"And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven."
— Matthew 12:31 (NIV)
Blasphemy is one of the most serious sins a person can commit with the tongue. It means to speak irreverently, mockingly, or hatefully about God, His name, His works, or His Spirit. In Scripture, it is treated with utmost gravity—because it strikes at the very holiness of God Himself.
Blasphemy may seem like an old word to some, but in today's world, it's more common than ever. Whether in profanity, jokes, media, or music, God's name is routinely dishonored. What the Bible calls sacred, the world calls entertainment.
What Does Blasphemy Look Like?
Using God's name casually, as a curse word or exclamation
Mocking the person or work of Jesus Christ
Speaking against the Holy Spirit or attributing His work to evil
Making light of sacred things (prayer, worship, Scripture, etc.)
Rejecting or slandering God's character publicly
The third commandment says:
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name."
— Exodus 20:7 (NIV)
Blasphemy dishonors God—and corrupts the heart of the speaker. When we misuse God's name or belittle His truth, we distance ourselves from His holiness and dull our reverence for Him.
The Danger of Casual Language
Many today say things like "Oh my God" or "Jesus Christ" in anger, shock, or habit. These phrases, even when not meant maliciously, still reduce holy names to common expressions.
We must treat the name of God with the highest respect. Every time we speak His name, it should be with awe and reverence—not flippantly or thoughtlessly.
Blasphemy Against the Spirit
In Matthew 12, Jesus warns of a blasphemy so severe it will not be forgiven: blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This refers to willfully and persistently rejecting the Spirit's conviction and attributing His divine work to evil.
It is not a single word spoken in ignorance—it is a hardened heart that refuses to repent and calls the Spirit's truth a lie.
Reflection Questions
Have I used God's name casually or disrespectfully?
Do I laugh at or participate in content that mocks God or sacred things?
Am I careless with the names and titles of the Lord?
Do I fear God enough to guard how I speak of Him?
Challenge: Reclaim Reverence
Let your lips be a sanctuary. Speak of God with fear, love, and awe. Avoid environments that make light of the sacred, and train your heart to honor Him in every word you say.
Prayer of Repentance and Reverence
"Holy God, forgive me for the times I have dishonored Your name. Cleanse my mouth of any words that treat You lightly or mock Your holiness. Let me never misuse the name of the One who saved me. Teach me to speak with reverence, and to worship You not just in song, but in speech. May my tongue bring You honor every day. In Jesus' name, Amen."