### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βλασφημέω (blasphēméō), Strong's `{{G987}}`, derives from the noun βλάσφημος (blasphēmos, `{{G989}}`), meaning "blasphemous" or "railing." Etymologically, it is often understood as a compound of βλάπτω (blaptō, "to injure") and φήμη (phēmē, "speech" or "report"), thus conveying the sense of "injurious speech" or "defamatory utterance."
The semantic range of βλασφημέω is twofold:
1. **General Vilification/Slander:** In its broader sense, it refers to speaking evil of, slandering, defaming, reviling, or railing against another person. This encompasses any form of abusive, disrespectful, or injurious speech directed toward human beings.
2. **Impious Speech/Blasphemy:** More specifically and gravely, it denotes speaking impiously or irreverently against God, sacred things, or the divine name. This is the primary theological sense, signifying a direct assault on divine honor, sovereignty, or character. It implies a deliberate and defiant disrespect for the divine.
The context is crucial for determining whether the term signifies general slander or the more severe sin of blasphemy against God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βλασφημέω appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating both its general and specific meanings:
* **Blasphemy Against God/Christ/Holy Spirit:**
* Jesus was repeatedly accused of βλασφημέω by the Jewish religious leaders because He claimed authority that belonged only to God, such as forgiving sins ([[Mark 2:7]]) or declaring Himself the Son of God ([[Matthew 26:65]]; [[John 10:33]]). Their accusation stemmed from their understanding that Jesus, a man, was making Himself God, which they considered the ultimate βλασφημία (`{{G988}}`).
* The most solemn warning concerns βλασφημέω against the Holy Spirit ([[Matthew 12:31-32]]; [[Mark 3:28-29]]; [[Luke 12:10]]). This is presented as an unforgivable sin, not because God cannot forgive, but because it represents a final, deliberate, and hardened rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony to Christ, attributing the Spirit's divine work to Satan. It signifies a state of unrepentant opposition to divine truth.
* In the book of Revelation, the beast βλασφημέω God's name, His dwelling, and those who dwell in heaven ([[Revelation 13:6]]). Furthermore, despite experiencing divine judgments, people persist in βλασφημέω God's name rather than repenting ([[Revelation 16:9, 11, 21]]). This highlights the persistent rebellion of humanity against God.
* Paul mentions Hymenaeus and Alexander, who βλασφημέω and were handed over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme ([[1 Timothy 1:20]]).
* **Slander/Reviling Against Humans or Sacred Things (by extension):**
* The name of God is βλασφημέω among the Gentiles because of the hypocrisy and disobedience of those who claim to know God's law ([[Romans 2:24]]). This underscores the responsibility of believers to live consistently with their faith.
* Paul addresses the slanderous accusation that some were saying, "Let us do evil that good may come" ([[Romans 3:8]]). Here, βλασφημέω refers to defaming or speaking evil against Paul's teaching.
* Believers are exhorted not to allow God's name and doctrine to be βλασφημέω by their conduct, especially concerning master-slave relationships ([[1 Timothy 6:1]]).
* Christians are instructed not to βλασφημέω anyone, meaning not to speak evil of or slander others ([[Titus 3:2]]).
* Peter warns against false teachers who will βλασφημέω the way of truth ([[2 Peter 2:2]]) and speak evil of glorious ones ([[2 Peter 2:10-12]]).
The usage demonstrates that while the core meaning involves "injurious speech," its most profound and dangerous application is against the divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
βλασφημέω is part of a significant word family:
* βλάσφημος (blasphēmos, `{{G989}}`): The adjective, meaning "blasphemous," "abusive," or "slanderous." It describes one who engages in βλασφημέω.
* βλασφημία (blasphēmia, `{{G988}}`): The noun, meaning "blasphemy" or "slander." It refers to the act or content of βλασφημέω.
Other related Greek terms that express similar or contrasting ideas include:
* **Synonyms/Near Synonyms for Slander/Reviling:**
* κακολογέω (kakologeō, `{{G2551}}`): To speak evil of.
* λοιδορέω (loidoreō, `{{G3058}}`): To revile, insult.
* κατηγορέω (katēgoreō, `{{G2723}}`): To accuse publicly.
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts (Glorifying God):**
* εὐλογέω (eulogeō, `{{G2127}}`): To bless, speak well of.
* δοξάζω (doxazō, `{{G1392}}`): To glorify, honor.
* αἰνέω (aineō, `{{G134}}`): To praise.
In the Old Testament, the concept of blasphemy is likewise a grave offense. Hebrew terms like נָאַץ (na'ats, `{{H5006}}`, to spurn, despise, revile) and קָלַל (qalal, `{{H7043}}`, to curse, treat lightly) convey similar ideas of contempt or disrespect for God. The Mosaic Law prescribed death for one who נָקַב (naqav, `{{H5344}}`, to utter or specify) the name of the Lord in קָלַל (qalal, `{{H7043}}`, a curse) ([[Leviticus 24:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βλασφημέω is profound, especially when directed toward God:
* **Assault on Divine Honor:** Blasphemy is a direct affront to God's holiness, majesty, and sovereignty. It is an act of open rebellion and contempt for the Creator, challenging His authority and denying His rightful glory.
* **The Unpardonable Sin:** The "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" ([[Matthew 12:31-32]]) stands as a unique and terrifying warning. This is not a casual utterance but a deliberate and persistent attribution of the Holy Spirit's divine works to demonic power, representing a final, hardened rejection of God's grace and truth. It signifies a state of heart that has become utterly impervious to repentance, thus rendering forgiveness impossible not because God is unwilling, but because the individual has irrevocably closed themselves off from the means of salvation.
* **Consequences of Unbelief:** The persistent βλασφημέω seen in Revelation ([[Revelation 16:9, 11, 21]]) illustrates the ultimate consequence of unrepentant rebellion against God, leading to intensified judgment rather than repentance.
* **Witness and Responsibility:** The New Testament emphasizes that believers must avoid any conduct that would cause God's name or His doctrine to be βλασφημέω among unbelievers ([[Romans 2:24]]; [[1 Timothy 6:1]]). This highlights the missional imperative for Christians to live lives that honor God and commend the Gospel, rather than bringing reproach upon it. Our words and actions reflect upon the God we claim to serve.
### Summary
βλασφημέω (blasphēméō, `{{G987}}`) signifies "to speak evil of," encompassing both general slander against others and, more critically, impious speech or blasphemy against God. While its broader application includes reviling or defaming human beings, its most severe theological import lies in its use to describe a direct, injurious attack on divine honor. The New Testament portrays blasphemy against God, Christ, and especially the Holy Spirit, as a grave sin, with the latter being uniquely presented as unforgivable due to the hardened, unrepentant state of heart it signifies. The concept underscores the ultimate rebellion against God and serves as a stark warning against contempt for divine truth and grace. Conversely, the biblical witness calls believers to live and speak in a manner that glorifies God, ensuring His name is not blasphemed among the nations.
TRV