Definition: 

The Christian Meaning of “Blasphemy”

Blasphemy is any speech, action, or attitude that dishonors, mocks, rejects, or profanes God, His name, His works, or anything uniquely belonging to Him. 

In Scripture, blasphemy is not merely wrong words — it is a heart posture of contempt, irreverence, or deliberate rejection of God’s truth.

CORE MEANING

Biblical Definition

To blaspheme means to:

• Insult God’s character

• Deny His truth or holiness

• Speak falsely about God

• Attribute God’s work to evil

• Diminish God’s glory

• Treat sacred things as common

Key Scripture

• “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness…” — Mark 3:29

This refers to a deliberate, hard‑hearted rejection of God’s work — not accidental doubt, intrusive thoughts, or emotional outbursts.

Reflection

Blasphemy is ultimately about the heart’s posture toward God. You can cultivate reverence by honouring God in speech, thought, and life.

FORMS OF BLASPHEMY IN SCRIPTURE

1. Blaspheming God’s Name

• Using God’s name lightly or irreverently

• “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD…” — Exodus 20:7

2. Blaspheming God’s Character

• Saying untrue things about who God is

• Accusing God of evil or injustice

3. Blasphemy Against the Son

• Rejecting Jesus as the Christ

4. Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

• Attributing the Spirit’s work to Satan

• Mark 3:22–30

5. Blasphemy Through Hypocrisy

• Living in a way that dishonours God’s reputation

• “The name of God is blasphemed… because of you.” — Romans 2:24

Reflection

Blasphemy is not only spoken — it is lived. You can honour God by aligning your life with His character.

INSIGHTS FROM CHRISTIAN THINKERS

• Augustine: Blasphemy dishonours God Himself.

• Aquinas: The gravest sin of the tongue.

• Wesley: Springs from a wilful rejection of God’s light.

• C.S. Lewis: Not honest questioning, but mocking God.

• Calvin: Deliberately derogating from God’s glory.

Reflection

The Church has always taken blasphemy seriously because it strikes at the heart of worship. 

You can learn from these voices to cultivate reverence.

THE “UNFORGIVABLE SIN” CLARIFIED

Many fear this, but Scripture shows it is not:

• Normal doubt

• Intrusive thoughts

• A moment of anger

• Accidental words

• Emotional reactions

Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is a persistent, knowing, deliberate refusal to accept God’s work — even when fully aware of its truth.

Key Insight

Anyone worried they committed it almost certainly has not. Concern indicates a soft heart, not a hardened one.

Reflection

God’s mercy is wide. You can rest in His grace rather than fear condemnation.

WHY BLASPHEMY MATTERS

Blasphemy:

• Distorts the truth about God

• Rejects His holiness

• Leads others into error

• Hinders genuine worship

• Elevates self above God

• Treats the sacred as common

Reflection

Blasphemy opposes God’s glory — but reverence magnifies it. You can honour God by treasuring what He calls holy.

Short Definition

BLASPHEMY   A deliberate dishonouring of God through speech, actions, or the rejection of His truth, character, and works.

In Daily Faith

Honour God in speech, thoughts, and deeds. Avoid irreverence or misuse of His name.

IN DAILY LIFE: LIVING IN A WAY THAT HONOURS GOD

1. Guard Your Words — Speak of God With Reverence

Daily Application

• Avoid casual or careless use of God’s name Ephesians 4:29

• Speak intentionally and respectfully about God

• Let your words reflect His worthiness

Why This Matters

Speech reveals the heart’s reverence.

Encouragement

Your words can become daily acts of worship.

2. Honour God With Your Life — Not Just Your Lips

Daily Application

• Live consistently with what you profess Titus 1:16

• Repent quickly when you slip

• Display integrity in all areas of life

Why This Matters

Hypocrisy dishonours God; integrity glorifies Him.

Encouragement

God delights in a life that reflects His holiness.

3. Be Careful What You Attribute to God (or Not to God)

Daily Application

• Acknowledge God’s goodness Psalm 29:2

• Give Him credit for answered prayer

• Avoid dismissing His work as coincidence

Why This Matters

Giving God glory protects your heart from irreverence.

Encouragement

Gratitude keeps your heart soft and worshipful.

4. Keep a Soft Heart Toward the Holy Spirit

Daily Application

• Respond humbly to conviction Hebrews 3:15

• Stay tender instead of resisting God

• Ask the Spirit to guide your decisions

Why This Matters

A soft heart honours God; a hardened heart resists Him.

Encouragement

The Spirit is gentle with those who seek Him.

5. Fill Your Mind With Truth to Avoid Speaking Error

Daily Application

• Study Scripture regularly Colossians 3:16

• Avoid repeating unbiblical ideas

• Seek wise counsel when unsure

Why This Matters

Truth shapes reverence; ignorance breeds irreverence.

Encouragement

The more you know God, the more you honour Him.

6. Honour God Publicly and Privately

Daily Application

• Pray with genuine gratitude 1 Corinthians 10:31

• Treat Scripture as sacred

• Use your life to point others to God’s glory

Why This Matters

Reverence is a lifestyle, not a moment.

Encouragement

Small acts of honour shape a life of worship.

7. Repent Quickly When You Fail

Daily Application

• Confess immediately when you speak wrongly 1 John 1:9

• Replace careless speech with praise

• Let repentance deepen reverence

Why This Matters

Repentance restores fellowship and honours God.

Encouragement

Conviction is a sign of God’s love, not His rejection.

Daily Faith Summary

Blasphemy is avoided not only by restraining the tongue but by cultivating a heart that treasures God.

• Honour Him in your words

• Honour Him in your life

• Honour Him in your thoughts

• Honour Him in your worship

• Honour Him by responding to His Spirit

Reverence is the fruit of a heart captivated by God’s glory.

Key Scripture References

Leviticus 24:16 

Matthew 12:31–32 

James 3:9