King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:31 Mean?

Matthew 12:31 in the King James Version says “Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

Matthew 12:31 · KJV


Context

29

Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

30

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

31

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

32

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

33

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.' Jesus pronounces solemn warning introducing unpardonable sin. First the comfort: 'All manner of sin and blasphemy' (πᾶσα ἁμαρτία καὶ βλασφημία/pasa hamartia kai blasphēmia) can be forgiven—no sin is too great for Christ's atonement. Murderers, adulterers, idolaters, blasphemers—all can be saved through repentance and faith. But one exception: 'blasphemy against the Holy Ghost' (ἡ δὲ τοῦ πνεύματος βλασφημία/hē de tou pneumatos blasphēmia) won't be forgiven. Reformed theology interprets this as persistent, willful rejection of Spirit's testimony to Christ—attributing to Satan what the Spirit clearly reveals as God's work. It's not accidental word or momentary doubt but hardened, final rejection of the only means of salvation. Those worried they've committed it haven't—such concern indicates Spirit's ongoing work. Those who commit it become incapable of concern or repentance (Hebrews 6:4-6, 10:26-27).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The context clarifies this sin: Pharisees witnessed undeniable miracles wrought by Holy Spirit through Jesus yet deliberately attributed them to Satan (v.24). This wasn't ignorance or misunderstanding but willful perversion—calling good evil, light darkness. They reached point where hearts were so hardened, minds so darkened, that they could witness God's clear work and call it demonic. This is judicial hardening: persistent rejection of truth leads to inability to recognize truth. Isaiah 6:9-10 (quoted in Matthew 13:14-15) describes this pattern. Paul references it in Romans 1:24-28—God gives persistent rejecters over to their chosen delusions. Church history shows this pattern: some hear gospel clearly, witness its power, understand its truth—yet deliberately reject it. Eventually, they lose capacity to repent (Hebrews 6:4-8). The sin is unforgivable not because God won't forgive but because the sinner becomes incapable of seeking forgiveness. Modern pastors frequently counsel worried believers who fear they've committed this sin—the very concern proves they haven't. True blasphemers are unconcerned, seeing no need for forgiveness.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes blasphemy against the Spirit from other sins—why is it uniquely unforgivable?
  2. How does understanding this sin as willful, hardened rejection provide assurance to worried believers who fear they've committed it?
  3. What warning does this give about the danger of persistently resisting the Spirit's conviction and rejecting clear evidence of God's work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Διὰ1 of 20

Wherefore

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 20
G5124

that thing

λέγω3 of 20

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

ὑμῖν4 of 20

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

πᾶσα5 of 20

All manner of

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἁμαρτία6 of 20

sin

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

καὶ7 of 20

and

G2532

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

βλασφημία8 of 20

blasphemy

G988

vilification (especially against god)

ἀφεθήσεται9 of 20

be forgiven

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τοῖς10 of 20
G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις·11 of 20

unto men

G444

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

12 of 20
G3588

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

δὲ13 of 20

but

G1161

but, and, etc

τοῦ14 of 20
G3588

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

πνεύματος15 of 20

against the Holy 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

βλασφημία16 of 20

blasphemy

G988

vilification (especially against god)

οὐκ17 of 20

not

G3756

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

ἀφεθήσεται18 of 20

be forgiven

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τοῖς19 of 20
G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις·20 of 20

unto men

G444

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:31 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 Matthew 12:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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