What Is Blasphemy in the Bible?
What Is Blasphemy in the Bible? Blasphemy is speaking irreverently or contemptuously about God or sacred things. Jesus was accused of blasphemy for claiming to be God.
Key verse: Leviticus 24:16 (KJV)
Blasphemy is speaking irreverently or contemptuously about God or sacred things. Jesus was accused of blasphemy for claiming to be God.
Blasphemy is speaking irreverently or contemptuously about God or sacred things. Jesus was accused of blasphemy for claiming to be God.
"And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him." — Leviticus 24:16 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
In the Old Testament, blasphemy was a capital offense (Leviticus 24:16). It includes cursing God's name, attributing God's works to evil, or claiming divine prerogatives for oneself. The Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy when He forgave sins (Mark 2:7) and claimed equality with God (John 10:33). Jesus warned that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit — attributing the Spirit's work to Satan — would not be forgiven (Matthew 12:31-32). Blasphemy is ultimately an attack on God's character, name, or authority, and represents the highest form of disrespect toward the Creator.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
What the Bible teaches about salvation, being saved, and how to receive eternal life.
Key Scripture References
"And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him."
"Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Sin & Salvation
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
Sin & Salvation
God Promises Victory Over Sin
Bible promises that you can overcome sin through Christ's power.
God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
Bible promises about complete forgiveness, cleansing, and the removal of guilt t
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Leviticus. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Leviticus on day 34 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Blasphemy in the Bible?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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