King James Version

What Does Mark 3:28 Mean?

Mark 3:28 in the King James Version says “Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blas... — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

Mark 3:28 · KJV


Context

26

And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

27

No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

28

Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

29

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

30

Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Verily I say unto you All sins shall be forgiven unto sons of men and blasphemies wherewith they blaspheme. Verily amēn truly solemn declaration. All sins pasai hai hamartiai every kind of sin. Shall be forgiven aphethēsetai future passive divine forgiveness. Sons of men huiois tōn anthrōpōn humanity. Blasphemies blasphēmiai slander evil speaking. Wherewith hosa whatever kind. They blaspheme blasphēmēsōsin speak evil against. Sweeping statement of grace amplitude. No sin beyond God forgiveness except one following verse. Murder adultery theft blasphemy all forgivable. Gospel offer unlimited scope. Christ atonement sufficient for all sins. Reformed theology emphasizes particular redemption Christ died for elect but gospel offer is universal. All who come will be forgiven. Grace super-abounds over sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Context Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by Satan power (3:22). Jesus warns against blasphemy of Holy Spirit unforgivable sin. This verse establishes God grace first before warning. All sins forgivable emphasizes grace breadth. Pharisees committed terrible sin attributing Holy Spirit work to Satan. Yet even this might be forgiven if they repented. Unforgivable sin is final impenitent rejection attributing obvious divine work to Satan. Augustine argued unforgivable sin is dying in unbelief. Reformed view perseverance of saints means true believers cannot commit unforgivable sin. Those who worry about having committed it thereby prove they have not. Concern indicates Spirit work.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does all sins forgivable reveal about breadth of God grace and Christ atonement sufficiency?
  2. How does amplitude of forgiveness except one sin shape our understanding of gospel offer?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ἀμὴν1 of 17

Verily

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

λέγω2 of 17

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν3 of 17

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 17
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πάντα5 of 17

All

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀφεθήσεται6 of 17

shall be forgiven

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὰ7 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁμαρτήματα8 of 17

sins

G265

a sin (properly concrete)

τοῖς9 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱοῖς10 of 17

unto the sons

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τῶν11 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπων12 of 17

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ13 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

βλασφημίαι14 of 17

blasphemies

G988

vilification (especially against god)

ὅσας15 of 17

wherewith

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἂν16 of 17

soever

G302

whatsoever

βλασφημήσωσιν·17 of 17

they shall blaspheme

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 3:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 3:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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