989. blasphémos

Lexicon

blasphémos: Blasphemous, slanderous, reviling

Original Word: βλάσφημος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: blasphémos
Pronunciation: blas'-fay-mos
Phonetic Spelling: (blas'-fay-mos)
Definition: Blasphemous, slanderous, reviling
Meaning: slanderous; subst: a blasphemer.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

blasphemous, slanderous

From a derivative of blapto and pheme; scurrilious, i.e. Calumnious (against men), or (specially) impious (against God) -- blasphemer(-mous), railing.

see GREEK blapto

see GREEK pheme

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 989 blásphēmos – what is blasphemous (reverses spiritual and moral realities). See 987 (blasphēmeō).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a comp. of a root of uncertain origin and phémé
Definition
slanderous, evil-speaking
NASB Translation
blasphemer (1), blasphemous (1), revilers (1), reviling (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 989: βλάσφημος

βλάσφημος, βλάσφημον (βλάξ sluggish, stupid, and φήμη speech, report (others, βλάπτω (which see) and φήμη)), speaking evil, slanderous, reproachful, railing, abusive: Acts 6:11 (ῤήματα βλάσφημα εἰς Μωυσῆν καί τόν Θεόν); (Acts 6:13 Rec. (ῤήματα βλάσφημα κατά τοῦ τόπου τοῦ ἁγίου)); 2 Peter 2:11 (see βλασφημία, a.); Revelation 13:5 (Lachmann); βλάσφημος as a substantive, a blasphemer: 1 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:2. (Isaiah 66:3; Wis. 1:6; Sir. 3:16; 2 Macc. 9:28; ( (cf. 4)); in Greek writings from Demosthenes down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words βλάπτω (blapto, meaning "to harm" or "to injure") and φήμη (pheme, meaning "reputation" or "report").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek term βλάσφημος corresponds to several Hebrew terms that convey similar meanings of blasphemy or irreverence, including:
• H1442 גָּדַף (gadaph) • to revile, blaspheme
• H5006 נָאַץ (na'ats) • to spurn, contemn, despise
• H2778 חָרַף (charaph) • to reproach, taunt, blaspheme

These Hebrew terms, like their Greek counterpart, emphasize the seriousness of showing contempt or irreverence towards God and His divine authority.

Usage: The word βλάσφημος is used in the New Testament to describe individuals or actions that are irreverent or disrespectful towards God, His name, or His teachings. It is often associated with false accusations or slander against the divine.

Context: The term βλάσφημος appears in several New Testament passages, highlighting the gravity of blasphemy as a sin against God. In a biblical context, blasphemy is not merely about using offensive language but involves a deeper disrespect and irreverence towards the divine nature and authority of God.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns against blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, describing it as an unforgivable sin: "And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven" (Matthew 12:31, BSB). This underscores the severity of attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to evil forces.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often warns against blasphemous behavior, urging believers to uphold the sanctity of God's name and teachings. In 1 Timothy 1:13, Paul reflects on his past as a blasphemer before his conversion: "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief" (BSB). This highlights the transformative power of God's grace and forgiveness.

The concept of blasphemy extends beyond mere words to encompass actions and attitudes that dishonor God. In 2 Peter 2:10-12, false teachers are described as bold and arrogant, not afraid to slander celestial beings, indicating a blasphemous disregard for divine authority.

The biblical perspective on blasphemy emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect for God, His name, and His works. It serves as a reminder for believers to guard their speech and conduct, ensuring that they reflect the holiness and honor due to God.

Forms and Transliterations

βλασφημα βλάσφημα βλασφημοι βλάσφημοι βλασφημον βλάσφημον βλάσφημος blasphema blasphēma blásphema blásphēma blasphemoi blasphēmoi blásphemoi blásphēmoi blasphemon blasphēmon blásphemon blásphēmon

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 6:11 Adj-ANP
GRK: λαλοῦντος ῥήματα βλάσφημα εἰς Μωυσῆν
NAS: him speak blasphemous words
KJV: him speak blasphemous words against
INT: speaking words blasphemous against Moses

1 Timothy 1:13 Adj-AMS
GRK: πρότερον ὄντα βλάσφημον καὶ διώκτην
NAS: even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor
KJV: before a blasphemer, and
INT: previously being a blasphemer and persecutor

2 Timothy 3:2 Adj-NMP
GRK: ἀλαζόνες ὑπερήφανοι βλάσφημοι γονεῦσιν ἀπειθεῖς
NAS: arrogant, revilers, disobedient
KJV: proud, blasphemers, disobedient
INT: vaunting proud evil speakers to parents disobedient

2 Peter 2:11 Adj-AFS
GRK: παρὰ κυρίου βλάσφημον κρίσιν
NAS: do not bring a reviling judgment
KJV: bring not railing accusation against
INT: before [the] Lord a railing judgment

Strong's Greek 989
4 Occurrences

βλάσφημα — 1 Occ.
βλάσφημοι — 1 Occ.
βλάσφημον — 2 Occ.