words that honor Him, and give thanks for His goodness.
Final Thoughts
Blasphemy is more than just saying something careless—it is a deep rejection or disrespect of God’s holiness. The Bible makes it clear that our words and actions reveal the state of our hearts, and God calls us to speak in ways that glorify Him. As believers, we are called to let our words be seasoned with grace, reflecting the love and truth of Christ in all we do.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. — Psalm 19:14
