What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
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.
Key verse: Matthew 12:31-32 (KJV)
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." — Matthew 12:31-32 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus spoke of the unforgivable sin in Matthew 12:31-32 when the Pharisees attributed His miracles to Satan rather than the Holy Spirit. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is not a one-time slip of the tongue or a moment of doubt — it is a settled, deliberate rejection of the Holy Spirit's work and witness about Christ. The Holy Spirit's primary role is to convict the world of sin and point people to Jesus (John 16:8-11). When a person continually and finally hardens their heart against this conviction, they cut themselves off from the only means of salvation. Many Christians worry they have committed this sin, but the very fact that they are concerned about it is strong evidence they have not. A person who has truly blasphemed the Holy Spirit would have no desire for forgiveness and no concern about their spiritual state. The sin is 'unforgivable' not because God's grace is limited, but because the person has permanently rejected the only path to forgiveness.
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
"Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come."
"But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation."
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that God's grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when a person repents and believes in Christ.
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.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
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.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Charles Wesley • 1739
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The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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