Mark 3:30

KJV

Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because {G3754} they said {G3004}, He hath {G2192} an unclean {G169} spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they had been saying, "He has an unclean spirit in him."

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus made this statement because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

American Standard Version

because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:30 serves as the explicit explanation for Jesus' solemn warning against blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, revealing the specific accusation leveled against Him by the scribes from Jerusalem. This verse underscores the profound spiritual blindness and hardened opposition Jesus faced, as His divine works, empowered by the Holy Spirit, were maliciously attributed to demonic forces, thereby defining the nature of the unforgivable sin within the Gospel narrative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 3:30 concludes a pivotal and intense section in Mark's Gospel, specifically [Mark 3:20-30](/mark/3-20-30 "Mark 3:20-30 - Jesus' Family and the Beelzebul Controversy"). The narrative begins with Jesus' own family expressing concern, believing He was "out of His mind" ([Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus' Family Seeks Him")). Immediately following this, scribes, who were authoritative religious teachers from Jerusalem, arrive on the scene. Their accusation is far more serious and spiritually grave: they claim Jesus casts out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the "prince of devils" ([Mark 3:22](/mark/3-22 "Mark 3:22 - The Scribes' Accusation")). Jesus masterfully refutes their illogical charge with parables, explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand ([Mark 3:25](/mark/3-25 "Mark 3:25 - A House Divided")), and that one must first "bind the strong man" before plundering his house ([Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man")). It is in the immediate aftermath of this refutation and the scribes' persistent, malicious misattribution of His power that Jesus issues His dire warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, declaring it "hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation" ([Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unforgivable Sin")). Verse 30 directly states the reason for this severe pronouncement, linking the scribes' specific accusation to the unforgivable sin.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes mentioned in this passage were learned experts in Jewish law and tradition, often serving as interpreters and teachers of the Torah. Their journey from Jerusalem, the religious and political capital, indicates the growing official opposition to Jesus' ministry. In Jewish culture of the time, the concept of demon possession was well-established, and exorcism was understood as a manifestation of divine power. However, attributing such power to Satan (Beelzebub) was the ultimate insult and a profound act of spiritual rebellion. Beelzebub, likely a derogatory term for Baal-zebul (lord of the flies or lord of the high place), was considered a chief demon or even Satan himself. The scribes' accusation was not merely a theological disagreement but a deliberate and public slander against Jesus, implying He was an agent of evil. This context highlights the high stakes of their pronouncement and the cultural understanding of spiritual authority and demonic influence.

* **Key Themes:** This passage, culminating in [Mark 3:30](/mark/3-30 "Mark 3:30 - The Reason for the Warning"), highlights several critical themes. Firstly, it defines the **Nature of Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit**, clarifying that this unforgivable sin is not a casual utterance but a hardened, willful, and persistent rejection of the undeniable work of God's Spirit, manifest through Jesus' miraculous deeds, by attributing it to Satan. Secondly, it showcases the **Extreme Opposition to Jesus** from the religious establishment. Despite witnessing profound demonstrations of divine power, the scribes chose to interpret them in the most malicious and spiritually blind manner possible, revealing the depth of their hostility. Thirdly, the passage underscores the critical importance of **Spiritual Discernment**. The scribes, though learned in the Law, utterly failed to recognize the Holy Spirit's presence and power at work in Jesus, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness that led them to condemn the very source of divine truth. This failure to discern the true source of Jesus' power is central to the gravity of their accusation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, a primary verb meaning "to lay forth," or "relate in words," often of systematic or set discourse. Here, it denotes a deliberate, formal declaration by the scribes, not a casual remark. Their statement was a considered judgment and accusation.
* **unclean (Greek, _akáthartos'_):** From G169, meaning "impure" (ceremonially, morally, or specifically, demonic). This adjective directly describes the nature of the spirit they accused Jesus of possessing. The profound irony is that they attributed the work of the Holy Spirit (the pure, divine Spirit) to an "unclean" (demonic) spirit.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, breath," or figuratively, "a spirit." In this context, it refers to a supernatural, non-physical entity, specifically a demonic being. The scribes' claim was that Jesus was empowered not by the divine Spirit, but by a "foul" or "demonic" spirit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because they said":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the accusatory nature of the scribes' statement as the direct cause for Jesus' subsequent warning. It highlights that the unforgivable sin was not an abstract concept but a specific, verbalized rejection and slander. The "they" refers directly to the scribes who came down from Jerusalem, emphasizing their authoritative, though misguided, pronouncement.
* **"He hath":** This indicates possession or control. The scribes were asserting that Jesus was not merely influenced by an unclean spirit, but that He was actively possessed by or operating under the authority of such a spirit. This was a direct assault on Jesus' character, His divine origin, and the source of His power.
* **"an unclean spirit":** This is the core of their blasphemous accusation. By labeling the source of Jesus' power as "unclean," they were denying the divine origin of His miraculous works, particularly His exorcisms. They were witnessing the Holy Spirit's power manifesting through Jesus to defeat evil, yet they attributed it to the very forces of evil. This deliberate misidentification of God's Spirit with a demonic spirit is what constituted the grave offense.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:30 powerfully employs **Irony**. The scribes, who are supposed experts in discerning spiritual truth, are depicted as utterly blind, attributing the work of the **Holy Spirit** (the pure and divine Spirit) to an **unclean spirit** (a demonic entity). This dramatic irony highlights their spiritual perversion and hardened hearts. There is also a strong sense of **Climax** in this verse; it provides the explicit reason for the dire warning in [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Warning of Eternal Damnation"), making the preceding theological debate intensely personal and consequential. The verse acts as a direct link, clarifying the specific offense that provokes such a severe divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:30 is theologically profound because it defines the specific nature of the "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" as the deliberate and malicious misattribution of God's clear, undeniable work to Satan. This is not a casual sin of ignorance or weakness, but a hardened, willful rejection of divine truth, where the light of God's self-revelation is actively called darkness. It speaks to the ultimate danger of a heart so hardened against God's Spirit that it can no longer perceive or receive truth, thus sealing itself off from repentance and forgiveness. The scribes' sin was not merely speaking ill of Jesus, but actively denying the divine source of His power, which was clearly evident in His miracles, and attributing it to the very kingdom He came to destroy. This act reveals a profound spiritual rebellion that fundamentally rejects the witness of the Holy Spirit to Christ.

* [Matthew 12:31-32](/matthew/12-31-32 "Matthew 12:31-32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")
* [Luke 12:10](/luke/12-10 "Luke 12:10 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")
* [Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit and Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:30 stands as a sobering reminder of the profound dangers of spiritual blindness and the catastrophic consequences of deliberately misrepresenting divine truth. For believers today, it underscores the critical importance of cultivating a heart that is open and responsive to the Holy Spirit's work, rather than one hardened by prejudice or intellectual arrogance. We are called to discern and acknowledge God's activity in the world, in the lives of others, and especially in the person and work of Jesus Christ, rather than dismissing or maligning it. This verse challenges us to guard against a prideful spirit that would rather attribute God's power to evil than humble itself before His manifest presence. It teaches us that the unforgivable sin is not a single, accidental utterance, but a persistent, deliberate, and final rejection of the Holy Spirit's undeniable witness to Christ, leading to a state of irreversible spiritual rebellion where repentance becomes impossible because the heart has chosen to call good evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my own heart respond to clear evidence of God's work, especially when it challenges my preconceived notions or comforts?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to misinterpret or dismiss the Holy Spirit's activity in my life or in the world around me?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and discerning spirit, open to recognizing and celebrating God's presence and power?**
* **How does understanding the specific nature of the scribes' sin in Mark 3:30 deepen my appreciation for the Holy Spirit's ongoing work of conviction and revelation?**

### FAQ

**What exactly was the "unforgivable sin" committed by the scribes in Mark 3:30?**

Answer: The unforgivable sin, as defined in [Mark 3:30](/mark/3-30 "Mark 3:30 - The Reason for the Warning") and its surrounding context, was not merely speaking ill of Jesus, but specifically attributing the undeniable, miraculous works of Jesus—which were clearly empowered by the Holy Spirit—to the power of Satan (Beelzebub). It was a deliberate, malicious, and persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit's clear witness to Jesus' divine authority and identity. This act demonstrated a profound and hardened spiritual blindness, where the scribes wilfully called good evil and light darkness, thereby sealing their hearts against repentance and the very Spirit who convicts of sin and points to Christ. This sin is unforgivable because it represents a final, irreversible rebellion against the Spirit's work, making repentance impossible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Mark 3:30 highlights the profound opposition Jesus faced, it simultaneously underscores His unique identity and the essential role of the Holy Spirit in His redemptive mission. The scribes' accusation, though blasphemous, inadvertently points to the very truth they denied: that Jesus was indeed operating by divine power. He was the Messiah, "anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power" ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus Anointed with the Holy Spirit")). The Spirit's presence in Jesus' exorcisms and healings was not merely a demonstration of power, but a clear sign that the Kingdom of God had drawn near, and that the "strong man" (Satan) was being bound by a stronger one ([Mark 3:27](/mark/3-27 "Mark 3:27 - Binding the Strong Man")). Thus, the scribes' sin of attributing divine work to an "unclean spirit" serves as a stark backdrop against which the purity and authority of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, shine even brighter. It is through this Spirit that Jesus reveals Himself as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and it is the same Spirit who, after Christ's resurrection, convicts the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment ([John 16:8-11](/john/16-8-11 "John 16:8-11 - The Spirit's Convicting Work")), drawing humanity to the saving work of the crucified and risen Lord.

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

John 10:20

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Mark 3:22

¶ And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.