Definition and Etymology:
Blaspheming refers to the act of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God, sacred things, or religious doctrines. The term originates from the Greek word "blasphēmia," which means "slander" or "speech injurious to another's good name." In a biblical context, it specifically denotes speaking against God or sacred entities.

Biblical References and Context:
Blasphemy is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting its seriousness as an offense against God. In the Old Testament, blasphemy is considered a grave sin, punishable by death. Leviticus 24:16 states, "Whoever blasphemes the name of the LORD must surely be put to death. The whole congregation must stone him. Whether he is a foreign resident or a native, if he blasphemes the Name, he must be put to death."

In the New Testament, blasphemy continues to be a significant concern. Jesus addresses the issue in Matthew 12:31-32, saying, "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the 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 one to come." This passage underscores the severity of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, often interpreted as attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to evil forces.

Examples in Scripture:
Several instances of blasphemy are recorded in the Bible. In 1 Kings 21:10, Jezebel orchestrates a plot against Naboth by having false witnesses accuse him of blaspheming God and the king, leading to his unjust execution. This highlights the misuse of blasphemy accusations for personal gain.

In the New Testament, the trial of Jesus includes accusations of blasphemy. Mark 14:61-64 recounts the high priest questioning Jesus, who affirms His identity as the Messiah, leading to the charge of blasphemy: "Again the high priest questioned Him, 'Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?' 'I am,' said Jesus, 'and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.' At this, the high priest tore his clothes and declared, 'Why do we need any more witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy. What is your verdict?' And they all condemned Him as deserving of death."

Theological Implications:
Blasphemy is not merely a verbal offense but reflects a heart posture of irreverence and rebellion against God. It is seen as a direct challenge to God's holiness and authority. The unforgivable nature of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, as mentioned by Jesus, has been a topic of theological discussion, often understood as a persistent and unrepentant rejection of the Spirit's work and testimony about Christ.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a moral standpoint, blasphemy is viewed as a violation of the Third Commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7). It calls believers to uphold the sanctity of God's name and character in speech and conduct. The ethical implications extend to respecting religious beliefs and practices, fostering a culture of reverence and honor towards the divine.

Contemporary Relevance:
In modern times, the concept of blasphemy continues to evoke strong reactions, often intersecting with issues of free speech and religious sensitivity. While legal consequences for blasphemy vary across cultures, the biblical perspective emphasizes the spiritual and communal impact of irreverent speech, urging believers to reflect God's holiness in their words and actions.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Blaspheme.987. blasphemeo -- to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely ...
... of sacred things NASB Word Usage be spoken of as evil (1), blaspheme (4), blasphemed
(6), blasphemers (1), blasphemes (3), blaspheming (4), dishonored (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/987.htm - 9k1442. gadaph -- to revile, blaspheme
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to revile, blaspheme NASB Word Usage blasphemed
(5), blaspheming (1), reviles (1). blaspheme, reproach. ...
/hebrew/1442.htm - 6k

The Value of the Symbol of the Mouth among the Manich??ans, who ...
... On the Morals of the Manich??ans. Chapter 11. "The Value of the Symbol of the Mouth
Among the Manich??ans, Who are Found Guilty of Blaspheming God. 20. ...
/.../chapter 11 name value of.htm

Either Then we are to Eschew Lies by Right Doing...
... what kinds soever of lies; provided yet even of such men we obtain our demand, that
upon no cause must we be carried on to false-swearing and to blaspheming. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 41 either then we.htm

Of St. Paul, and the Person whom He Urges the Corinthians to ...
... Plainly, the selfsame apostle delivered to Satan Hymen??us and Alexander, "that they
might be emended into not blaspheming," [831] as he writes to his Timotheus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on modesty/chapter xiii of st paul and.htm

But Infirmity Pleadeth Its Part, and with Favor of the Crowds ...
... blasphemed. For it does not follow that because the blaspheming is only
in pretence and a lie, therefore He is not blasphemed. For ...
/.../augustine/against lying/section 38 but infirmity pleadeth.htm

Acts xiii. 42
... v.44.) "But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and
contradicted the things spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming." (v.45 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxx acts xiii 42.htm

Whether the Damned Blaspheme?
... do not blaspheme. Because some wicked men are deterred from blaspheming
now, on account of the fear of future punishment. But the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the damned blaspheme.htm

Of Lies are Many Sorts, which Indeed All...
... blaspheme. These be the benefits we confer on them whom, by blaspheming not
ignorantly but with knowledge, we deliver from heretics! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 4 of lies are.htm

These Things which You have Said are Read by all who Know Latin ...
... And the robber upon the cross, said to the other robber who was hanging like him
on a cross, and was blaspheming, "Dost not thou fear God, seeing we are in the ...
/.../43 these things which you.htm

Preface to the Benedictine Edition.
... And should you hear any one in the public thoroughfare, or in the midst of the forum,
blaspheming God; go up to him, rebuke him; and should it be necessary to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/preface to the benedictine edition.htm

Having Therefore done Many and Dreadful Things against Jesus that ...
... And many other things he began to say against Jesus, blaspheming and gnashing his
teeth upon Him. For the robber was taken alive in the snare of the devil. ...
/.../the narrative of joseph of arimathaea/chapter 3 having therefore done.htm

Blaspheming (9 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Blaspheme. Multi-Version Concordance Blaspheming (9 Occurrences). ... Mark
2:7 "Why does this man use such words?" they said; "he is blaspheming. ...
/b/blaspheming.htm - 8k

Blasphemies (9 Occurrences)

/b/blasphemies.htm - 9k

Uttered (60 Occurrences)
... 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke
against those things which were uttered by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming...
/u/uttered.htm - 23k

Flood (70 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 4:4 They think it is strange that you
don't run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: (See NIV). ...
/f/flood.htm - 31k

Riot (14 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). 1 Peter 4:4 They think it is strange that you don't run with
them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: (WEB KJV ASV WBS). ...
/r/riot.htm - 12k

Excess (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 4:4 They think it is strange that you don't run with them into the same
excess of riot, blaspheming: (WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS YLT NAS). ...
/e/excess.htm - 12k

Malign (6 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 1 Peter 4:4 They think it is strange that you don't run with
them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: (See NAS). ...
/m/malign.htm - 8k

Plunge (4 Occurrences)
... (DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 4:4 They think it is strange that you don't run with
them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: (See NIV). ...
/p/plunge.htm - 8k

Pardon (31 Occurrences)
... WEY). Mark 2:7 "Why does this man use such words?" they said; "he is blaspheming.
Who can pardon sins but One--that is, God?" (WEY). ...
/p/pardon.htm - 18k

Blasphemous (4 Occurrences)

/b/blasphemous.htm - 7k

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