Mark 3:29

But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of eternal sin.”

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus speaks to the religious leaders who have just accused Him of being demon-possessed. He issues this declaration immediately after affirming that all other sins and blasphemies will be forgiven.

The words — βλασφημήσῃ (blasphēmēsē) means "may blaspheme" or "utters slander," and εἰς τὸ πνεῦμα (eis to pneuma) literally translates to "against the Spirit." These terms define the specific, unyielding nature of the offense.

The thread — This warning parallels Matthew 12:31, which pairs the unforgivable blasphemy against the Spirit with the forgiveness of all other sins, and echoes the eternal consequence noted in Matthew 25:46. Luke 12:10 further distinguishes this sin by contrasting it with speaking against the Son of Man.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that persistent rejection of the Spirit’s witness to Christ places a person beyond the reach of forgiveness. It requires a reader to examine whether their stance aligns with accepting divine revelation or deliberately attributing it to evil.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

Cross-references

Matthew 12:31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.
Luke 12:10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Matthew 25:46 And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
2 Thessalonians 1:9 They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,
Jude 1:13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
Mark 12:40 They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
Jude 1:7 In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire.