Matthew 12:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1223}{G5124} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, All manner of {G3956} sin {G266} and {G2532} blasphemy {G988} shall be forgiven {G863} unto men {G444}: but {G1161} the blasphemy {G988} against the Holy Ghost {G4151} shall {G863} not {G3756} be forgiven {G863} unto men {G444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of this, I tell you that people will be forgiven any sin and blasphemy, but blaspheming the Ruach HaKodesh will not be forgiven.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.

American Standard Version

Therefore I say unto you, Every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:31 presents a solemn declaration from Jesus concerning the scope of divine forgiveness, affirming that all forms of sin and blasphemy against humanity are pardonable. However, it starkly contrasts this with a unique and grave offense: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which Jesus declares will not be forgiven. This statement arises from a specific confrontation where religious leaders attributed the undeniable work of God's Spirit, manifested through Jesus' miraculous healing, to demonic power, highlighting the profound spiritual danger of such a hardened and deliberate rejection of divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a critical narrative in [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus and the Pharisees"). Immediately preceding this declaration, Jesus performs a profound miracle, healing a man who was demon-possessed, blind, and mute, leading the crowds to wonder if He was the promised Son of David ([Matthew 12:22-23](/matthew/12-22-23 "Matthew 12:22-23 - Jesus Heals a Blind and Mute Man")). In response, the Pharisees, driven by envy and spiritual blindness, accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Accusation")). Jesus systematically refutes their illogical accusation, explaining that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand ([Matthew 12:25-26](/matthew/12-25-26 "Matthew 12:25-26 - A Kingdom Divided")). He then asserts that His ability to cast out demons is, in fact, evidence that the "kingdom of God has come upon you" ([Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come")). The warning in [Matthew 12:31](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit") is thus a direct, authoritative response to their specific, malicious attribution of the Holy Spirit's work to Satan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is first-century Galilee, where Jesus' ministry was gaining widespread attention, often challenging the established religious authorities, particularly the Pharisees. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. Their accusation of Jesus being in league with Beelzebub (a derogatory term for Baal-zebub, a Philistine deity, often associated with demonic power) was a severe charge, intended to discredit Him in the eyes of the people. In Jewish thought, attributing divine work to evil was a profound blasphemy. The concept of the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh) was well-established in Judaism, understood as the active presence and power of God. To willfully and knowingly reject the clear manifestation of God's Spirit as demonic was not merely a misunderstanding but a deliberate, hostile opposition to divine truth, particularly when that truth was being revealed through the Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** This passage contributes significantly to several key themes within [Matthew's Gospel](/matthew "The Gospel According to Matthew") and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **authority of Jesus** as the Son of God, capable of performing divine works and speaking with ultimate spiritual insight. Secondly, it highlights the **nature of sin and forgiveness**, emphasizing God's vast mercy in forgiving "all manner of sin" while drawing a critical distinction for a specific, unpardonable offense. Thirdly, it reveals the **role of the Holy Spirit** as the active agent of God's power and revelation, particularly in bearing witness to Jesus Christ. Most profoundly, the passage addresses the theme of **spiritual hardening and unbelief**, illustrating the ultimate danger of a heart so resistant to God's truth, even when confronted with undeniable evidence, that it attributes God's work to Satan, thereby cutting itself off from the very means of repentance and salvation. This deliberate rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus is the core of the warning in [Matthew 12:31](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blasphemy (Greek, _blasphēmía'_):** From G988, meaning "vilification (especially against God); blasphemy, evil speaking, railing." In this context, it refers to slander or defamation directed against God or sacred things. When applied to the Holy Spirit, it signifies a deliberate, malicious, and defiant slandering or rejection of the Spirit's work, particularly His role in revealing truth and convicting of sin. The Pharisees' accusation was not a casual remark but a profound, wilful misrepresentation of God's power.
* **shall be forgiven (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth, in various applications... to forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up." Here, it specifically denotes the act of releasing from the penalty of sin, pardoning, or remitting. The use of the future passive tense ("shall be forgiven") emphasizes the certainty and divine initiative of forgiveness for all other sins, highlighting God's readiness to pardon.
* **Holy Ghost (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath... a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul... or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." In this verse, "Holy Ghost" refers specifically to the Third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who is God's active presence and power, particularly in revealing truth, convicting of sin, and empowering believers. The blasphemy is against this divine Person and His undeniable work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:"** Jesus begins with a profound affirmation of God's boundless mercy. The phrase "all manner of sin and blasphemy" (Greek: _pâs hamartía kaí blasphēmía_) emphasizes the vast scope of human transgression, encompassing every conceivable offense against God and humanity, including slander and irreverent speech. The declaration that these "shall be forgiven unto men" underscores the divine readiness to pardon, highlighting the accessibility of God's grace to all who repent. This sets a broad context of hope and the universal availability of forgiveness through Christ.
* **"but the blasphemy [against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men."** This clause introduces the stark and solemn exception. The conjunction "but" (Greek: _dé_) signals a sharp contrast. The "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" (Greek: _blasphēmía toû pneúmatos_) is singled out as uniquely unforgivable. This is not a casual or ignorant sin, but a deliberate, persistent, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's clear testimony about Christ and His divine work. Specifically, it refers to the willful and knowing attribution of the Spirit's undeniable divine power, as manifested in Jesus' miracles, to Satan. This act signifies a hardened, unrepentant heart that has decisively and finally closed itself off to the very means by which God draws individuals to repentance and forgiveness, making their pardon impossible not because God is unwilling, but because the individual is unwilling to receive it.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 12:31 makes powerful use of **Contrast** to highlight the unique gravity of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Jesus deliberately sets the vast scope of forgivable sins against the singular, unforgivable offense, emphasizing the profound difference in spiritual consequence. This creates a stark theological boundary. The verse also functions as a **Divine Declaration** and a **Solemn Warning**. Jesus, speaking with unparalleled authority ("Wherefore I say unto you"), issues a definitive statement about spiritual reality, underscoring the severe implications of rejecting the Holy Spirit's witness. This serves as a critical warning to those, like the Pharisees, who were actively resisting and misrepresenting the clear manifestation of God's power and truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:31 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit's indispensable role in salvation. It affirms God's immense mercy, demonstrating His willingness to forgive all forms of human transgression. However, it simultaneously warns against a deliberate, final, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's work, particularly His testimony concerning Jesus Christ. This "unforgivable sin" is not a single, accidental act but a hardened, persistent state of unbelief where one consciously attributes the undeniable work of God to evil, thereby cutting off the very channel through which repentance and forgiveness are offered. It is a refusal to acknowledge divine truth, even when clearly revealed, leading to a spiritual condition where repentance becomes impossible for the individual, not due to God's inability to forgive, but due to the person's unyielding opposition to grace.

