What Is Blasphemy in the Bible — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Leviticus 24:16, sits inside Leviticus 24. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him."
Supporting Passages
"Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?"
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