Mark 3:28

KJV

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} All {G3956} sins {G265} shall be forgiven {G863} unto the sons {G5207} of men {G444}, and {G2532} blasphemies {G988} wherewith {G3745} soever {G302} they shall blaspheme {G987}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you that people will be forgiven all sins and whatever blasphemies they utter;

Berean Standard Bible

Truly I tell you, the sons of men will be forgiven all sins and blasphemies, as many as they utter.

American Standard Version

Verily I say unto you, All their sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and their blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:28 presents a profound declaration from Jesus Christ, asserting the universal and expansive nature of divine forgiveness. In this pivotal statement, Jesus assures His audience that all manner of human transgressions, including various forms of blasphemy, are subject to God's boundless mercy and can be pardoned. This declaration serves as a foundational truth regarding the accessibility of grace, setting the stage for a crucial distinction regarding a specific, unpardonable offense against the Holy Spirit in the subsequent verse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a highly charged and significant discourse in Mark's Gospel, immediately following the scribes' accusation that Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons ([Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - Accusation of Beelzebul")). Jesus directly refutes their illogical and spiritually blind accusation with parables illustrating the impossibility of a kingdom or house divided against itself standing ([Mark 3:23-27](/mark/3-23-27 "Mark 3:23-27 - Parable of the Divided House")). Within this intense confrontation, Jesus transitions from logical argumentation to a weighty theological declaration about the nature of sin and forgiveness. Mark 3:28 serves as a broad statement of God's general willingness to forgive, providing the necessary backdrop and contrast for the specific, dire warning about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit that immediately follows in [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unforgivable Blasphemy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes who leveled the accusation against Jesus were religious experts from Jerusalem, representing the established religious authority of the time. Their accusation of demonic possession or alliance was the gravest possible charge, implying that Jesus's miraculous works were not from God but from Satan. In Jewish culture, blasphemy (speaking evil against God or sacred things) was an extremely serious offense, punishable by death under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 24:16](/leviticus/24-16 "Leviticus 24:16 - Punishment for Blasphemy")). Jesus's declaration of authority to forgive sins, a prerogative traditionally reserved for God alone, would have been deeply provocative to these religious leaders. His statement on the forgiveness of "all sins" and "blasphemies" would have been understood against this backdrop, highlighting the radical nature of His ministry and the profound implications of rejecting His divine authority and the work of the Holy Spirit.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 3:28 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **boundless nature of God's forgiveness**, emphasizing His desire to pardon human transgressions, no matter how numerous or severe. This theme is central to the good news Jesus proclaims, offering hope to a fallen humanity ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **gravity of blasphemy**, even while declaring its general forgivability. By specifically mentioning "blasphemies," Jesus draws attention to the seriousness of irreverent speech against God, yet contrasts it with the unique and unforgivable nature of the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which represents a hardened, deliberate, and final rejection of God's undeniable work through the Spirit ([Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")). Thirdly, Jesus's authoritative declaration, introduced by "Verily I say unto you," reinforces His **divine authority** as the one who can speak definitively on matters of sin and forgiveness, a power that belongs to God alone ([Mark 2:7](/mark/2-7 "Mark 2:7 - Who Can Forgive Sins But God Alone?")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn_):** From Hebrew origin, this word literally means "firm" or "trustworthy." As an adverb, it conveys "surely" or "truly," often used as an interjection meaning "so be it." When Jesus uses "Verily I say unto you," it serves as a solemn and authoritative affirmation, underscoring the absolute truth and certainty of the statement that follows. It demands attention and signifies a divine pronouncement.
* **sins (Greek, _hamártēma_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to miss the mark," _hamártēma_ refers to a concrete act of sin or a transgression. It encompasses any deviation from God's righteous standard, including moral failings, disobedience, and spiritual shortcomings. The use of the plural "sins" (G265) here emphasizes the vast array and multiplicity of human offenses that are subject to divine forgiveness.
* **blasphemies (Greek, _blasphēmía_):** This term refers to vilification or evil-speaking, particularly against God or sacred things. It denotes irreverent, slanderous, or abusive speech directed towards God, His name, His character, or His works. While a grave offense, the verse implies that even various forms of such impious speech are generally within the scope of God's pardon, setting up the crucial distinction with the specific "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" that is unforgivable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you,"**: This introductory phrase, characteristic of Jesus's teaching, signals a solemn and authoritative declaration. "Verily" (Greek: _amḗn_) emphasizes the absolute truth and certainty of what He is about to say, demanding the listener's full attention and belief. It underscores that this is not merely an opinion, but a divine pronouncement.
* **"All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men,"**: This clause proclaims the expansive and universal scope of God's forgiveness. "All sins" (Greek: _pâs hamártēma_) signifies every type of transgression committed by humanity ("sons of men," Greek: _huiós ánthrōpos_, referring to human beings in general). The passive voice "shall be forgiven" highlights that forgiveness is a divine act, freely offered by God. This part of the statement offers immense hope, affirming God's readiness to pardon the vast majority of human failings.
* **"and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:"**: This second clause specifically includes "blasphemies" (Greek: _blasphēmía_) within the scope of forgivable offenses. The phrase "wherewith soever they shall blaspheme" (Greek: _hósos án blasphēméō_) emphasizes that even various forms of impious or slanderous speech against God, which were considered extremely serious, can be pardoned. This inclusion is crucial because it sets up the sharp contrast with the *one* specific type of blasphemy that is *not* forgivable, as detailed in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:28 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Authoritative Declaration**, signaled by Jesus's powerful opening, "Verily I say unto you." This phrase, unique to Jesus in the Gospels, underscores His divine authority and the absolute truth of His words, elevating the statement from a mere observation to a profound theological pronouncement. The use of **Hyperbole** or extreme language ("All sins," "blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme") serves to emphasize the vast and comprehensive nature of God's forgiveness, leaving no doubt about its universal availability for humanity's transgressions. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Anticipation** or **Foreshadowing**, as it broadly states the general rule of forgiveness, thereby creating a dramatic tension and setting the stage for the specific, singular exception that will be revealed in [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unforgivable Blasphemy"), highlighting the gravity of that particular offense through stark contrast.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:28 profoundly reveals the character of God as merciful and eager to forgive. It underscores the biblical truth that God's grace is abundant and His capacity for pardon extends to the vast spectrum of human sinfulness. This declaration is a testament to the new covenant reality, where forgiveness is not earned but freely given through divine initiative. It highlights that the primary barrier to reconciliation with God is not the magnitude of our sin, but a hardened, unrepentant heart that ultimately rejects the very source of forgiveness. The verse implicitly points to the necessity of repentance, as forgiveness is offered to those who turn from their transgressions, even as it emphasizes God's readiness to receive them.

