Matthew 12:31-32
What is written? (ESV)
Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And 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.
What does it say?
Therefore I [Jesus] tell you every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Holy 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 – not in this age, or in the age to come.
What is its immediate context?
Jesus is in the midst of his public ministry. He is teaching harder sayings and the division between those that accept him and those that don’t is becoming starker.
How Matthew 12:31-32 is applied across Bible answers
What is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? (Matthew 12:31-32)
Jesus contrasts "blasphemy" (unforgiven) with "speaking a word against" (forgiven). The former implies a persistence and stubbornness - we could say a "hardened heart"3, while the latter implies a moment of weakness. For example, the Jewish leaders of his day obstinately rejected his miraculous signs (eg "blasphemy"), compared to Jesus' disciples speaking out in anger/hurt/weakness [against Jesus/God] at his crucifixion.
When are the Christian last days?
Jesus indicates two distinct times or days - "this age" and "the age to come." If demarcated by covenants, Jesus lived his days living under the old (Mosaic) covenant (e.g. "this age") and ushered in the new covenant (e.g. "the age to come").
