Luke 12:10

KJV

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whosoever {G3956}{G3739} shall speak {G2046} a word {G3056} against {G1519} the Son {G5207} of man {G444}, it shall be forgiven {G863} him {G846}: but {G1161} unto him that blasphemeth {G987} against {G1519} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} it shall {G863} not {G3756} be forgiven {G863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also, everyone who says something against the Son of Man will have it forgiven him; but whoever has blasphemed the Ruach HaKodesh will not be forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And every one who shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Spirit it shall not be forgiven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:10 presents a profound and often-misunderstood declaration by Jesus concerning the nature of forgiveness and the unique gravity of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. While speaking against the Son of Man—Jesus in His earthly, human manifestation—can be forgiven, a deliberate and persistent blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is declared to be unforgivable. This statement underscores the critical role of the Holy Spirit in testifying to divine truth and convicting humanity, highlighting the ultimate danger of a hardened rejection of God's final and clearest revelation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This weighty pronouncement by Jesus is situated within a broader discourse to His disciples, warning them against hypocrisy and encouraging them to fear God rather than men. In the verses immediately preceding [Luke 12:10](/luke/12-10 "Luke 12:10 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit"), Jesus instructs His followers not to fear those who can only kill the body but cannot harm the soul, but rather to fear God, who has authority over both body and soul ([Luke 12:4-5](/luke/12-4-5 "Luke 12:4-5 - Fear God Not Man")). He then transitions to the importance of public confession, promising that those who acknowledge Him before others will be acknowledged by the Son of Man before the angels of God, while those who deny Him will be denied ([Luke 12:8-9](/luke/12-8-9 "Luke 12:8-9 - Confessing and Denying Christ")). Luke 12:10 naturally follows this theme of allegiance and spiritual consequences, distinguishing between a rejection of Jesus in His human form and a rejection of the Holy Spirit's ongoing, undeniable work, which is the ultimate means of conviction and revelation. The passage also anticipates the Spirit's role in helping the disciples speak when brought before authorities ([Luke 12:11-12](/luke/12-11-12 "Luke 12:11-12 - The Holy Spirit Will Teach You")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Judaism, blasphemy was a grave offense, often punishable by death, as it involved speaking contemptuously of God or sacred things. The concept of the "Son of Man" (Gk. _huios tou anthrōpou_) was a messianic title with roots in Daniel 7:13-14, referring to a divine, authoritative figure who would come to establish God's kingdom. However, during Jesus' earthly ministry, many struggled to reconcile His humble human appearance with such a lofty title. Their opposition to Him, while serious, could be attributed to misunderstanding, ignorance, or a lack of full revelation. The Holy Spirit, or "Holy Ghost" (Gk. _pneuma hagion_), was understood as the active presence and power of God, inspiring prophets and performing miracles. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit, particularly by attributing His divine works (such as Jesus' exorcisms, as seen in parallel accounts like [Matthew 12:22-32](/matthew/12-22-32 "Matthew 12:22-32 - Jesus and Beelzebul")) to demonic power, was to willfully and maliciously reject God's clearest and most undeniable self-disclosure. This context highlights the unique and final nature of the Spirit's testimony, which leaves no room for genuine ignorance.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of [Luke 12:10](/luke/12-10 "Luke 12:10 - The Unforgivable Sin") is the **nature of the unforgivable sin**. It differentiates between opposition to Jesus in His human form, which could be forgiven, and a hardened, deliberate rejection of the Holy Spirit's work. This distinction underscores the **role of the Holy Spirit** as the divine agent of conviction, revelation, and empowerment, through whom God's truth is made undeniably clear. To blaspheme the Spirit implies a final, malicious refusal to acknowledge God's saving power and truth, attributing it to evil. This leads to the theme of **divine forgiveness and its limits**, not because God's grace is insufficient, but because a heart so hardened against the Spirit's conviction becomes incapable of repentance, which is the prerequisite for receiving forgiveness. While God's forgiveness is freely offered to all who genuinely repent ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - God's Faithfulness to Forgive")), this verse warns against a state where the heart has become so resistant to the Spirit's drawing that repentance is no longer possible.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blasphemeth (Greek, _blasphēméō_):** From G987, meaning "to vilify; specially, to speak impiously." In this context, it signifies not merely speaking evil, but speaking contemptuously and irreverently against the Holy Spirit, specifically by attributing His divine works to evil forces. This is a deliberate and malicious act of spiritual defiance.
* **Holy (Greek, _hágios_):** From G40, meaning "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)." It emphasizes the divine, set-apart, and pure nature of the Spirit, whose works are undeniably from God.
* **Ghost (Greek, _pneûma_):** From G4151, meaning "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 principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." Here, it refers to the third person of the Trinity, the divine Spirit of God, who is actively present and working in the world.
* **forgiven (Greek, _aphíēmi_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth, in various applications... cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up." In this verse, it specifically means to remit or pardon sin, highlighting the act of divine absolution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:"** This clause refers to speaking against Jesus during His earthly ministry, in His human form ("Son of Man"). People might have misunderstood His claims, doubted His identity, or even opposed Him due to ignorance or prejudice, not fully grasping His divine nature or the source of His power. Such opposition, while sinful, was subject to forgiveness, implying that repentance was still possible for those who had not yet fully encountered the Spirit's undeniable witness to Jesus' true identity.
* **"but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."** This second clause presents a stark contrast, introducing the unforgivable sin. "Blaspheming against the Holy Ghost" signifies a deliberate, malicious, and persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit's clear and undeniable testimony to Christ and His divine works. It is not merely speaking ill, but attributing the Spirit's divine power (e.g., Jesus' miracles, the Spirit's conviction of sin) to Satan or evil, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. This act represents a final, hardened defiance of God's ultimate revelation, leading to a state where the heart is no longer capable of repentance, thus precluding forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:10 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jesus explicitly differentiates between two types of offenses and their outcomes: speaking against the Son of Man versus blaspheming the Holy Spirit. This stark contrast highlights the unique gravity of the latter. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** or a strong warning, as the absolute statement "it shall not be forgiven" emphasizes the extreme consequence of this particular sin, serving as a solemn caution against hardening one's heart against divine truth. Furthermore, the verse contains **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the pivotal role the Holy Spirit will play after Jesus' ascension, particularly in convicting the world of sin and testifying to Christ, making the Spirit's witness the ultimate and final revelation of God's saving power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:10 is a profoundly theological statement that illuminates the nature of sin, the Trinity, and the process of salvation. It teaches us that while God's grace is boundless and His forgiveness extends to all who genuinely repent, there is a point of no return for the human heart. This "unforgivable sin" is not a single, accidental utterance but a persistent, defiant, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's work, particularly His role in convicting individuals of sin and drawing them to Christ. It implies a state of spiritual hardening where one willfully attributes the clear, undeniable work of God's Spirit to evil, thereby cutting oneself off from the very means by which repentance and forgiveness are offered. This sin is against the Spirit because He is the one who applies Christ's saving work to human hearts, illuminates truth, and empowers belief. To reject Him utterly is to reject the only path to salvation.

