Blasphemy (HebrewHebrew is the ancient language of the people of Israel and the primary language in which most of the Old Testament was originally written. As a member of the Northwest Semitic language family, Hebrew contains rich layers of meaning that provide deeper insight into Scripture, biblical names, prophecy, covenant theology, and God's revelation to His people. More naqab, Greek blasphēmia) refers to words or actions that insult, slander, or violate the holiness of God. It includes cursing God, misusing His name, attributing His works to evil, or claiming divine status without truth. Because God’s name represents His nature, blasphemy is treated as a direct assault on His identity.
The TorahTorah refers to the first five books of the Bible — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It contains God’s foundational revelation to Israel: creation, covenant, law, worship, and identity. In Scripture, the Torah is the bedrock of all later revelation and the source Jesus cites when teaching the Greatest Commandment. More establishes the seriousness of blasphemy early:
“He that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death.” ()
This reflects the covenant reality that God’s name is sacred. To misuse it is to reject His authority.
In the Gospels, blasphemy becomes a central accusation against JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More. When He forgives sins, the scribesThe Scribes were professional scholars of the Law, experts in Scripture, and influential teachers within Judaism. Though highly educated, many opposed Jesus because His authority exposed their misuse of Scripture and their reliance on tradition over truth. More respond:
“Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God only?” ()
Their logic is correct — only God can forgive sins. Their conclusion is wrong — JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More is God.
Later, when JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More declares His divine identity before the SanhedrinThe Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish council during the Second Temple period, composed of Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and elders. It functioned as Israel’s highest religious, legal, and political authority and played a central role in the trials of Jesus and the early church. More, the high priestThe High Priest was the highest-ranking religious leader in ancient Israel, appointed to represent the people before God and oversee the priesthood. Descended from Aaron, the High Priest alone could enter the Most Holy Place on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the nation. The office pointed forward to the ultimate ministry of Jesus Christ,... More tears his garments and cries:
“Ye have heard the blasphemy.” ()
From their perspective, Jesus’ claim to be the Son of GodSon of God is a biblical title describing Jesus’ unique identity as the divine Son who shares the Father’s nature, reveals His character, and accomplishes His redemptive work. It appears throughout Scripture to express His authority, His relationship with the Father, and His role in salvation. More was blasphemy. From God’s perspective, rejecting the Son was blasphemy.
The New TestamentThe New Testament is the collection of twenty‑seven inspired books revealing the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, the birth of the church, and the arrival of the new covenant promised in the Old Testament. More also warns about blaspheming the Holy Spirit — attributing the Spirit’s work to demonic power. JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More says:
“He that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness.” ()
This is not a casual mistake but a hardened, willful rejection of God’s truth.
Blasphemy also appears in prophetic and apocalyptic contexts. In Revelation, the beast is described as:
“full of names of blasphemy.” ()
This symbolizes human and demonic rebellion — systems that exalt themselves above God and claim authority that belongs only to Him.
Theologically, blasphemy represents:
- Rebellion against God’s holiness
- Misrepresentation of His character
- False claims to divine authority
- Hardening of the heart against truth
- The collision between human pride and divine sovereignty
Because blasphemy embodies rebellion, false authority, and misuse of God’s name, it naturally highlights several core realities:
- Speech or actions that dishonor God’s name
- Forbidden in the TorahTorah refers to the first five books of the Bible — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It contains God’s foundational revelation to Israel: creation, covenant, law, worship, and identity. In Scripture, the Torah is the bedrock of all later revelation and the source Jesus cites when teaching the Greatest Commandment. More ()
- Accusation used against JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More (; )
- Includes attributing God’s works to evil ()
- Appears in apocalyptic imagery ()
- Represents human pride opposing divine authority
