King James Version

What Does Mark 3:29 Mean?

Mark 3:29 in the King James Version says “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:” — study this verse from Mark chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Mark 3:29 · KJV

ForgivenessEternal Life

Context

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.

31

There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he that shall blaspheme against Holy Ghost has never forgiveness but is in danger of eternal damnation. But de adversative contrast. Blaspheme blasphēmēsē speak evil attribute evil to good. Against Holy Ghost eis to Pneuma to Hagion. Specific sin attributing Spirit work to Satan. Has never forgiveness ouk echei aphesin eis ton aiōna no forgiveness ever. But alla strong contrast. Is in danger enochos guilty liable. Eternal damnation aiōniou hamartēmatos eternal sin guilt. Unforgivable sin final impenitent rejection of Spirit testimony to Christ. Not casual doubt or struggle but deliberate persistent calling good evil light darkness. Reformed theology distinguishes unforgivable sin from temporary doubts struggles. True believers may doubt but do not finally reject Christ persistently attribute His work to Satan. Those worried about committing it have not their concern proves Spirit still working.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisees had witnessed undeniable miracles healing casting out demons. Yet attributed this to Satan (Beelzebub 3:22). Calling Spirit work demonic reveals hardened hearts beyond conviction. Jesus warns this trajectory leads to point of no return. First-century exorcists used magic rituals. Jesus simple authoritative command clearly different. Attributing this to Satan was willful blindness. Church history shows varying interpretations of unforgivable sin. Some thought apostasy. Others final impenitence. Augustine emphasized dying in unbelief. Reformers emphasized final rejection of gospel. Concern about having committed it indicates one has not. Hardened hearts do not care.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific sin constitutes blasphemy against Holy Spirit and why is it unforgivable?
  2. How does concern about having committed unforgivable sin actually prove one has not committed it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ὃς1 of 20
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'2 of 20

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν3 of 20

“he that”

G302

whatsoever

βλασφημήσῃ4 of 20

“shall blaspheme”

G987

to vilify; specially, to speak impiously

εἰς5 of 20

“against”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ6 of 20
G3588

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

πνεῦμα7 of 20

“Ghost”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

τὸ8 of 20
G3588

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

ἅγιον9 of 20

“the Holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

οὐκ10 of 20

“never”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔχει11 of 20

“hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἄφεσιν12 of 20

“forgiveness”

G859

freedom; (figuratively) pardon

εἰς13 of 20

“against”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸν14 of 20
G3588

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

αἰῶνα15 of 20
G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

ἀλλ'16 of 20

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἔνοχός17 of 20

“in danger”

G1777

liable to (a condition, penalty or imputation)

ἐστιν18 of 20

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

αἰωνίου19 of 20

“of eternal”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

κρίσεως,20 of 20

“damnation”

G2920

decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)

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 3:29 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 3:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 12:10Matthew 12:31-32Matthew 25:462 Thessalonians 1:9Jude 1:13

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