* [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")
* [Mark 3:28-30](/mark/3-28-30 "Mark 3:28-30 - The Unforgivable Sin")
* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - Impossible to Restore to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:10 has historically caused significant anxiety among believers, leading many to fear they might have unknowingly committed the unforgivable sin. However, a careful understanding reveals that this sin is not a casual mistake or a fleeting doubt, but a deliberate, persistent, and malicious defiance of the Holy Spirit's clear work and testimony. It is a hardened state of heart that attributes the undeniable power of God (manifested through the Spirit) to Satan, thereby rejecting the very source of conviction and repentance. If you are concerned that you might have committed this sin, it is a strong indicator that you have not, because a heart truly guilty of this blasphemy would be so hardened that it would feel no remorse, no desire for forgiveness, and no conviction from the Spirit. The Spirit's work is to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Holy Spirit Convicts the World")), and a person sensitive to this conviction is precisely the opposite of one who blasphemes the Spirit. This verse serves as a solemn warning against persistently resisting God's grace and hardening one's heart against the Spirit's promptings, urging us to remain responsive and humble before Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean to "harden one's heart" against the Holy Spirit in a way that leads to the unforgivable sin?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is sensitive and responsive to the Holy Spirit's leading and conviction?**
* **If I have anxieties about having committed this sin, what does that concern itself reveal about my spiritual state?**

### FAQ

**What exactly is the "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" mentioned in Luke 12:10?**

Answer: The "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" (or Holy Spirit) is not a single, accidental word or thought, but a persistent, deliberate, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's undeniable work and testimony, particularly His role in revealing Christ and convicting of sin. As seen in parallel passages like [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit") and [Mark 3:28-30](/mark/3-28-30 "Mark 3:28-30 - The Unforgivable Sin"), it involves witnessing the clear, miraculous, and divine work of the Spirit (often through Jesus) and then willfully attributing it to Satan or demonic power, despite clear evidence to the contrary. It signifies a final, unrepentant hardening of the heart against God's ultimate means of drawing people to Himself.

**Can a Christian commit the unforgivable sin?**

Answer: The prevailing theological understanding is that a true Christian, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, cannot commit the unforgivable sin. The Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life ensures conviction of sin, a desire for repentance, and the ability to receive forgiveness. The unforgivable sin describes a state of complete and final rebellion against the Spirit's work, a condition that would preclude genuine faith and repentance. Those who are truly worried about having committed this sin demonstrate a sensitivity to the Spirit's conviction, which is the very opposite of the hardened heart that blasphemes Him. The warning is primarily for those who persistently and defiantly resist God's gracious call to repentance through the Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 12:10, while a solemn warning, ultimately points to the centrality of Christ and the Spirit's work in glorifying Him. Jesus, as the "Son of Man," came in humility, allowing for a certain degree of human misunderstanding or even opposition that could be forgiven. However, the Holy Spirit's role is to bear undeniable witness to Christ's divine identity, His saving work, and the truth of the Gospel. The Spirit convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Holy Spirit Convicts the World")), and He testifies of Jesus ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit Testifies of Jesus")). To blaspheme the Holy Spirit is to reject the very divine agency that illuminates Christ's truth, applies His atoning work, and draws individuals into a saving relationship with Him. It is a final, defiant refusal of God's ultimate revelation of Himself in Christ, made clear by the Spirit. Thus, this verse underscores the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith in Christ and the grave danger of rejecting the Spirit's persistent call to repentance and belief in the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The Spirit's work is always to exalt Christ, and to reject the Spirit's testimony is to reject Christ Himself in His fullest revelation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 12:31

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 12:32

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.

1 John 5:16

If any man see his brother sin a sin [which is] not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

Hebrews 10:26

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Hebrews 10:31

[It is] a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.