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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context of Matthew 12:32

This sobering warning from Jesus comes immediately after He performs a miraculous healing, casting out a demon from a man who was blind and mute (Matthew 12:22). The crowds were astonished, but the Pharisees, instead of acknowledging God's power, maliciously accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils (Matthew 12:24). Jesus refutes their illogical argument, stating that His power comes from the Spirit of God. This verse, therefore, is a direct and severe rebuke to those who willfully attribute the clear, divine work of the Holy Spirit to satanic influence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Unpardonable Sin: Matthew 12:32 introduces the concept of the "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost," often called the unpardonable sin. This is not merely speaking ill of God, but a deliberate, persistent, and hardened rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ, especially when His divine power is clearly manifest.
  • Distinction Between Sins: Jesus distinguishes between speaking against the "Son of Man" (Himself in His earthly, humble form) and speaking against the "Holy Ghost." Sins against Jesus in His human state, done out of ignorance or misunderstanding, can be forgiven through repentance. However, the sin against the Holy Spirit implies a willful, final rejection of God's ultimate witness to truth and salvation.
  • The Spirit's Role in Conviction: The Holy Spirit is God's primary agent in convincing humanity of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). To blaspheme the Spirit is to deliberately and finally spurn His convicting work, thereby cutting oneself off from the very means of repentance and forgiveness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation, emphasizing both His true humanity and His unique messianic authority as prophesied in Daniel 7:13-14. The term "Holy Ghost" (Greek: to Pneuma to Hagion) refers to the third person of the Trinity, who empowers, convicts, and sanctifies.

The word "blaspheme" (Greek: blasphēmeō) means to slander, revile, or speak impiously. In this context, it's not a casual word but a deliberate, hostile, and final rejection of divine truth, particularly the undeniable evidence of God's Spirit at work through Jesus.

Related Scriptures

Similar warnings regarding this sin are found in Mark 3:29 and Luke 12:10, indicating its significance in Jesus' teaching. These parallel accounts reinforce the severity of this particular offense.

Practical Application and Reflection

This verse often causes great concern for believers. It's crucial to understand that the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not a single, accidental utterance, nor is it the fear of having committed it. Rather, it is a persistent, willful, and final rejection of God's truth and His Spirit's convicting work, even in the face of undeniable evidence. The Pharisees saw undeniable miracles yet attributed them to Satan, thereby hardening their hearts beyond repentance.

For those who fear they have committed this sin, the very fear itself is often evidence that they have not, as a truly hardened heart would have no desire for repentance or forgiveness. God's grace is abundant for all who genuinely seek Him and confess their sins (1 John 1:9). This passage serves as a solemn warning against deliberately and continuously resisting the Holy Spirit's call to repentance and faith in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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