βλασφημέω

I speak evil against, blaspheme

Definition

The verb βλασφημέω means to speak in a way that dishonors or slanders a person or deity. Its primary sense is to blaspheme against God, meaning to speak evil of Him, deny His power, or insult His majesty, as seen when Jesus is accused of blasphemy for claiming divine authority (Matthew 9:3, 26:65). It can also refer to slandering or reviling people, as when onlookers hurled insults at Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:39, Mark 15:29). In some contexts, it describes speaking abusively or using scurrilous language against anyone.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used 35 times across the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles, most frequently in the Synoptic Gospels. It often appears in controversies where Jesus or his followers are accused of blasphemy for their claims about God (e.g., Mark 2:7, John 10:36). It is also used for insults directed at people, including Jesus during his crucifixion and Paul during his ministry (Acts 13:45, 18:6). A key theological usage is in discussions about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:28-29, Luke 12:10).

Etymology

Derived from βλάξ (blax, 'stupid') and φήμη (phēmē, 'report, fame'), its original sense was 'to speak harm or foolishly about someone.' Over time in Greek usage, it came to specifically denote speech that dishonors the divine. The English word 'blaspheme' is a direct transliteration.

Semantic Range

This word is central to understanding the gravity of speech against God and the Holy Spirit. Jesus' teaching on the unforgivable blasphemy against the Spirit (Mark 3:29) highlights the seriousness of attributing God's work to evil. Understanding βλασφημέω clarifies the accusations against Jesus, showing they were charges of claiming divine prerogatives, which is key to Christology. It also informs Christian ethics about reverent speech.

In the 1st-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, blasphemy was not merely offensive language but a serious social and religious crime, often punishable by death under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:16). Accusing someone of blasphemy was a weighty charge that attacked their honor and standing before God. The cultural understanding was deeply tied to honor/shame dynamics and the sanctity of God's name.

λοιδορέω (loidoreō, G3058) — to revile or abuse, often in personal quarrels, less focused on the divine. κακολογέω (kakologeō, G2551) — to speak evil of, a more general term for slander.

Word Details

Scripture References