* [Isaiah 1:18](/isaiah/1-18 "Isaiah 1:18 - Though Your Sins Be as Scarlet")
* [Psalm 103:10-12](/psalms/103-10-12 "Psalm 103:10-12 - God's Forgiveness and Mercy")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:28 offers immense comfort and assurance to every individual burdened by sin, reminding us that the vast ocean of God's mercy is wide enough to cover all our transgressions. This verse should instill a profound sense of hope, encouraging us not to despair over past mistakes, no matter how grievous they may seem. It calls us to embrace the truth of God's forgiving nature, fostering a spirit of repentance and a willingness to confess our sins, knowing that pardon is readily available. For the believer, this truth reinforces the security of our salvation and the ongoing availability of grace for daily failings. For those yet to believe, it presents an open invitation to turn to Christ, emphasizing that no sin, save the specific, hardened rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony, is beyond the reach of divine forgiveness. This understanding should also motivate us to extend forgiveness to others, mirroring the boundless grace we have received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universality of forgiveness declared in Mark 3:28 impact your understanding of God's character?**
* **What specific sins or burdens might you be holding onto that this verse encourages you to release into God's forgiveness?**
* **How does the knowledge that "all sins shall be forgiven" empower you to live a life of greater freedom and less condemnation?**
* **In what ways can you extend the same measure of forgiveness and grace to others that God has so freely offered to you?**

### FAQ
**Does "all sins" truly mean *all* sins, or are there exceptions?**

Answer: Mark 3:28 states unequivocally that "All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme." This verse indeed emphasizes the vast and universal scope of God's forgiveness. The immediate context, however, introduces a singular, critical exception in [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unforgivable Blasphemy"), which speaks of the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." Therefore, while God's mercy is incredibly broad, this specific, hardened rejection of the Holy Spirit's undeniable work and testimony is presented as unforgivable. For all other sins, including various forms of blasphemy, forgiveness is readily available through repentance and faith in Christ.

**How does this verse relate to the "unpardonable sin" mentioned in the very next verse?**

Answer: Mark 3:28 serves as the general rule, while [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unforgivable Blasphemy") presents the specific exception. Verse 28 offers immense comfort, declaring that God's forgiveness covers all human sins and blasphemies. This sets a backdrop of abundant grace. Then, verse 29 introduces the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" as the one unforgivable sin. The contrast highlights the unique gravity of this particular offense, which is understood not as a single act, but as a persistent, deliberate, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's clear testimony to Jesus's divine authority and saving work, effectively attributing God's work to Satan. It's a final, hardened state of rebellion that refuses repentance and therefore cannot receive forgiveness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:28, while a profound statement on God's willingness to forgive, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The forgiveness of "all sins" and "blasphemies" is not a mere theoretical possibility but a redemptive reality made actual through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Jesus, as the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of humanity's transgressions on the cross, making propitiation for our sins ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ is the Propitiation for Our Sins")). His shed blood is the basis for the remission of sins, for "without shedding of blood is no remission" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). The authority Jesus claims in Mark 3:28 to declare forgiveness is rooted in His divine identity and His mission to reconcile humanity to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciled Us to Himself Through Christ")). Thus, the universal forgiveness proclaimed is a direct consequence of Christ's finished work, making Him the sole mediator through whom humanity can receive the boundless grace and pardon promised in this pivotal verse ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Men")).

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

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.

Luke 12:10

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.

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.

Mark 3:28

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

Mark 3:30

Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

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,