* [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unpardonable Sin")
* [Luke 12:10](/luke/12-10 "Luke 12:10 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")
* [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - Impossible to Restore to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This solemn warning from Jesus serves not to instill fear in sincere seekers, but to underscore the profound importance of responding to the Holy Spirit's convicting work. For those who genuinely fear they may have committed this sin, it is crucial to understand that such fear itself is often evidence that they have not. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is characterized by a hardened, unrepentant heart that actively and maliciously rejects God's truth and attributes His undeniable work to evil, thereby extinguishing the very desire for repentance. If a person is still concerned about their sin, experiences conviction, and desires God's forgiveness, it indicates that the Holy Spirit is still actively working in their life, drawing them towards repentance and faith. This verse, therefore, is a powerful call to heed the Spirit's voice, to embrace the truth about Jesus Christ, and to receive the boundless forgiveness offered through Him, rather than persistently hardening one's heart against divine revelation. It reminds us that our response to the Holy Spirit's ongoing work is critical for our spiritual well-being and eternal destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my heart respond to the clear manifestations of God's power and truth in the world and in my own life?**
* **Am I actively resisting or embracing the Holy Spirit's conviction regarding sin and righteousness?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a soft and receptive heart towards God's Spirit, rather than hardening it?**

### FAQ

**What exactly is "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost"?**

Answer: Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, as described in [Matthew 12:31](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit") and parallel passages ([Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - The Unpardonable Sin"); [Luke 12:10](/luke/12-10 "Luke 12:10 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")), is not a single, isolated act of cursing or a casual word. It is a deliberate, persistent, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's undeniable testimony concerning Jesus Christ and His divine work. In the context of [Matthew 12](/matthew/12 "Matthew 12 - Jesus and the Pharisees"), the Pharisees witnessed Jesus performing a miracle by the power of the Holy Spirit, yet they consciously and maliciously attributed this divine work to Satan. This sin represents a final, unyielding refusal to acknowledge divine truth, even when clearly manifested, thereby cutting off the very means by which one might be led to repentance and forgiveness. It signifies a hardened state of heart that has chosen to definitively oppose God's grace.

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

Answer: While the Bible does not explicitly state that a true Christian can or cannot commit this sin, the nature of the sin itself suggests it is highly unlikely for someone genuinely indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is characterized by a hardened, unrepentant heart that actively and maliciously rejects God's truth and attributes His work to evil. A true Christian, by definition, has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, possesses a new heart, and is being led by the Spirit ([Romans 8:14](/romans/8-14 "Romans 8:14 - Led by the Spirit")). While Christians can grieve the Spirit ([Ephesians 4:30](/ephesians/4-30 "Ephesians 4:30 - Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit")) and fall into sin, the persistent and malicious rejection of the Spirit's work that defines this unforgivable sin is contrary to the nature of a genuinely converted heart. Those who are truly born again desire to follow Christ and are sensitive to the Spirit's conviction, which is the opposite of the hardened heart described in [Matthew 12:31](/matthew/12-31 "Matthew 12:31 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 12:31, while a solemn warning, ultimately points to the centrality of Christ in God's plan of salvation and the Holy Spirit's role in revealing Him. The Holy Spirit's primary mission is to glorify Christ, convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and lead people to the Savior ([John 16:8-14](/john/16-8-14 "John 16:8-14 - The Work of the Holy Spirit")). The "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is unforgivable precisely because it is a definitive and malicious rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus, the only means by which forgiveness is offered. All other sins, no matter how great, can be forgiven because Christ's sacrifice on the cross is sufficient to atone for them ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - The Blood of Jesus Cleanses Us")). To reject the Spirit's work is to reject the very conduit through which God's grace and the saving work of Christ are applied to the human heart. Thus, this passage implicitly highlights the immense value of the Holy Spirit's ongoing work in drawing individuals to repentance and faith in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and underscores the profound tragedy of those who, like the Pharisees, willfully choose to harden their hearts against the divine light revealed in Him.

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

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.

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 10:29

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

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.

Acts 7:51

¶ Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.