The term "blasphemest" is an archaic form of the verb "blaspheme," which means to speak irreverently or disrespectfully about God or sacred things. In the context of the Bible, blasphemy is considered a grave sin, as it involves showing contempt or lack of reverence for the divine.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, blasphemy is explicitly condemned and is considered a capital offense. Leviticus 24:16 states, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him. Whether an alien or a native, when he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death." This severe punishment underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites were to regard the holiness of God's name.

The narrative of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21 illustrates the misuse of accusations of blasphemy. Jezebel orchestrates false charges of blasphemy against Naboth to seize his vineyard for King Ahab, demonstrating how the charge of blasphemy could be manipulated for unjust purposes.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, blasphemy continues to be a significant concern, particularly in relation to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders accused Jesus of blasphemy on several occasions. In Mark 2:7 , they question, "Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Here, the charge of blasphemy arises from Jesus' claim to divine authority to forgive sins.

The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin also centers on accusations of blasphemy. In Matthew 26:65 , the high priest tears his robes and declares, "He has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy." This accusation ultimately leads to Jesus' condemnation and crucifixion.

Theological Implications

Blasphemy is not only a matter of speech but also of the heart's attitude toward God. It reflects a profound disrespect and rejection of God's authority and holiness. In the New Testament, the concept of blasphemy extends to the Holy Spirit. Jesus warns in Matthew 12:31-32 , "And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come." This "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" is often understood as the persistent and unrepentant rejection of the Spirit's testimony to Christ.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

Throughout history, the charge of blasphemy has been used in various religious and cultural contexts to maintain orthodoxy and suppress dissent. In the early Christian church, accusations of blasphemy were sometimes leveled against Christians by pagan authorities, as Christians refused to worship the Roman gods or the emperor.

In contemporary discussions, the concept of blasphemy continues to evoke strong reactions, particularly in societies where religious identity is closely tied to cultural and national identity. The challenge remains to discern the line between legitimate critique and irreverence, especially in pluralistic societies where multiple faiths coexist.

Conclusion

The biblical understanding of blasphemy emphasizes the importance of reverence for God and the sacred. It serves as a reminder of the weight of our words and attitudes toward the divine, calling believers to honor God in speech and conduct.

Argument. --He Skilfully Replies to a Passage which the Heretics ...
... that He was God, or wished it to be understood, and says, "Say ye of Him, whom the
Father sanctified, and sent into this world, Thou blasphemest; because I said ...
/.../chapter xxvii argument he skilfully replies.htm

Argument. --Again He Proves from the Gospel that Christ is God.
... words of God were given, and the Scriptures cannot be broken, ye say of Him whom
the Father sanctified, and sent into this world, Thou blasphemest, because I ...
/.../chapter xv argument again he proves.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John x. 30, "I and the Father are One. ...
... When you say to him, "Thou blasphemest;" he answers, "Why do I blaspheme?" "In that
thou sayest that the Son is not what the Father is." And he answers me, "Yea ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxxix on the words.htm

Abbott -- the Divinity in Humanity
... the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; say ye of him, whom the
Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, thou blasphemest; because I ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/abbott the divinity in.htm

Positive Features of John's Gospel.
... The Lord Himself, "Say ye of Him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into
the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God" (10:36). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/ii positive features of johns.htm

Jesus, Son of God.
... whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), say ye of Him, whom
the Father sanctified and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/xxii jesus son of god.htm

To Self-Pleasers.
... Why now art thou lifted up thence? Untaught, thou blasphemest Him of whose liberality
thou livest. In such weakness thou dost not ever regard Him. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xxxii to self-pleasers.htm

John ix. 17, 18
... lay hold of His actions, most plainly, saying, "Which of you convinceth Me of sin?" (
c. viii.46 ); and no man spake, nor said "Thou blasphemest because thou ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lviii john ix 17.htm

John v. 31, 32
... thee": and in like manner to the blind man, "It is He that talketh with thee" (
c. ix.37 ); and rebuking the Jews, "Ye say, [1089] thou blasphemest, because I ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xl john v 31.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... Himself as the Son of God, when He says, [4554] "He whom the Father sanctified and
sent unto the world, to Him do you say, Thou blasphemest, because I said, I ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

Blasphemest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Blasphemest (1 Occurrence). John 10:36 Say ye
of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the ...
/b/blasphemest.htm - 6k

Blasphemeth (8 Occurrences)

/b/blasphemeth.htm - 8k

Blasphemes (6 Occurrences)

/b/blasphemes.htm - 8k

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)
... and the Scripture cannot be broken), say ye of him, whom the Father sanctified
(margin "consecrated") and sent unto the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said ...
/i/inspiration.htm - 57k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus