Lexical Summary blasphémos: Blasphemous, slanderous, reviling Original Word: βλάσφημος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance blasphemous, slanderousFrom 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 Origina 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: βλάσφημοςβλάσφημος, 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; ( Topical Lexicon Covenantal Context Blasphemous speech strikes at the very heart of covenant loyalty, treating the holy name, works, or people of God with contempt. Scripture consistently presents speech as an overflow of the heart; therefore, blasphemy exposes a heart alienated from the fear of the Lord and opposed to His righteous rule. Old Testament Background While the exact term under consideration is Greek, its Old Testament counterpart appears throughout the Septuagint in incidents such as the cursing of the divine Name (Leviticus 24:10-16) and Goliath’s taunts of Israel’s God (1 Samuel 17:43). The prescribed penalty—often death—underscores heaven’s verdict: blasphemy is treason against the King of creation. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Acts 6:11 records false witnesses accusing Stephen of uttering “blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” Ironically, their own perjury embodied the very sin they alleged. Characteristics of Blasphemous Speech and Conduct • Irreverence toward divine persons or works Consequences of Blasphemy Blasphemy provokes divine judgment in both temporal and eternal spheres. Israel’s law prescribed capital punishment, and the New Testament warns of eschatological wrath upon those who revile the Lord. Revelation portrays end-time rebels who “blasphemed the name of God… yet they did not repent” (Revelation 16:9). Pastoral and Disciplinary Applications • Guard corporate worship: Scripture reading, sound doctrine, and reverent liturgy cultivate holy speech. Christological Significance Charges of blasphemy were leveled against Jesus (Matthew 26:65) precisely because He claimed equality with God. The resurrection vindicated those claims, turning the accusation back on His opponents. Consequently, to revile Christ is to revile God Himself (John 5:23). Eschatological Perspective Blasphemy intensifies as history moves toward consummation (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The Antichrist will “open his mouth to blaspheme God” (Revelation 13:6). The church must therefore cultivate discernment, holding fast the faithful word amid increasing verbal hostility against the Lord. Historical Witness in the Early Church Second-century apologists such as Justin Martyr and Athenagoras defended Christians against accusations of “atheism” and “blasphemy,” demonstrating that fidelity to Christ inevitably collides with cultural blasphemies. Their writings illustrate how reverent testimony can expose slander and win converts. Practical Ministry Counsel 1. Teach the holiness of God; a high view of His character curbs idle or abusive speech. Blasphemy, whether overt or subtle, is ultimately a worship issue. Only hearts captivated by the glory of Christ will consistently honor His name with lips and lives. Forms and Transliterations βλασφημα βλάσφημα βλασφημοι βλάσφημοι βλασφημον βλάσφημον βλάσφημος blasphema blasphēma blásphema blásphēma blasphemoi blasphēmoi blásphemoi blásphēmoi blasphemon blasphēmon blásphemon blásphēmonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 6:11 Adj-ANPGRK: 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 2 Timothy 3:2 Adj-NMP 2 Peter 2:11 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 989 |
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