Matthew 12:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} whosoever {G3739}{G302} speaketh {G2036} a word {G3056} against {G2596} the Son {G5207} of man {G444}, it shall be forgiven {G863} him {G846}: but {G3739} whosoever {G1161}{G302} speaketh {G2036} against {G2596} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}, it shall {G863} not {G3756} be forgiven {G863} him {G846}, neither {G3777} in {G1722} this {G5129} world {G165}, neither {G3777} in {G1722} the world to come {G3195}.

Complete Jewish Bible

One can say something against the Son of Man and be forgiven; but whoever keeps on speaking against the Ruach HaKodesh will never be forgiven, neither in the `olam hazeh nor in the `olam haba.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the one to come.

American Standard Version

And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever shall speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in that which is to come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 12:32 presents a solemn warning from Jesus concerning the nature of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. While words spoken against the Son of Man can be forgiven, Jesus declares that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this age nor in the age to come. This stark pronouncement highlights the unique and ultimate gravity of rejecting the Holy Spirit's undeniable witness to Christ, distinguishing it from other sins and emphasizing the eternal consequences of such a hardened heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This severe warning is delivered immediately after Jesus performs a miraculous healing, restoring sight and speech to a demon-possessed man [Matthew 12:22](/matthew/12-22 "Matthew 12:22 - Jesus Heals a Blind and Mute Man"). The crowds are astonished and begin to wonder if Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah. However, the Pharisees, in their hardened unbelief and malice, attribute Jesus' undeniable power to Beelzebub, the prince of demons [Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - The Pharisees' Blasphemous Accusation"). Jesus systematically refutes their illogical and blasphemous accusation, first by demonstrating the absurdity of Satan casting out Satan [Matthew 12:25-26](/matthew/12-25-26 "Matthew 12:25-26 - Jesus' Logical Rebuttal"), then by pointing out that if He casts out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has indeed come upon them [Matthew 12:28](/matthew/12-28 "Matthew 12:28 - The Kingdom of God Has Come"). The warning in [Matthew 12:32](/matthew/12-32 "Matthew 12:32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit") is therefore a direct and immediate response to the Pharisees' willful and malicious attribution of the Holy Spirit's divine work to demonic power, revealing the ultimate danger of such a deliberate rejection of God's manifest truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly its religious leaders, operated under a strong expectation of the Messiah and the coming of God's kingdom. Miracles were understood as signs of divine power and endorsement. The Pharisees, as a prominent religious sect, prided themselves on their adherence to the Law and their spiritual discernment. However, their deep-seated animosity towards Jesus, fueled by jealousy and a misunderstanding of His messianic role, led them to reject overwhelming evidence of His divine authority. Their accusation of Jesus being in league with Beelzebub was not a mere misjudgment but a profound spiritual blindness and a deliberate, malicious slander against what was clearly a work of God. The concept of "this world" (or "this age") and "the world to come" (or "the age to come") was common in Jewish eschatology, referring to the present evil age and the future Messianic age, respectively. Jesus' statement implies that the consequences of this particular sin extend beyond the present life into eternity, signifying its finality.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It underscores the theme of **divine authority and opposition**, as Jesus' miraculous works, clearly empowered by the Spirit, are met with malicious resistance from religious leaders. It highlights the **nature of sin and forgiveness**, drawing a crucial distinction between sins that can be forgiven through repentance and a specific sin that carries eternal consequences. This distinction emphasizes the **role of the Holy Spirit** as the agent of God's power, revelation, and conviction, making the rejection of His work a direct affront to God's ultimate witness. Furthermore, it touches upon the **seriousness of unbelief and hardened hearts**, demonstrating how persistent rejection of divine truth can lead to an irreversible spiritual state. The Pharisees' actions serve as a stark warning against willful spiritual blindness and the danger of attributing God's work to evil, a theme echoed in Jesus' subsequent teaching about the tree and its fruit in [Matthew 12:33-37](/matthew/12-33-37 "Matthew 12:33-37 - Good Tree, Good Fruit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _épō'_):** From G2036, meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it refers to the act of uttering words, specifically those of accusation or slander, against either the Son of Man or the Holy Spirit. The verb implies a deliberate verbal act, not a mere thought or internal disposition, though it stems from a heart condition.
* **World (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** From G165, meaning "an age; by extension, perpetuity; by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future)." The phrase "neither in this world, neither in the world to come" (using G165 and G3195 _méllō_ for "to come") emphasizes the temporal scope of the unforgiveness, extending beyond the present age into the future Messianic age, signifying an eternal exclusion from forgiveness.
* **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." Here, it specifically means "to remit" or "to pardon" a sin. The contrast between "it shall be forgiven him" and "it shall not be forgiven him" underscores the absolute nature of the two outcomes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him:"** This clause refers to speaking against Jesus in His earthly, humble state as the "Son of Man." This designation emphasizes His humanity and perhaps His veiled divinity during His ministry. Sins committed against Him out of ignorance, misunderstanding, or even active opposition during His earthly ministry, could be forgiven upon repentance. This highlights God's patience and grace, even towards those who initially rejected or slandered Christ before His full identity and mission were universally revealed or understood.
* **"but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."** This second clause presents the stark contrast. "Speaking against the Holy Ghost" (or "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit") refers to a deliberate, malicious, and persistent rejection of the Holy Spirit's undeniable work and witness, particularly when His divine power is clearly manifest. In the immediate context, it was the Pharisees attributing the Spirit-empowered miracles of Jesus to Satan. This is not a sin of ignorance, but a willful, final, and defiant spurning of the ultimate divine testimony concerning Christ. The phrase "neither in this world, neither in the world to come" signifies the eternal and irreversible nature of this unforgiveness, meaning there is no repentance or pardon available for this specific, hardened state of heart.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Antithesis** by presenting a stark contrast between two types of blasphemy and their respective outcomes: blasphemy against the Son of Man (forgivable) versus blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (unforgivable). This literary device emphasizes the unique and severe nature of the latter. **Hyperbole** is also present in the declaration "neither in this world, neither in the world to come," which serves to underscore the absolute and eternal finality of this unforgiveness, highlighting the ultimate consequence of a hardened heart that resists God's Spirit. The phrase "Son of Man" functions as **Symbolism**, representing Jesus in His incarnate, humble, and sometimes misunderstood state, contrasting with the clear, undeniable manifestation of God's power through the Holy Spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 12:32 is a profound theological statement that defines a unique and ultimately unforgivable sin: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This sin is not merely speaking ill of God or Christ, but a deliberate, persistent, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's undeniable witness to Jesus Christ, particularly when His divine power and truth are clearly manifest. It represents a final hardening of the heart against the very agent of conviction and repentance, thereby cutting off the means of forgiveness. The distinction between speaking against the Son of Man and the Holy Spirit highlights the Spirit's crucial role in revealing Christ and bringing conviction. To reject the Spirit's work is to reject God's ultimate and final appeal to humanity, leaving no avenue for repentance or grace. This is not a sin committed accidentally or in a moment of weakness, but a settled, defiant opposition to divine truth that ultimately seals one's spiritual fate.

