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.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses the crowds and His disciples immediately after declaring that neutrality toward Him amounts to opposition and scattering (Matthew 12:30). He follows this by contrasting forgivable speech against the Son of Man with speech against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:32).

The words — πᾶσα (pasa) means "every" and ἁμαρτία (hamartia) means "sin," establishing that all transgressions are pardonable. βλασφημία (blasphēmia) denotes "blasphemy," specifically identifying the one category of speech that falls outside the scope of that forgiveness.

The thread — The distinction between forgivable speech against the Son of Man and unforgivable speech against the Holy Spirit appears in Luke 12:10. The broader principle that all sins and blasphemies are forgivable is echoed in Mark 3:28.

Why it lands — The text declares that blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven, establishing a boundary for pardon. It requires a reader to recognize that persistent rejection of God’s clear saving work closes the only avenue for forgiveness.

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

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.

Cross-references

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.
Mark 3:28 Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter.
Hebrews 10:29 How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 10:26 If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
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.
Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did.
1 Timothy 1:13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.
Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.