* [Mark 3:29](/mark/3-29 "Mark 3:29 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit")
* [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 - The Impossibility of Renewal for Apostates")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, while sobering, is often misunderstood and can cause undue anxiety for sincere believers. It is crucial to grasp that the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not an accidental utterance or a fleeting doubt. Instead, it describes a deliberate, persistent, and final state of rebellion where a person, faced with the undeniable evidence of God's Spirit at work (as the Pharisees were), willfully and maliciously attributes that divine work to Satan. This act represents a hardening of the heart to such an extent that the individual becomes impervious to the Holy Spirit's convicting power, thus rendering repentance impossible. If someone fears they have committed this sin and desires forgiveness, that very fear and desire are strong indicators that they have *not* committed it, as a truly hardened heart would have no such inclination. This passage serves as a powerful warning against continuously resisting the Holy Spirit's call to repentance and faith, urging all to respond to God's grace while it is still available.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my heart respond to the clear evidence of God's work in the world and in my life?**
* **Am I cultivating a soft and receptive heart to the Holy Spirit's promptings, or am I prone to resistance?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the immense value and indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in salvation?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit"?**

Answer: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, as depicted in [Matthew 12:32](/matthew/12-32 "Matthew 12:32 - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit") and its parallels, refers to a deliberate, persistent, and malicious rejection of the Holy Spirit's undeniable work and witness, particularly when His divine power and truth are clearly manifest. In the context of Jesus' ministry, it was the Pharisees attributing His Spirit-powered miracles to demonic power (Beelzebub) despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. It is not merely speaking ill of God or Christ out of ignorance, but a final, defiant, and unrepentant spurning of God's ultimate revelation and invitation to salvation through the Spirit.

**Can a true believer commit the unpardonable sin?**

Answer: The consensus among many theologians is that a true believer, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, cannot commit the unpardonable sin. The very nature of this sin involves a complete and final hardening of the heart against the Holy Spirit, which would be inconsistent with the Spirit's indwelling and ongoing work in a regenerate heart. The fear of having committed this sin, and the desire for forgiveness, are often themselves evidence that one has not committed it, as a truly hardened heart would have no such concern or desire for repentance. The warnings against apostasy in passages like [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Impossibility of Renewal for Apostates") and [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - Willful Sin and Judgment") describe a similar state of deliberate and final rejection of Christ after having experienced the truth, which is distinct from a temporary lapse or struggle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 12:32 serves as a stark warning against rejecting the Holy Spirit, its ultimate purpose is to underscore the profound significance of Jesus Christ and the Spirit's role in revealing Him. The forgivability of words against the "Son of Man" highlights Christ's humble, incarnate state, where He could be misunderstood or even opposed without immediate, eternal condemnation, because His full identity was not yet universally revealed. However, the unforgivable nature of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit points to the Spirit's indispensable work in bearing witness to Christ's divine power and truth. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Spirit's Convicting Work"), and who illuminates the truth about Jesus, 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"). To willfully and maliciously reject the Spirit's clear testimony to Christ's identity and power, as the Pharisees did, is to reject the very means by which God draws humanity to repentance and faith in His Son. Thus, this verse implicitly magnifies Christ by emphasizing that the Spirit's primary mission is to glorify Him [John 16:14](/john/16-14 "John 16:14 - The Spirit Glorifies Christ"), and to spurn the Spirit is to spurn the ultimate revelation of the Savior Himself, thereby closing off the path to the forgiveness found only through 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

Mark 3:29

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

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 10:29

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?

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 6:6

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put [him] to an open shame.

John 7:39

(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet [given]; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

1 Timothy 1:13

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.